By The Book & Arabian Light aim to continue G3 Dubai Millennium dominance

Last-time-out winners By The Book and Arabian Light hope to make the jump from handicaps to Pattern company in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 30 January.

Godolphin horses have won 11 of the 12 editions of the 10-furlong turf contest, a roll of honour that includes G1 scorers Hunter’s Light, Tryster, Ghaiyyath and Nations Pride.

By The Book brings a progressive profile into the race, having won three of his four starts for Charlie Appleby. The five-year-old drops back in trip after posting an easy win over 12 furlongs in the Dubai Racing Club Classic on his Meydan debut in December.

Stablemate Arabian Light, who has won on two of his three course appearances, chases back-to-back wins over a mile and a quarter following a half-length verdict in the Zabeel Turf at the start of the year.

Charlie Appleby said: “By The Book and Arabian Light go into this in great order. It is the first time in Group company for both horses, but they bring nice profiles into the race and have won around Meydan. I would be disappointed if they are not players at this level.”

Symbol Of Honour is unbeaten in two previous starts at Meydan and the Charlie Appleby-trained sprinter seeks a third success over six furlongs on his seasonal return in the Listed Dubai Sprint.

Victorious in the Al Wasl Stakes and Dubai Trophy last year, the son of Havana Grey graduated to G2 honours in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park before finishing eighth in both the G1 July Cup and G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest.

Charlie Appleby said: “Symbol Of Honour is coming back off a nice break, having proved pretty consistent throughout his three-year-old career. We know he likes the course, although there will be some improvement to come on whatever he does here.”

Dance To The Music kicks off her three-year-old season in the Mawj Stakes. The full-sister to Space Blues enjoyed a productive juvenile campaign that included a brave win in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes and a closing fourth in Canada’s G1 Natalma Stakes.

Three Godolphin contenders for the Jumeirah Guineas Trial include Jumeirah Stakes fourth Treanmor and Sword Maker, who steps up to seven furlongs after finishing fifth in the Al Wasl Stakes. Pacifica Pier, who was third in Chantilly’s G3 Prix Thomas Bryon in November, looks to bounce back from a disappointing Qatar performance in the same race.

Ruler Of Time, who was runner-up to subsequent Champion Two-Year-Old Gewan on his debut, returns to turf for the mile handicap on the card, while National History bids to get off the mark in the evening’s dirt maiden.