ISSUE 821 23rd November 2023 MEYDAN APPLEBY SETS HIS SIGHTS ON THE DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL RB MONEY MAKER AIMS TO LAND BANI YAS CASH ARE WE SET FOR ANOTHER THRILLER? SEE PAGES 16-18 PLAYS HOST TO CLASSY RENEWAL OF DUBAI CREEK MILE DRC PICK 7 FORM INSIDE
To book a nomination, contact Will Wright: +44 (0)7787 422901 | [email protected] | Discover more about the Shadwell stallion roster on our website shadwellstud.com THE HIGHEST-RATED TURF HORSE IN THE WORLD FOR A DECADE The best on turf since Frankel OFFICIAL RATING: 135 6 brilliant Group 1 victories World Champion turf horse and miler in 2022 CHAMPION OF THE TURF A star-studded debut book, supported by many of the world’s leading breeders AN EXCEPTIONAL FIRST BOOK OF MARES
FROM THE EDITOR adiyat racing plus.com 3 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 - SPIRIT DANCER MIGHT HAVE SENT SIR ALEX'S HEART RACING The therapeutic power of horses should never be underestimated. History is littered with stories from humans that have discovered much-needed peace or found elusive joy simply by spending time with an equine counterpart. According to those more informed than me, connecting with horses, be it through riding, grooming or even just being around them, encourages our brains to release positive neurotransmitters. Three of the main neurotransmitters which flow freely are oxytocin, otherwise known as the love hormone, serotonin and dopamine. All three are responsible for the happy emotions we enjoy as humans not to mention the benefit we derive from the synergy we feel from being in close proximity to a horse’s heart which, incidentally, is five times bigger than a human equivalent and correspondingly boasts a larger electromagnetic field. What benefit is that to us you may ask? When a horse and human ‘energy fields’ interact, science tells us they appear to effect each other's heart rate. Since horses have a very stable heart rhythm, humans frequently feel calmer when they are around these animals. That is, of course, unless you are witnessing a horse you bred win a $1million race in Bahrain like Sir Alex Ferguson did recently. The footballing legend was present to see Spirit Dancer win the marquee Bahrain International Trophy first hand and, although the victory was achieved in a routine fashion, the excitement of winning a tidy pot on the world stage must surely have led to an accelerated heart rate. Sir Alex named the victory as his ‘best ever’ in racing and his love of the sport has often provided an escapism from the all-consuming world of football management. It is to be hoped it also provided a boost, no matter how temporary, following a traumatic few weeks which has seen his wife of 57 years, Lady Cathy Ferguson, sadly pass away at the age of 84. The recent death of long-time confidante and fellow Manchester United icon Sir Bobby Charlton a matter of days afterwards must have also been tough to bear for Sir Alex who attributes a lot of his career success at Old Trafford to the legendary World Cup winner. Hopefully, the performance and victory of Sir Alex’s pride and joy in Bahrain will provide some respite and pleasure following a distressing period. The win may also once again showcase the healing powers possessed by those wonderful creatures, in whichever capacity they find a way into our hearts. – Sam Turner English Editor
adiyat racing plus.com 4 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 RB Money Maker is the headline act in the Group 2 Bani Yas as Dubai Creek Mile sees the returning Al Nefud go head-to-head with the firing Jebel Ali operation’s US import Home Brew. INTERVIEW 6-8 ERA General Manager Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi on his plans. THE BIG READ 10-13 Charlie Appleby’s team are present and correct in Dubai. COVER IT’S BACK! Iconic Meydan plays host to Group race action. Sir Alex hits the back of the net. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3
adiyat racing plus.com 5 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 Bahrain Trophy 34-35 Joy for Fahey, Fergie and Orr with talented Dancer. Dubai Racing Carnival 14-18 Extensive previews for the second night of the season at Meydan Racecourse. SHARJAH PREVIEW 20-21 UAE RACING REVIEWS 28-33 SHOW JUMPING 38-39 HOWARD WRIGHT 44 MICHELE MACDONALD 46-47 JULIO GUIMARAES 49 FRANKIE FOSTER 50-51 MANAGING EDITOR Taha A Taha ENGLISH EDITOR Sam Turner ASSISTANT EDITOR Duane Fonseca WRITERS Mohammed Omer Khuzaima Al Habeeb Mehiar Elmahi Thamer Abdalla ART DIRECTOR Mohammad Juma DESIGNERS Nadim Ahmed Arif Ahmed Alzarooni Nisar Shaikh Navas Muhammed CREATIVE DIRECTOR Abdulla Khalifa Eng. Mohamed Maher Ismail KV Taha Omar LIBRARY & PHOTOGRAPHERS Ali Juma ADVERTISING/MARKETING [email protected] WEBSITE Osama Shousha PRODUCTION Ashraf Ali Gamal Fouda For editorial, contact: [email protected] JAPAN CUP PREVIEW 22-23 Can Longines Dubai Sheema Classic winner Equinox make history? Andrew Hawkins analyses the runners for Tokyo feature.
