LINNGARI.

LORD ADMIRAL and Mourilyan, the two horses who Mick Kinane rode to victory for a memorable Irish double three weeks ago at the Dubai Carnival, are out torepeat the dose on Thursday at Nad Al Sheba.

Turn On The Style, the only British-trained winner in the first six meetings of the 2008 carnival, is also back in action on a card that also features Royal Hunt Cup winner Royal Oath and Godolphin's big-money colt Jalil, out to build on his fluent victory on the sand a fortnight ago.

Star of the show in class terms, however, is Linngari, who is looking to complete a hat-trick in the Al Fahidi Fort (5.55), Thursday night's $250,000 Group 2 highlight.

Penalised for his Group 1 win in Europe last year, Linngari's only two defeats at Nad Al Sheba have been suffered in the Dubai Duty Free, where he was second last year for South African trainer Herman Brown.

South Africans have won this race four timesin the last five years and Mike de Kock, who took it with Ipi Tombe in 2003 and Yard-Arm in 2005, saddles former Balydoyle-trained Archipenko. Stablemate Admiralofthefleet is a late absentee after a minor setback.

D'Anjou scored for Ireland in 2004 and the Charles O'Brien-trained Lord Admiral, winner of the Al Rashidiya last time should go close, although he faces a rematch with an old rival in Dubai debutant Danak, who beat him a couple of lengths in a Group 3 at Leopardstown in May.

Britain has three runners, with the John Gosden-trained Royal Oath joined by Dark Islander and Big Timer.

John Oxx's Mourilyan, so impressive in a 1m4f handicap on turf three weeks ago, returns for more of the same in the last race on the card (6.30) where he againfaces Brazil's L'Amico Steve, who flopped as well backed favourite three weeks ago.

Godolphin's Minefield, another huge disappointment on his Dubai debut, is partnered by Kerrin McEvoy in the 1m½f dirt handicap (4.10). Frankie Dettori prefers Imperialista, who has not won since landing the first leg of the Maktoum Challenge last year for his Brazilian connections. Miswaatt is a first 2008 runner for Saudi Arabia here.

However, Saeed Bin Suroor's biggest hope of the night is Jalil, the $9.7million yearling who looked to have finally found his metier on dirt when breaking the 1m½f track record last time. Up 9lb in the weights, the son of Storm Cat will start a shortish price for the 1m2f handicap (5.15).
John Balding's Turn On The Style is joined by compatriots Beckermet and Beaver Patrol in the 6f turf handicap (4.45).

Quotes
5.55 Al Fahidi Fort
Group 2 1m turf

Herman Brown, trainer of Linngari
“He is in great form and this, again, is a key part of his build-up to the Dubai Duty Free. We were delighted with his comeback run and if he can win this for a third time tonight I hope they name a race after him! He has put my name on the map internationally and I owe him a lot. Obviously the penalty makes it more difficult but he will give a good account of himself.”

Tom Eaves, jockey of Big Timer
“He was unlucky on his first Dubai run and again enjoyed no luck last time. He is in great form but this is a tough race.”

Doug Watson, trainer of Danak
“He is as fit as we can get him and he has worked well.”

Mick Kinane, jockey of Lord Admiral
“I rode him work last week and he seems in the same kind of form as when winning. He is arguably improving and should run well.”

Ted Durcan, jockey of Warriors Key
“It is a tough race for his first start but he is a nice horse.”

Richard Mullen, jockey of Royal Oath
“I am really looking forward to riding him and it is a great spare ride. His Royal Ascot and subsequent form is good and I am told he is fit and ready.”

Mike de Kock, trainer of Archipenko
“He has come on a lot for his run and this is more his trip. He is a nice horse who has been highly tried in the past, but Linngari will obviously be hard to beat as he loves this track.”

Nigel Day, representing John Hills, trainer of Dark Islander
“He ran well three weeks ago and he went well under Richard Hills in his final spin – he should give a goodaccount.”

Hope my fav Jock Ryan Moore gets him home

My biggest win of the yr........

Archipenko

And we sit and praise de kock - different class in features

My heart was in my hand .

Had R400 tote wins on him. And it was a last min bet.

Well done De Kock and well done K Shea. Brilliant ride.

well done El

I actually need to thank my mate Chris . He called me and told me to back the horse.

He reads the forum but is too much of a pussy to actually register and start posting.

Well Chris thanks and the drinks are on me tomorrow.