“WE have two nice runners in a strong race,” Mike de Kock said about SA-breds, Light The Lights (Bernard Fayd’Herbe) and Noah From Goa (Christophe Soumillon), leading contenders in Thursday’s Gr2 Zabeel Mile over 1600m on turf in Dubai.

“Both ours have enjoyed good preparations, they both have chances but there is a case to be made for every runner in this small field.  I think Championship is the horse to beat.”

“Noah From Goa has done everything right, it’s his second run back and he’s got 4.25-lengths to find with Championship on their encounter in the District One Trophy. I said after that race that Noa would improve by the distance he was beaten and I’ll stick to that. There is no weight swing in Noah From Goa’s favour but he has made the desired progress to get significantly closer this time.

“Light The Lights is going for the Jebel Hatta in a fortnight, this is slightly short for him, he drops in distance but he is very fresh and this race will be to his benefit.”

Alareef and Sanshaawes are two other Blue Stable runners to face the starter at the meeting.

Alareef goes back up in trip to 1400m on the dirt in Race 1, where Jim Crowley faces a stiff task from a wide draw. “Alareef received a penalty for his win last time out, but his draw is worse than the penalty. He will need a miracle to win from there,” Mike said.

The consistent Sanshaawes (Pat Cosgrave) takes on a talented field in Race 7, the Gr3 Dubai Millennium Stakes over 2000m on turf. “There are two top horses here against us in Zarak and Promising Run.  We’d be delighted with a third or a fourth place,” Mike concluded.

Photo: Light The Lights (Andrew Watkins).