INTERVIEW / MOHAMMAD SAEED AL SHEHHI adiyat racing plus.com 6 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Sam Turner The definition of Collaboration: the process of two or more people, entities or organisations working together to complete a task or achieve a goal. The strength of the wolf is in the pack, so they say and, with five racecourses to oversee, Emirates Racing Authority general manager Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi certainly believes in an inclusive, rather than exclusive, approach as he looks to grow the sport in the region. While collaborations require leadership, a sport’s regulator should rarely be seen - much like a football referee - ideally working diligently in the background to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the sport they enhance, protect and govern. In an exclusive interview with Adiyat Racing Plus, Al Shehhi outlines his future plans and how important he views collaboration between all of the parties involved. “We are expecting an exciting season in the UAE, and I think this is the first time where we see a big alignment between racecourses where each course is trying to do something new by giving the racegoer a unique experience,” said Al Shehhi. “We saw this in Abu Dhabi, and we saw it in Top Brass: ERA General Manager Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi AL SHEHHI KEEN ON ALIGNMENT AND COLLABORATION AS HE CONTINUES TO GROW RACING IN THE EMIRATES
INTERVIEW / MOHAMMAD SAEED AL SHEHHI adiyat racing plus.com 7 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 Jebel Ali and in Sharjah with the new facilities added and, for the first time, there is a race series which links three racecourses now. “Sharjah, Jebel Ali and Meydan were aligned when the series was put together with the generous direction and contribution from Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and I think seeing more of that would be very exciting. “We want courses to work together, we want them to collaborate as it makes the whole product stronger. “This year was the first year that we launched the whole condition book two months in advance, and we took feedback from everyone. We left a few races unwritten so that we could see the demand for races and satisfy that demand. That’s a flexibility that the ERA just started, and I think that’s good for racing.” Not everything is plain sailing though – governing a sport like horse racing never can be – but under Al Shehhi’s innovative leadership, the ERA is making giant strides. “We worked on a lot of the different aspects of racing here as we wanted the product to be interesting and attractive to the locals and to the ex-pats who are living here in Dubai. “We wanted people to enjoy an easier way of life when it comes to horse racing. By that I mean we wanted to make ownership easy, and we wanted more owners to come so we created syndication to be officially available in Dubai. We also created the rule for joint trainers and have added more than 15-20 trainers to the racing scene in my time here.” So how is the best way to sustain and grow the sport in the region? One answer might be a funding model from betting. “I think Sheikh Rashed, the Vice-Chairman of the ERA, was quoted in a Bloomberg interview a couple of years ago saying that he would not say no to gaming, but maybe at the right time,” said Al Shehhi. “If it was to be introduced then it would be a great support for the sport. If you look at racing in Hong Kong, then you can see how their sport is supported by betting and it is how racing can sustain itself. “If it was to come in, then it would be another source of funding for the racecourses and maybe, it would mean we could have more races, more racing, more stables, more owners, even more racecourses.” One challenge the ERA have faced in recent times is the launch of its new website, developed in partnership with Weatherbys. It is fair to say there have been teething MOHAMMAD SAEED AL SHEHHI: WE WANT COURSES TO WORK TOGETHER, WE WANT THEM TO COLLABORATE AS IT MAKES THE WHOLE PRODUCT STRONGER. In conversation: ERA General Manager Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi with Adiyat Racing Plus' Sam Turner and Taha Ahmed
INTERVIEW / MOHAMMAD SAEED AL SHEHHI adiyat racing plus.com 8 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 Weatherbys CEO Russell Ferris and Mohammad Al Shehhi are flanked by Adiyat Racing Plus' Sam Turner and Taha Ahmed problems since the switch from the previous site, with many users encountering issues. Weatherbys have returned to the UAE to oversee the improvements under the guidance of CEO Russell Ferris and Al Shehhi believes the site will begin to come together in the ensuing weeks. “The new website is a teaser of what is coming. The whole website will be ready by the year end. It is powered by Weatherbys in the UK and it will be very unique,” he said. “The website has presented challenges, and I’m not entirely happy with where we are at present, but we are proud of our partnership with Weatherbys and both parties are working hard to overcome the challenges the new website has presented.” For his part, Weatherbys supremo Ferris is committed to ironing out the issues which have blighted the site since its recent launch. “As Mohammad has said, the website will evolve in the next couple of months as we complete the final touches, and we look forward to the 2023-24 season and beyond,” said Ferris. “The database is extensive, and this is the fourth data migration project they have had since racing began internationally in the UAE so that means any large digital transportation project comes with its challenges. “We’ve got a wonderful team in the ERA supporting with the business user element of it and, from our perspective, we have many years of experience in racing administration and software development, so we hope it’s coming together nicely, but these things take time. “There are many, many moving parts to this website, but we know the challenges and they are well documented. “There is progress to be made and the feedback we’ve received about the site aesthetically is good, now we’ve got to work on the content. “We are delighted to be involved with the Emirates Racing Authority and we hope it is a partnership which we hope to extend for many years to come.” MOHAMMAD SAEED AL SHEHHI: THE NEW E.R.A. WEBSITE IS A TEASER OF WHAT IS COMING. THE WHOLE WEBSITE WILL BE READY BY THE YEAR END. IT IS POWERED BY WEATHERBYS IN THE UK AND IT WILL BE VERY UNIQUE.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE MINI DOLCEVITA
