Words Of Truth heads trio seeking Al Wasl Stakes glory

Emerging sprinters Words Of Truth, Maximized and Sword Maker bid to make bright starts to their three-year-old campaigns in the Al Wasl Stakes at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 9 January.

Godolphin horses have won three of the four editions of the six-furlong turf contest, with Star Of Mystery (2024) and Symbol Of Honour (2025) both graduating to Group-race honours.

Words Of Truth has already posted significant success in the UK, with the Charlie Appleby-trained son of Lope de Vega completing a hat-trick when comfortably taking Newbury’s G2 Mill Reef Stakes in September.

Stablemate Maximized made an exciting start to his career with victories at Haydock Park and Epsom Downs. The son of Mehmas returns from a break after finishing fifth at G2 level in both the July Stakes and Richmond Stakes over the summer.

Pinatubo colt Sword Maker enjoyed a progressive UK campaign for Saeed bin Suroor, winning three of his five starts including a decisive success in a Doncaster handicap and gamely taking a Salisbury conditions race.

Charlie Appleby said: “Words Of Truth proved a solid campaigner last season and has wintered well so far. He looks the one they all have to beat on the form book, and we are confident that conditions here will suit.

“Maximized showed a decent level of form heading into the first part of the summer but lost his way slightly afterwards. He has been gelded and his preparation going into this has been faultless. If he can get back to his early two-year-old form, he will be a big player."

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Sword Maker improved throughout last season and has been working well out in Dubai. He is ready to get going and this looks the right race for him. We will give him a chance and see how he goes.”

Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival fixture also includes the Lord North Handicap, in which Britannia Stakes winner Arabian Story makes his first start since July. Mothecombe, a close third over the same nine-furlong trip in December, also takes his chance at the foot of the weights.

Hallasan captured the Jumeirah Guineas Trial last season and the son of Pinatubo kicks off another Carnival campaign in the evening’s seven-furlong handicap on turf. Dubai Beach drops down in class for the same race after contesting the Listed Business Bay Challenge on Festive Friday.

Both divisions of the extended nine-furlong turf handicap feature a pair of Saeed bin Suroor-trained contenders. Veteran Big Meeting lines up alongside the lightly raced Wesam in division one, while handicap debutant Volcanic Rock joins Olympic Candle in division two.