Charlie Appleby unfazed by Meydan surface for Emotionless

Charlie Appleby expects Emotionless to have no problems adapting to racing on the dirt for the first time at Meydan on Thursday.The Godolphin-owned four-year-old will take on nine rivals in round one of the Al Maktoum Challenge as he bids to revive his career in the Group Two mile prize.After having sustained an injury in the Dewhurst Stakes at the end of his two-year-old campaign, the Group Two-winning son of Shamardal failed to impress in two outings last season.The Newmarket handler said: "He has been here since November and has thrived."He has been working really well on our dirt surface at home and we could not be happier."His pedigree offers every hope dirt will suit him and he is a very happy horse at the moment."He had problems last year and can hopefully bounce back."Last year's UAE 1000 Guineas and Oaks winner Polar River is, alongside Cool Cowboy, one of two runners in the race for Doug Watson.Watson said: "Polar River needed that first run when she was carrying a penalty and has been working very nicely since."Obviously she is taking on older colts and geldings but she receives weight this time and should make a bold show."We have put a visor on Cool Cowboy who won the Burj Nahaar over course and distance last season on Super Saturday."It looks a strong renewal but our two are in great form."Ian Williams anticipates a bold show from dual course-and-distance winner Sir Maximilian in the Longines Master Collection Handicap over five furlongs. Williams said: "He has fallen to what looks like quite a respective mark and he is running on a track that he enjoys. "He just had some time off after Royal Ascot as he had quite a busy spring"I'd say he wasn't at his best in his last two runs in England but he has travelled out there well and is in good form."We would be hopeful of a good run. I think he just enjoys the track there and the way the races are run."