THE BIG READ / CHARLIE APPLEBY adiyat racing plus.com 10 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023
THE BIG READ / CHARLIE APPLEBY adiyat racing plus.com 11 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Jim McGrath Even as Charlie Appleby enjoyed reflecting on the astonishing win of Master Of The Seas in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, his mind was simultaneously looking ahead to four months of high class racing in Dubai during the winter. Master Of The Seas has returned to Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, where he will be kept ticking over prior to his next big overseas assignment, the Pegasus Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park on January 27. The plan is to ship out to Florida ten days before the race. “I felt the horse deserved his win in the Breeders’ Cup,” Appleby says. “It was a great race, a crowd-pleaser, one that was great to watch. If he had been drawn low, he would have won easily. But he got the outside berth, and Will (Buick) gave him a confident ride. “Having said that, you have to have a great engine to accelerate like he did. It was not an easy ride (for Buick) but he had no choice from that draw. “He had to drop in, then hope the pace was strong, and then sling-shot into it. It worked out perfectly,” he adds. This is the time of the year when Appleby finds himself juggling responsibilities, that is laying fitness foundations for his string ahead of their season in England, supervising others aiming at targets in America, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as preparing a stable of horses for Meydan at His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s private Marmoom training centre in Dubai. “We are really looking forward to the Dubai season,” the trainer says. “It has always been a very important part of our calendar at Godolphin, and it is great to be getting back into it. We have a good line-up of younger horses we believe can progress, as well as Guineas contenders both on dirt and turf, together with a selection of regular names, several that we hope will represent us on World Cup night in March,” he adds. The first major date for the Appleby squad is December 22 when one-time crack juvenile Naval Power will lead the Godolphin challenge, contesting the Group 2 Al Rashadiya, over 1800m. Master Of The Seas APPLEBY HOPING TO HIT THE HEIGHTS WITH EXCITING DUBAI TEAM Two-time British Champion Flat Trainer has a power-packed team of young and old horses ready for Meydan CHARLIE APPLEBY: WE ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DUBAI SEASON. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF OUR CALENDAR AT GODOLPHIN, AND IT IS GREAT TO BE GETTING BACK INTO IT.
THE BIG READ / CHARLIE APPLEBY adiyat racing plus.com 12 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 NAVAL ON COMEBACK TRAIL The gelded son of Teofilo has not run since winning the Listed Jumeirah Classic, over course and distance, last January. He had been due to run in the Group 3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April but was withdrawn after being cast in his box. “He’s an exciting young horse, whose record is very good. As a two-year-old, he was four from four going into the Dewhurst at Newmarket last year when he was beaten for the first time,” the trainer recalls. Naval Power was found to have bled in that Group 1 contest, won by Chaldean, who then went on to win this year’s 2,000 Guineas. There can be no doubting the gelding’s potential, particularly if he recaptures his juvenile form after such a long lay-off. Joining him in the Al Rashidiya is Ottoman Fleet, another who has not run for an extended period. This Grade 2 Fort Marcy Stakes winner, who has not been see out since June 10, is on trial for the Group 1 Jebel Hatta. On the same card at Meydan in December, Mischief Magic, a Breeders’ Cup winner, will be aimed at the Listed Dubai Dash, over 1000m, in which he will attempt to put behind him a disappointing effort when well beaten on the all-weather at Lingfield Park. Appleby says there were valid excuses. “The race was not run to suit him. The pace was slow and he was too keen. Best to put a line through that run,” he suggests. Mysterious Night, a Grade 1 Summer Stakes winner at Woodbine as a juvenile, is set to contest the Listed Business Bay Challenge, over 1400m, and could be joined by both Noble Dynasty and the Gimcrack winner Noble Style. The race is a trial for the Grade 1 Al Fahidi Fort, over 1400m. The date January 5 marks the reappearance of Aablan, the Solario Stakes winner, in the 2,000 Guineas trial, over 7f on dirt, while at the same fixture, Legend Of Time will have a crack at the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, over 1400m on turf. On January 19, Shining Jewel and Silver Lady will target the Cape Verdi. “And there are also plenty of familiar names, such as Yibir, Siskany, New London and Bold Act, who will also be running in Dubai, adding depth to the team,” Appleby says. The Godolphin Royal Blue will be as visible as ever... and probably just as successful too. Yibir Naval Power THE FIRST MAJOR DATE FOR THE APPLEBY SQUAD IS DECEMBER 22, WHEN ONE-TIME CRACK JUVENILE NAVAL POWER WILL LEAD THE GODOLPHIN CHALLENGE, CONTESTING THE 1800 GROUP 2 AL RASHADIYA.
