All three of the Al Maktoum Challenge races at Meydan this year had really top class competition in every one. When you see a colt a good as Cavalryman is relegated to a 7th place finish, like he finished in the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd. 3, you know there were some very good horses in the race. IMO.
One of the most impressive colts at the 2010 Carnival in Dubai has been the 4yr.old Allybar. As a 3yr.old, he had three starts all on the turf. and all in France. With 1 win, 1 place, and 1 show. Since traveling to Dubai in 2010, he's had three starts all over the Tapeta surface at Meydan Racecourse. First, beating Presvis on 2-5-10 in the Al Tayer Motors Trophy Handicap. Then, in Round 2 of of the Al Maktoum Challenge on 2-18-10 beating 2008 Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House. Most recently, on 3-4-10, in Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge, in a race that featured both Cavalryman and Vodka, Allybar raced literally pinned against the rail as his only way through to grab 4th. But the photo for 3rd and 4th was so close, that it was initially announced that Allybar had beaten Mr. Brock for 4th. If this colt would have had any space at all to get through other than being stuck against the rail, I think it's possible he may have gotten up to win this race as well. Allybar, while in Dubai, has shown a lightning quick turn of foot in all three of his races. It appears as though Allybar is going to have a very successful Carnival before all is said and done. But don't count this colt out from moving on to bigger and better Graded and Group Stakes victories in other countries around the world as well in the 2010 racing season. JMO.
Apparently Japan is seeking to come up with another champion filly, and is on their way to doing so in the filly Red Desire. Red Desire came from far back in the field down the center of racecourse at Meydan in Dubai to win the 2010 Al Maktoum Challenge on March 4th. After a 3rd place finish behind Vodka and Oken Bruce Lee, and finishing ahead of Conduit, in the 2009 Japan Cup, Red Desire's win in Dubai was against a very strong field of contenders that included Gloria De Campeao, Mr. Brock, Allybar, her Japanese counterpart Vodka, and the race odds on favorite Cavalryman. Cavalryman, taking to the Tapeta surface for the first time in his racing career had never been unplaced on turf in any of his lifetime starts. Coming into Dubai having won the 09' Grand Prix De Paris, the 09' Prix Niel, and having run a tremendous race in the 09' Prix de l' Arc de Triomphe, finishing 3rd behind only the race winner Sea The Stars and runner-up Youmzain.