By Alan Carasso
'TDN Rising Star' Polar River (Congrats), unraced since a narrow defeat at the hands of subsequent US Classic-placed Lani (Tapit) in the G2 UAE Derby Mar. 26, makes a much-anticipated return to the races in a 1600-metre rated conditions event Thursday evening at Meydan Racecourse.
Accorded Rising Star status off a 13 1/2-length victory in near track-record time on debut last December, Polar River won the Listed UAE Oaks by 13 lengths and added a win in the G3 UAE Oaks before tasting defeat for the first time on the World Cup undercard. She was rumored as a possibility for races like the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Acorn S. last spring, but connections ultimately elected to ditch those plans in favor of a spell.
“She is a lovely filly and was a real star last season,” said trainer Doug Watson. “Her work has been very good and she is, basically, ready for a race. She has a lot of weight to carry but her early season options are limited and this looked the ideal start point. She is one we are really looking forward to this season.”
Polar River, a $25,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $40,000 OBS April juvenile, will jump from gate nine in a 10-horse field with post time set for 8:50 p.m local time (11:50 a.m. US East Coast time, 4:50 p.m. BST).
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