THE BIG READ / CHARLIE APPLEBY adiyat racing plus.com 13 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 CHARLIE APPLEBY From his base at Newmarket, Charlie Appleby has shaped genuine champions, horses that have brought him success from the far corners of the world. As he prepares for another winter campaign in Dubai, we look at the brilliance of the Moulton Paddocks supremo. 73 73 97 G1s G2s G3s 8 10 MELBOURNE CUP WIN IRISH CLASSIC WINS DWC NIGHT WINNERS COUNTRIES WHERE GROUP RACES WERE WON BREEDERS’ CUP WINS BRITISH CLASSIC WINS 1 2 4 6 Melbourne Cup Cross Counter, 2018 Al Quoz Sprint Jungle Cat, 2018 & Blue Point, 2019 Dubai Gold Cup: Cross Counter, 2019 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Hawkbill, 2018 & Old Persian, 2019 UAE Derby Rebel’s Romance, 2021 Irish Derby Hurricane Lane, 2021 2000 Guineas Native Trail, 2022 Epsom Derby Masar, 2018 & Adayar, 2021 2000 Guineas Coroebus, 2022 St Leger Hurricane Lane, 2021 4 2 International Trainer of the Year (HWPA) British Champion Flat Trainer Achievements/Awards
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 36 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 The AED500,000 Dubai Creek Mile will form the centrepiece of a terrific second night of the season at Meydan this Friday, with the entire card sponsored by world-famous property developer Nakheel. The developer, responsible for many of Dubai’s best-known locations, including The Palm Jumeirah, The World and Jumeirah Islands, lends its name to all eight races, including the Listed Dubai Creek Mile, an early pointer towards the Group 2 Godolphin Mile. The Dubai Creek Mile was won in 2022 by the exciting Prince Eiji who beat subsequent Al Quoz Sprint hero Danyah and the dirt contest will once again be targeted by some of the best horses in training in Dubai. The feature is supported by the Group 2 Bani Yas, for Purebred Arabians, over 1400m, and the 1900m Thunder Snow Handicap for Thoroughbreds, worth AED210,000. Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, said: NAKHEEL CONTINUE TO BUILD MEYDAN RELATIONSHIP AS MEETING SPONSORS “We are delighted to have Nakheel with us for our second meeting of the season at Meydan Racecourse. They have been a longstanding sponsor of racing in Dubai and we appreciate their support. Their developments are iconic and have helped to position Dubai as the leading destination it is today. We look forward to welcoming the Nakheel team and their guests for an exciting evening of racing.” Based in Dubai since its inception, Nakheel master developments have added more than 70km to Dubai’s coastline, creating resorts, homes and visitor attractions. Nakheel’s innovative landmark projects span more than 15,000 hectares and accommodate more than 300,000 people, helping to shape Dubai as it is today. Friday is the second of 15 meetings staged at Meydan Racecourse this season. The action builds up to the 28th running of the Dubai World Cup meeting, which is worth $30.5million and takes place on March 30. DR. AL ADHAB: THEIR DEVELOPMENTS ARE ICONIC AND HAVE HELPED TO POSITION DUBAI AS THE LEADING DESTINATION IT IS TODAY.
What we build today will achieve the promise of a better tomorrow. nakheel.com
PREVIEW / MEYDAN adiyat racing plus.com 16 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Duane Fonseca Meydan Racecourse is set to host the first of its big races on Friday and it is the Listed Dubai Creek Mile that headlines the card at Dubai’s marquee racing venue. The race has attracted a quality field and 2021-22 champion trainer Bhupat Seemar will be relishing the prospect of fielding twotime course and distance winner Al Nefud, who has dominated the mile division on this surface and has, in general, taken to Meydan like a duck to water since arriving from leaving Charlie Appleby’s Newmarket yard. The five-year-old Dubawi gelding marked his UAE debut during the 2021-22 campaign with a six-and-a-quarter length victory and franked that form in a subsequent course and distance run with a two-and-a-quarter length success before finishing runner-up behind American hotshot Hot Rod Charlie in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 over a 1900m strip. Having punched well above his weight, Al Nefud was dispatched as favourite for the 2022 Group 2 Godolphin Mile, but an injury mid-race put paid to his hopes and he limped home last of all with a post-race vet exam revealing a lame right-hind leg. Purchased by Michael Hilary Burke and Negar Burke during the Al Rashed dispersal sale in September, Al Nefud will run for the first time in the colours of his new owner on Friday with regular partner Tadhg O’Shea in the saddle, even as the in-form Bernardo Pinheiro has been booked to ride Seemar’s other charge, Secret Ambition, a seven-time Meydan winner, who has the 2021 Godolphin Mile and 2019 Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile