Certify returns at Meydan

Certify is set to make her eagerly anticipated return on Thursday, with Godolphin confirming that the four year old will be entered for the Group II Cape Verdi Stakes at Meydan this week.

In contact with Horse Racing Nation, a Godolphin representative said, “We confirm that the Group 2 Cape Verdi on Thursday 30th January is Certify’s target. Entries will be made on Monday with declarations taking place on Tuesday.”

Certify has not been seen on a racecourse since stretching her perfect record to four in the GI Fillies Mile at Newmarket on September 28th 2012, with her progression as a three year old halted after the daughter of Elusive Quality tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid of ethylestranol.

Under the care of Mahmood Al Zarooni at that time, Certify was just one of initial eleven horses to prevented from showcasing her talent throughout the duration of last season, with the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, a race she was third favourite for at the time of withdrawal, the most notable race which she missed.

Now under the care of Charlie Appleby, who has enjoyed a superb start to his first visit to the Dubai Racing Carnival, Certify will bid to rebuild her reputation with a step back into Group company at the earliest opportunity as she looks to extend her four race unbeaten streak of 2012.

Last season’s GII Cape Verdi was won by the improving Godolphin stalwart Sajjhaa, who went on to win the GI Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night. If Certify can even come close to achieving what Sajjhaa did at last season’s Carnival, the Godolphin team will have a horse of considerable talent to build on as the European season draws ever closer.