Oxx and Murtagh bid to strike gold
Oxx has confirmed that new stable jockey Michael Kinane, yet to ride a winner in the United Arab Emirates, will be flying out to partner his trio of Mkuzi, Legacy and D'Anjou, and the latter pair could run on Thursday.
With transport of horses paid for as long as they run twice, plus guaranteed appearance money of over £1,000 a time and no charges for stabling, there are plenty of overseas entries.
Dermot Weld's pair One More Round and Evolving Tactics have plenty of air miles between them, while Clive Brittain has Forthright, Dutch Gold, Santando, Membership and Menhoubah already on site, with others expected to join them.
Gerard Butler has a team of six settled into the international stabling complex close to Nad Al Sheba racecourse, headed by Group Two winner Nayyir.
His other horses are Compton Bolter, Self Evident, Jack Sullivan, Boston Lodge and Camelot.
Butler had a good look at the facilities when Nayyir was in Dubai last year and has put together a team to run in the colours of the specially-formed International Carnival Partnership.
Jeremy Noseda, having formerly been a key member of the Godolphin team, has His Adiemus, Courageous Duke and Wizard Of Noz all being prepared for the Carnival.
Mark Johnston expects to have two runners on opening night Jebal Suraaj and West Country.
Mick Channon has five for the opening meeting Fruit Of Glory, Londonnetdotcom, Pic Up Sticks, Jumeirah Scarer and Royal Millennium. It is thought that Group One winner Imperial Dancer will be joining them.
