Halford trio ready for Dubai test Michael Halford is no stranger to Meydan success and will saddle three runners at the track's latest fixture on Thursday. Eastern Rules lines up in the IPIC Trophy, recent winner Certerach goes for the Nova Stakes and Banna Boirche makes his seasonal return in the Cepsa Mile. Halford said: "Eastern Rules came out of his last run well and I thought he ran a good race that day from a wide draw. "It was his first run in a good while, so hopefully it will have sharpened him up, but at the same time he had been working well and was pretty fit for his first run. "You'd be hoping he'll be bang there again. "Certerach has been in good form since his win there a couple of weeks ago and I think he'll enjoy the step up to two miles and six (furlongs). "I'd be looking forward to him, to be honest with you. "I know Star Empire has beaten us in Dubai in the past, but I think my horse is improving and he's stronger this year. "Banna Boirche is having his first run of the year, but he's in good form and the other horses have all run well first time up, so hopefully he will as well. "He's got a reasonable draw (stall nine) and he's run well at Meydan in the past without winning. "It will be good to get him started again and hopefully he'll give a good account of himself."
