THE highlight of Thursday’s third meeting of the 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival, sponsored by the Meydan Group, is the Group 2 Cape Verdi, a 1600m contest on the turf restricted to fillies and mares.

Mike de Kock sends out Amanee (seen working in the mist on headline photo), disappointing on her local debut a fortnight ago when not enjoying the run of the race according to her trainer.

“That was a rough race and she can be forgiven that effort,” De Kock, who won the race in 2008 with Sun Classique, said. “Taking on fillies and mares in a smaller field will hopefully suit her.”

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor conditioned Aspectoflove to win this in 2011 and saddles a live contender this year in the form of Sajjhaa, a Group 3 winner in Italy in 2010 and a dual Listed winner in the UK. She will be ridden by Silvestre De Sousa.

The trainer is responsible for the three of Godolphin’s four runners with Ted Durcan on Dark Orchid and Kieren Fallon aboard Spellwork. Bin Suroor said: “All three are working well and we expect them all to run well. Spellwork and Dark Orchid have both joined us this year from Andre Fabre in France so we are getting to know them.

“Sajjhaa ran three times for us in Europe last year and ran well each time. I expect a big run from her.”

The De Kock stable also have chances in other races with Jardim and Mushreq (in need of their respective runs recently), talented Kavanagh, who makes his Dubai debut, and Jet Legend, a winner of five of his ten South African starts, including a Grade 3 event.