British duo lead challenge

Party Boss and Near Dock lead the British challenge as the Dubai International Racing Carnival kicks off at Nad Al Sheba tomorrow.

The pair, trained by Clive Brittain and Vince Smith respectively, line up in the first round of the Maktoum Challenge, a Group Three contest over a mile on dirt.

They look to have a tough task on their hands though with their eight rivals including 2004 UAE Derby winner Lundy’s Liability and Petit Paris, the mount of John Egan, who was runner-up in that same race.

Smith’s Kestrel Cross is the only UK representative in an ultra competitive nine-furlong dirt handicap while the John Hills-trained Clinet and Jeremy Noseda’s Festive Style line up in the fillies and mares’ handicap.

Mick Channon’s Millennium Force, a Carnival winner last year, will also be in action along with Stan Moore’s Azarole and Andrew Balding’s Pentecost in a seven-furlong handicap on the turf.

Channon also looks to hold a leading chance in the seven-furlong conditions race with Wovoka while Moore and Egan again combine with Renderoc.

Ryan Moore rides Brittain’s Well Armed and Godolphin start their campaign with both Testimony, the choice of Kerrin McEvoy and Emirates Gold, who will be ridden by Pat Smullen.

Eddie Ahern partners Brittain’s Kandidate on the same card while Pango, Hidden Dragon, King Marju and Boule D’Or also take their chances.

Jim Bolger’s Democratic Decifit represents Ireland while runners from India, Turkey, Kuwait, Brazil, France, Italy, South Africa, Macau, Singapore and Saudi Arabia are all in action on the night.