THE pre-Carnival racing season in Dubai continues with a third meeting at Meydan on Thursday evening. There are six races carded and Mike de Kock has entered two runners, Baroot and General Marshall.

Three-year-old gelding Baroot (Wayne Smith) is the highest rated runner in the Longines Classic Conquest Ladies over 1200m on dirt (Race 2), while another three-year-old General Marshall (Smith), will take his place in a handicap over 1200m (Race 6).

General Marshall (green silks), gelding may have done the trick.

Mike commented: “These are our earliest pre-Carnival runners yet, but there are no suitable races for Maidens during the Carnival itself  so we have to take these opportunities with Baroot and General Marshall, who will be competing for decent prize money.

“Baroot is by Dubawi and he was placed over 1200m and 1400m in the UK last season.  He’ll be better over further, but he has a shout here.  General Marshall was disappointing in two starts for us last term, but we’ve gelded him and he’s doing well, he’s not out of it either.”

Malih Al Basti, Meydan Group Board Member and Chairman of the Meydan Racing Committee, praised the Luxury Swiss Watch Maker and Meydan Pillar partner Longines for their involvement in another Dubai racing season and said: “Longines’ long-term sponsorship is demonstrative of the brand’s commitment to the development of the sport in Dubai.