Undefeated Manama Gold takes on 5 rivals in UAE Oaks

The last two winners of the Grade 3 UAE Oaks have gone on to run in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), so eyes will be trained on Manama Gold to see if she follows the same path in Friday's edition at Meydan.

The race offers 50-25-15-10-5 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks, to be held May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Fawzi Nass's unbeaten filly, successful in the Cocoa Beach Stakes last time, faces five rivals in the dirt contest at 1,900 meters, about 1 3/16 miles, and will be ridden by Adrie De Vries.

“She’s very exciting,” De Vries said. “She’s still improving and developing and came out of her last race really good. She was a bit long in her coat when she started here, but she looks fantastic now.

“I think the further the better for her. She’s got a long stride and she’s very relaxed, so I’m not concerned about (the distance) at all.”

Among Manama Gold’s rivals are Doug Watson’s Mizzyaan, a good fourth on debut last time out despite missing the break.

Manama Gold was not among the 104 fillies who were nominated for the Kentucky Oaks. Fillies not made eligible during the early nomination phase can become eligible with a $1,500 late payment due April 10.