on his list of conquests. The 10-year-old Exceed And Excel gelding, in what may be his last year in training, has shown no signs of stopping and was last seen winning the Jebel Ali Classic in March. Desert Wisdom, another Appleby trainee, won the 2022 running of the Group 3 Burj Nahaar for Ahmed Al Shemaili and came very close to staging a massive upset as a rank outsider in the Godolphin Mile that year when gamely chasing home Bathrat Leon. Two other placings on the now-redundant Dubai World Cup Carnival programme further boost his credentials, but his Emirati AL NEFUD HAS DOMINATED THE MILE DIVISION ON THIS SURFACE AND HAS, IN GENERAL, TAKEN TO MEYDAN LIKE A DUCK TO WATER. SEEMAR’S CREEK MILE AMBITION NO SECRET AS AL NEFUD RETURNS Secret Ambition
PREVIEW / MEYDAN adiyat racing plus.com 17 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 SELECTIONS conditioner will be hoping he has relegated memories of his poor 2022-23 campaign to the past. BREW LOOKING TASTY With the Michael Costa juggernaut looking ominous this season as it continues to fire on all cylinders and Home Brew has to be taken seriously. The redirection of stablemate Alhzeem to the Thunder Snow Handicap (race 7) looks a statement of intent for Home Brew fans with Costa putting all his eggs in the basket of the four-year-old who was last seen winning on the dirt at Churchill Downs. The four-year-old Street Sense colt is a US import, who won five of his eight career starts Stateside for former trainer Brad Cox, including a Listed event (Pegasus Stakes) by a whopping six-and-a-quarter length margin, but has been out of action since September 2022. He also represents a surprising breakaway from the normal naming protocols in place for the yellow brigade. Salem bin Ghadayer’s 2023 UAE Oaks heroine Mimi Kakushi looked the one to beat on paper in the Conditions event so the fact she runs here is intriguing. The City Of Light filly was a picture of progress last term, winning the 1000 Guineas Trial, the 1000 Guineas Race 1: Najm Al Wathba Race 2: Lahfaty Race 3: Triple Venture Race 4: Mendelssohn Bay Race 5: Moojdee Race 6: Home Brew Race 7: Alhzeem (NAP) Race 8: Tiger Nation Al Nefud Alhzeem Desert Wisdom Golden Goal
PREVIEW / MEYDAN adiyat racing plus.com 18 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 and the Group 3 UAE Oaks before she was sent stateside for the Kentucky Oaks where she finished eighth. A return to her favourite surface could see her on the scene. Julio Olascoaga opened his account at Jebel Ali and there could be more joy for him at Meydan with James Doyle booked to ride EsUnico, one of two - Atletico El Culano (Jose da Silva) - saddled by the Uruguayan. Champion trainer Doug Watson is represented by 2022 Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 winner Golden Goal, who was second in 2022 Godolphin Mile behind the aforementioned Secret Ambition, but has a pair of course and distance and 1400m wins each here to boost his claims. American handler Watson is also represented by former track and trip winner Everfast, who was placed in four other Meydan starts, including a close second behind stablemate Prince Eiji in Group 3 Firebreak Stakes. ALL HAIL ALHZEEM With almost nothing known about most of the names running in the two-year-old maiden over 1400m, the pick might be the Seemartrained Mendelssohn Bay who looked good trialling on the surface in October. The 1600m Conditions (Race 8) event seems an action-packed affair with, but it won’t be easy with the Costa-trained Seyouff looking to improve on his fine second to Western Symphony here over 1600m at the first meeting. The Jebel Ali handler also has strong claims half an hour before with the aforementioned Alhzeem who marked his seasonal debut with a five-and-a-half-length demolition of a mile field on his home strip three weeks ago. The five-year-old ran well at Meydan last term, shedding his maiden tag by nine lengths in a 1900m event in February before finishing second on an upping in class a week later. The form of his reappearance run was boosted when Delorian, beaten by an easy four-and-ahalf lengths, won on Saturday and Alzheem looks one of the stronger picks on the card. The only Purebred Arabian event on the card is the Group 2 Bani Yas, who could go the way of Majed Al Jahoori’s Najm Al Wathba, wire-to-wire winner of a 1200m Conditions event here, with the main threat coming from Ernst Oertel-trained 2022 champion AF Alajaj and Hamad Al Marar’s US import RB Money Maker, who pulled clear easily and had plenty left in the tank when marking his UAE debut with a stunning four length victory in a 1000m sprint at Al Ain. AF Alajaj Najm Al Wathba CHAMPION TRAINER DOUG WATSON IS REPRESENTED BY 2022 GROUP 2 AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R1 WINNER GOLDEN GOAL, WHO WAS SECOND IN 2022 GODOLPHIN MILE.
