FORMER South African runner Icy Trail makes his debut in Race 7, a Handicap on turf over 1600m at Meydan on Thursday. Christophe Soumillon takes the ride.

Mike de Kock said: “Icy Trail has shown me above average work. He is quite fit having trained well at Newmarket before the Carnival.

“Bold Rex (photo)  also arrived early and has done good work. Icy Trail is preferred, but there isn’t too much between them on form. I’m looking forward to see how they go, both should run well and both will come on with their runs.”

Earlier in the evening the Blue Stables team will saddle Light The Lights and Sanshaawes in the Mubadala Global Trophy (Race 4) over 2000m on turf.  Soumillon’s mount Light The Lights ran a good race after a long break last week and Mike commented: “He pulled up well, took that run very well and while it’s not ideal for him to run again so soon, I’d fancy him to run somewhere in the money. I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t!”

Eight-year-old Sanshaawes was way downfield in his own seasonal debut last week and Mike assessed: “He’s starting to look like an old horse, we’d expect improvement but he is nearing the end of his career.”

Janoobi makes his Dubai debut in Race 6 over 1200m on turf and Mike said:  “He is looking very well in his new surroundings but this is too short and he will need the outing.”

There is also a Friday meeting at Meydan at which four further stable runners go to post and Mike is especially positive about Pertinacious (Race 3), over 1400m on turf. “He should be fine on turf after his good sand debut, he’s a nice horse who has a winning chance.”

Old-timer Alareef is back in action over 1200m on dirt (Race 2) and Mike said: “He seems to run badly after a rest, so we’ll expect him to come with this outing.” Syncopation is in the same race, expected to run better after “blowing up” last time.

Baroot (Race 7) enjoyed a decent Carnival last year and is re-united with Pat Cosgrave. “Baroot is doing well but will need the outing first-up this season,” Mike said.