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Clash of class for second round of Al Maktoum Challenge Twelve have been declared for Thursday's Al Maktoum Challenge Round II (UAE-G3), which is to be run over a new trip of about 1 3/16 miles this year on the new Tapeta surface at Meydan. The Mike de Kock pair MR. CRAZY BOY (Numerous) and MR BROCK (Fort Wood) have drawn the 1 and 12 posts, respectively, and the trainer hopes both can go well in an open contest. "Mr Brock won well last time over course and distance and deserves this step up in class," de Kock said. "He has a bit to find in a tough race, while Mr. Crazy Boy will relish the step up in trip but it is a big ask on the ratings." Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin are well represented with three entrants, and Frankie Dettori rides JALIL (Storm Cat), who progressed through the ranks to contest the 2008 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1). Ahmed Ajtebi will be aboard ALLYBAR (King's Best), on whom he has already won with at the Carnival, while Ted Durcan will pilot dual Group 3 hero CALVADOS BLUES (Lando [Ger]). "All three should run well; Allybar is obviously race fit and came out of that win in very good form," bin Suroor said. "Jalil will be better for the outing but is a horse we have always liked, while Calvados Blues is a new horse who has been training well." Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore combine with PERFECT STRIDE (Oasis Dream [GB]), a Royal Ascot winner last year, and Moore is hopeful of a good showing. "He is a nice horse and seems in excellent heart," the rider said. "It is a decent contest but I expect a big run." Local hope JET EXPRESS (Jet Master) has been a real star for trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe and jockey Royston Ffrench. "He has won his lat four, all at Jebel Ali but seems to prefer the Tapeta to the old Nad Al Sheba dirt track," Ffrench said. "This is his toughest test this year but he seems to be in good form still and I am hopeful he will run well." Musabah Al Muhairi's SNAAFY (Kingmambo) also represents the locals and jockey Richard Hills is optimistic. "He did not stop improving last year on the dirt and has shown he can handle turf with a Carnival win already," Hills explained. "If he is to be a Dubai World Cup contender again, he has to prove himself on the surface so this is his chance." Brian Meehan echoed those sentiments about 2008 Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1) winner CROWDED HOUSE (Rainbow Quest), who was an excellent second in his UAE debut last out on the grass. This will be his first Tapeta run, and Jamie Spencer rides as usual. "We need to plan for (Dubai) World Cup night and decide his target so we need a run on the Tapeta," Meehan said. Thursday will also feature the UAE Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) going about a mile, and de Kock's MUSIR (Redoute's Choice) and bin Suroor's FROZEN POWER (Oasis Dream [GB]) renew rivalry after their clash in the about seven-furlong prep race a fortnight ago. De Kock's charge came out on top and is better off at the weights, while Frozen Power was a listed winner in France last season. Herman Brown's Group 1 winner STORM CHISPAZO (Bernstein), Brazil's Group 1 victor REAL SECRET (Redattore [Brz]) and Jerry Barton's Group 1 runner-up DELLA BARBA (Della Francesca) are among potential dangers. Doug Watson will be sending QUARTIER LATIN (Orpen), whom he has always held in the highest regard. Others entered in the Guineas are the respective third- and fourth-place runners from the February 4 prep -- OROVESO (Fahim [GB]) and SOLID CHOICE (Redoute's Choice).
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