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PREVIEW / SHARJAH adiyat racing plus.com 20 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Suleiman Altaf Speed. This is what Sunday’s Sharjah card will centre around as impressive fields assemble for the two sprinting co-features, each carrying a handsome purse of AED200,000. The HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup for the thoroughbreds forms the first leg of the Emirates Sprint Series and sees the return of defending champion Road Bloc who landed both this and the Jebel Ali Sprint to land the bonus in the series’ inaugural year last season. He is two from two over straight tracks and Sharjah is his training backyard, so dismiss him at your own peril. It will be Zabeel’s sprinting sensation Tuz, however, that grabs all the attention having landed the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint earlier in the year before a respectable seventh in the premier Dubai Golden Shaheen. The 112-rated Bhupat Seemar-trainee has been a quirky customer over the years, but found his true calling in the sprint division and is the clear pick on form here. Veteran sprinters Al Tariq and Alkaraama, who finished fourth and seventh at Meydan last time, also take their chance. The pair look past their best and it must be seen if they can make successful comebacks. Others of note in the race include last season’s Jebel Ali Sprint runner-up Story Of Light who goes well fresh and Ever Given who remains a bit of an unknown for the Salem bin Ghadayer team. Having showed promise on his UAE debut in the Firebreak Stakes last campaign, he folded up quickly in a 1400m handicap subsequently. Found to be lame thereafter he remains an interesting contender who has now been dropped to sprint distances, especially as there was a reason for that previous disappointment. WATHBA SET FOR DOMINATION The Purebred Arabian equivalent, the HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup, looks set to be dominated by the Al Wathba Racing battalion lead by the Majed Al Jahoori duo of Asmaa Al Wathba and Bassam Al Wathba. The latter is the pick of Bernardo Pinheiro, which could be a strong pointer. Tuz TUZ THE HEADLINE ACT AT SHARJAH AS SPEEDSTERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE 112 RATING OF ZABEEL STABLES' SPRINT SENSATION TUZ, WHO PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON SHARJAH, HAVING WON THE GROUP 3 AL SHINDAGHA SPRINT EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
PREVIEW / SHARJAH adiyat racing plus.com 21 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 SELECTIONS Race 1: Rasikh Al Wathba Race 2: Al Asa Race 3: Will Power Race 4: Bassam Al Wathba Race 5: Riyadh Al Wathba Race 6: Tuz (NAP) Bassam Al Wathba Story Of Light Road Bloc Although this will be his first run on the dirt, he has shown immense speed in his races and the confirmed stamina gained from being a 1400m horse or a miler always comes in handy in sprints up the Sharjah straight. The filly Asmaa Al Wathba, on the other hand, is a course and distance winner and was successful over the minimum 1000m at Al Ain on her final run last season so deserves consideration as well. MOUCHAHI SAYS YAS TO XMNSOR Rookie trainer Adil Mouchahi has already enjoyed two winners from 17 starts this season and he dispatches the consistent Yas Xmnsor. A Sharjah regular, he landed this race last season, denying the reopposing AF Marmuq in what was a close finish but has since tackled and performed well against much stronger rivals, so it looks unlikely for that form to be reversed. The only handicap on the card is the Palma Spring Cup, a 2000m contest for 0-80 rated Purebred Arabians, which could go to Aljamri, the mount of Sam Hitchcott, who kept on for second over what looked an inadequate mile trip. Maximum fields of 16 runners go to post for the remaining three highly competitivelooking Purebred Arabian maidens on the card.
adiyat racing plus.com JAPAN CUP CONTENDERS 22 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 Tokyo Racecourse could play host to history on Sunday where victory for the mighty Equinox would see him become the highest earning racehorse in Japanese history. Will the four-year-old enhance his reputation as the world’s best horse or can the exceptional filly Liberty Island cause a mini upset? Andrew Hawkins appraises the chances of the field. CHESTNUT COAT His only attempt at G1 level below 3200m came in the 2018 Caulfield Cup where he was more than 10 lengths behind Best Solution. Has primarily been on the secondary NAR circuit recently and it would be the biggest shock ever in world racing should he win. DANON BELUGA Should have gone very close to winning the G1 Dubai Turf earlier this year, although sustained a minor injury in the run. Good enough in his last two starts, he ran well last year, although 2400m is likely at the very upper reaches of his stamina limits. DEEP BOND One of Japan’s most popular horses, he’s rarely far away and will be trying his heart out. Very good at every run this year and would be a popular placegetter. DO DEUCE Boasts a course and distance win over Equinox in last year’s G1 Tokyo Yushun. Brilliant in the G2 Kyoto Kinen over 2200m in February, but withdrawn from the G1 Dubai Turf on veterinary advice, he marked his return with a modest effort last month. Cannot be dismissed when at his best. ECHT G3 Kokura Kinen winner over 2000m in August. Mixes his form, but his very best would still be short of what is required here. It's easy to overlook his claims in a deep race such as this with so many big names in the mix. EQUINOX The world’s best following an incredible season. Raced