Kandidate to tackle Imperialista

Kandidate is set to compete in the Group Three Maktoum Challenge II, the nine-furlong dirt feature of Thursday night’s fourth meeting of the Dubai International Racing Carnival.

A Carnival winner on grass last year, Clive Brittain’s charge faces 13 rivals, including Imperialista, winner of the first round for his Brazilian connections but having his first start here for Ismail Mohammed in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed’s son Sheikh Majid.

Mohammed also saddles new recruits Stage Gift and Golden Arrow, while Dhruba Selvaratnam introduces Mulaqat, a Group Three winner at Haydock for Marcus Tregoning.

Erwan Charpy’s Singing Poet and Mullins Bay, formerly with Aidan O’Brien and having his first start for Mike De Kock, are two other interesting contenders.

Fourteen fillies go to post for the Listed Cape Verdi over a mile on grass, with Godolphin’s Golden Velvet and Vista Bella set to face a tough challenge which includes Chris Wall’s Expensive and Royal Alchemist, on her first start for Mohammed having left Brian Meehan.