MOST of the stable’s top runners will be in action at Dubai’s Super Saturday meeting at Meydan this weekend, traditionally the ‘trial run’or curtain raiser, as it were, for the Dubai World Cup meeting at the end of March.

Mutahadee, the talented four-year-old, will be lining up with Christophe Soumillon along with River Jetez (Pat Cosgrave) and Masterofhounds (Kevin Shea), in the Jebel Hatta over 1800m on turf, one of two Grade 1 races on an excellent card.

Bold Silvano (Soumillon) and Irish Flame (Shea), will be saddled for the Gr 1 Al Maktoum Challenge over 2000m on the all-weather track.

On Friday, Mike described Mutahadee as “a very talented horse who has astounded us this season. He added to this: “He’s a horse that’s so good he could be anything, but he’s very fragile. His work is very good, we’ll be hoping for the best.”

River Jetez, returning from a rest, has had multiple problems and is not considered to be near her best.  “We have her as well as we can have her and we’re holding thumbs she comes through this run well, she will come on with the outing.”

Mike belives the 1800m of the Jebel Hatta is the best distance for Masterof hounds, who was deemed unlucky not to have won his last start over 1600m. “”He fought back well that day and we’re expecting another good showing.”

Of his Maktoum runners Mike said: I’m 100% happy with Bold Silvano and his level of fitness, he’s had a good prep and if he’s good enough he will go well. We’re eagerly awaiting his run. Irish Flame is badly drawn, but fit and very well. His last win came on the all-weather surface and he is not to be ignored. On earlier form there is not much between him and Bold Silvano.”

OTHER RUNNER COMMENTS:

LISTED AL BASTAKIYA, 1800m, All-Weather

MICKDAAM (Soumillon):  “He’s a scopy horse, the further the better for him and his best is yet to come. A good run is expected.”

LISTED MEYDAN SPRINT, 1000m, Turf

WAR ARTIST (Shea”): “War Artist is an old horse and he’s made good progression with us in the last month. He comes off a layoff and he hasn’t done too much, but we have him moving very well. We don’t know what to expect from him, hoping for a decent run.”

GR 3 BURJ NAHAAR, 1600m, All-Weather

MUSIR (Soumillon):  “He’s had a great preparation, he’s well suited to the all-weather and comfortable over a mile. A huge showing expected.
JARDIM  (Shea) He has a tough task in this line-up.

GR 2 DUBAI CITY OF GOLD, 2410m, Turf

ZANZAMAR (Richard Hills): He takes a step up in class but his work is excellent, we’ll be looking for a big run from him.
VISCOÚNT NELSON (Shea): A question mark over the trip, but he is doing well and should give a good account.

Photo: Bold Silvano (yellow silks) and Irish Flame, fighting out the 2010 Durban July.