clear of numerous subsequent G1 winners in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and defied an awkward run in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen before breaking the track record for 2000m in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn). The one they all have to beat. FORWARD AGAIN Only tested beyond 2000m once when wellbeaten in the G2 Meguro Kinen. Not good enough, especially at this trip. IMPRESS Won three from four in 2022, each at 2400m. Has mixed his form this year although his G3 Niigata Kinen third was a step in the right direction. Still, this is a big step up. IRESINE G1 Prix Ganay winner who has always looked a better stayer than middle distance horse. Finished three lengths behind Deep Bond in France last year. Would have been a big chance most years, but faces a difficult task in this deep renewal. KURINO MEGAMI ACE Hasn’t been tested beyond 1870m and was primarily considered a dirt sprinter-miler on the NAR circuit. Returns to the JRA for the first time since February last year but this is well beyond him. A major shock | Would be a surprise | May make the places | Excellent choice | Likely winner EQUINOX FACES HIS DATE WITH DESTINY Equinox
adiyat racing plus.com JAPAN CUP CONTENDERS 23 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 LIBERTY ISLAND Superstar filly who was extraordinary at her only course and distance outing in the G1 Yushun Himba, the Japanese Oaks, earlier this year. Shapes as a mile-and-a-half filly and gets weight relief from Equinox. Hence, could prove a real threat to the favourite. SHONAN BASHITTO Was expected to be among the top three-year-olds this year but has been outclassed when stepped beyond 2000m. Hard to see him improving in this company with some of his rivals boasting more compelling claims. STARS ON EARTH Course and distance winner in last year’s G1 Yushun Himba, the Japanese Oaks. G1-placed at all three starts since at shorter trips. Could this be her best trip? STUDLEY Hasn’t been disgraced in Stakes races from 2000m to 3400m this year. Better back in grade last time out. Not in this though, with numerous other versatile performers already turning this year's rendition into one of the most potent ever. TITLEHOLDER High-class imposing stayer who needs things to go his way. The presence of Panthalassa could actually benefit him, allowing him a trail into the race while allowing him to maintain his high cruising speed. Don’t be shocked to see him in the mix at the 200m marker. T O ROYAL Has only had one start since he finished well back last year. Not without talent but this is a big ask. Prefer him over further with more work under his belt. WIN ERFOLG Only two wins on turf came over the Fukushima 2600m. Has never tackled a Stakes race and yet is coming off three unplaced efforts. I definitely pass! VELA AZUL Won the Japan Cup last year, although it was shaping as a much weaker race at the top. Hasn’t gone close in four starts since, twice behind Equinox. A repeat of last year looks a rather unlikely prospect for a horse struggling to reach his best at present. TRUST KENSHIN Hasn’t raced since February and was a long way behind Vela Azul last year. Even at his best, he’d have little chance here. PANTHALASSA Winner of the G1 Dubai Turf last year and G1 Saudi Cup earlier this year, both at 1800m. Struggles to see out a strong 2000m so the extra 400m is unlikely to be ideal. However, expect him to be well clear at some point when he could look like he’s stolen the race. VERDICT It is very difficult to envisage defeat for Equinox. The Longines Dubai Sheema Classic winner looked as good, if not better, than ever in the Tenno Sho and remains a formidable adversary. Liberty Island is a star in her own right and could cause Equinox most problems. – Andrew Hawkins Liberty Island
EYECATCHERS adiyat racing plus.com 24 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 UNEXPOSED ADIYAT EYECATCHERS Dubai Racing Club panel casts the spotlight weekly on some of the UAE's most exciting performers in a bid to identify future winners! - Duane Fonseca Assistant Editor - Mehiar Elmahi Reporter and Form Analyst - Pat Comerford ERA Racecourse Commentator - Suleiman Altaf Form Analyst BILHAYL (Jebel Ali, Saturday, November 18) The early races suggested the far side rail was the place to be, but Bilhayl disproved that theory by bolting down the centre of the track to win the 1000m handicap. He is a trailblazer I am really looking to see in all sprints here. The Meydan turn could suit just as much as he seems to be versatile enough to relish a tactical ride on a less demanding track. MOHEEBA (Jebel Ali, Saturday, November 18) On her first appearance at Jebel Ali on Saturday, Moheeba didn’t disappoint in a 1200m dirt maiden under Frenchman Ryan Curatolo. Although beaten by Rayed, the three-year-old Irish War Cry filly fought all the way to the line, demanding the winner fight harder in the last furlong to score. A year older, Rayed also had the benefit of a previous run so Moheeba should surely pick up a similar event. MOODEER (Jebel Ali, Saturday, November 18) Sadly, a couple of late scratchings meant that only three went to post for the 1000m maiden at Jebel Ali, won in style by Moodeer. The Bhupat Seemar-debutant, a son of Invincible Spirit, displayed great professionalism and no little speed to make all and hold off the strongly fancied Turjman. A recent trial at Meydan looked to have worked the oracle and he should enjoy a good season. NAAJEEB (Al Ain, Friday, November 17) Jules Mobian earned a great deal of credit, and rightly so, for his determined ride aboard Naajeeb despite having lost the stirrups midway. However, that would not have been the case if Naajeeb was just an ordinary debutant. He is clearly a very talented horse and as long as there are no equipment failures to navigate through on his next start, he should be winning it! BILHAYL
