RACING/Sunday meetings: Last weekend Godolphin were confident that Doyen would be their maiden Group One winner in Ireland for 2004 but instead it looks like Dubawi can do the job in tomorrow's Dunnes Stores National Stakes at the Curragh.
The meeting clashes with the start of the Listowel festival which is a seven-day affair for the third year in a row but which starts on a Sunday for the first time.
However, a race that features the likes of Hawk Wing, Sinndar and Refuse To Bend on its recent roll of honour demands centre stage and Dubawi can repel six opponents including a trio from Ballydoyle.
The son of Dubai Millenium is unbeaten in two and his home reputation means there was little surprise at his €30,000 supplementary entry during the week.
Against him is the fact that the likes of Democratic Deficit and Russian Blue are more experienced but with Frankie Dettori on board Dubawi can land the E300,000 feature.
Red Bloom looks the flagship of the cross-channel challenge for the Group 2 National Stud Blandford Stakes where All Too Beautiful and Baraka present a strong team for Ballydoyle.
However John Oxx is confident that the 10-furlong trip is ideal for Hazarista who found the ground too testing at York behind Quiff and whose Irish Oaks third looks the single best bit of form in the race.
Aidan O'Brien can pick up both Listed races, however, with the course and distance winner Ad Valorem and Troubador who should still be progressing.
Listowel's feature is the €40,000 Dawn Milk Handicap Chase but there will also be plenty of interest in Arachine's latest start in the preceding handicap hurdle.