AED 54,000 AED 15,000 (7out of 7) AED 5,000 AED 4,000 AED 3,000 AED 25,000 DRC single tricast (Race 2, 3 & 4 ) individual Middle tricast (Race 5 & 6) Late tricast (Race 7 & 8) AED 9,000 AED 7,000 AED 9,000 @racingdubai www.dubairacingclub.com PICK COMPETITION SECOND MEETING TOTAL PRIZE MONEYAED 79,000 54 winners each receiving AED 500 Fourth prize Third prize Second prize First prize AED 27,000
ADVERTORIAL adiyat racing plus.com 26 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 A fascinating new video series featuring Frankel and Dubawi and behind-the-scenes insight at five of the leading studs in Britain has been released this week. Launched by Great British Racing International (GBRI) and supported by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, the five-part video series entitled ‘Be A Part Of It: Breeding In Britain’ will run from the 20-25th November. The episodes, which centre on five of the 20 British studs which have bred or reared Group 1 winners in 2023, highlights why so many of the world’s most high-profile ownerbreeders have chosen Britain as the global headquarters for their bloodstock operations. So far in 2023, 21 horses bred in Britain have won 26 Group 1 races in five countries and the series features Juddmonte’s Banstead Manor Farm, Blue Diamond Stud, Darley’s Dalham Hall Stud, Newsells Park Stud and Whitsbury Manor Stud. Episode one sees GBRI visit one of the most prolific stud farms in the world, Banstead Manor Stud, home of Juddmonte, where General Manager Simon Mockridge discusses how Prince Khalid Abdullah first came to purchase the stud in 1987, now home to one of the world’s most exciting stallions, Frankel (GB). He is poised to win his second Champion Sire title in the last three years having sired 11 Group 1 winners in 2023, more than any other Northern Hemisphere-based stallion. The UK breeding operation of owner-breeder Imad Al Sagar, who founded Blue Diamond Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket 13 years ago is featured in episode two. In Episode Three, GBRI visit Darley, founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, where Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket is home to 13 stallions. Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions and the nominations team headed by Dawn Laidlaw FRANKEL AND DUBAWI FEATURE IN FASCINATING NEW INSIGHT discuss the most successful stallion ever to stand in Britain, Dubawi, as well as exciting young stallions Too Darn Hot (GB) and Harry Angel and new to 2024, five-time Group 1 winner Modern Games. Newsells Park Stud in Royston, Hertfordshire features in episode five, while in the fifth and final episode, Ed Harper, Stud Director at Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire discusses two of his resident stallions, Showcasing (GB) and exciting juvenile Havana Grey (GB). Speaking on the ‘Be A Part Of It’ initiative, Camilla Perrett, Senior Marketing Manager at GBRI said: “Many of the industry’s most prolific owner-breeders have chosen Britain as the headquarters for their bloodstock operations and this new series will showcase five of the world-leading thoroughbred breeding operations with the aim of encouraging future international investment into British breeding.” One episode will be released each day via the GBRI social media channels and can also be found on GBRI’s website by visiting: https:// www.greatbritishracinginternational.com/ breed/be-a-part-of-it CAMILLA PERRETT: MANY OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST PROLIFIC OWNERBREEDERS HAVE CHOSEN BRITAIN AS THE HEADQUARTERS FOR THEIR BLOODSTOCK OPERATIONS AND THIS NEW SERIES WILL SHOWCASE FIVE OF THE WORLD-LEADING THOROUGHBRED BREEDING OPERATIONS. Dubawi
BE A PART OF IT Breeding in Britain NEW SERIES To watch the series and discover how GBRI can guide you on your journey to breeding in Britain, head to So far in 2023, 12 stallions based in Britain have sired 32 Group 1 winners in 8 countries from 5f (1000m) to 2m4f (4000m).* showcasing Britain’s world-leading thoroughbred breeding operations underpinned by a thriving stallion market. *correct as of 9th November greatbritishracinginternational.com Supported by
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 28 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Sam Turner Connor Beasley has made a flying start to his UAE return and a sparkling treble for trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami saw the English rider take Abu Dhabi by storm on Thursday evening. On a card which featured Richard Mullen’s welcome comeback from injury, Beasley stole the riding honours with a hat-trick of victories in the first three races, all for Al Hadhrami who was doubling his tally for the season. The 29-year-old pilot was seen at his strongest aboard Fakhr to lift the opening 1200m handicap in the colours of the Royal Cavalry Oman. AF Mathakeel and Tadgh O’Shea set a strong gallop from the outset and the champion jockey found Ernst Oertel’s five-year-old a willing ally until the duo were challenged inside the final 200m. It was at that point that Beasley overhauled the long-term pacesetter and the combination stuck on gamely to register a second career win and show the benefit of an encouraging comeback run behind Taj Al Izz at Al Ain last month. The Jaber Bittar-trained Najih took third under Abdul Aziz Al Balushi. Leg two for the in-form combination came courtesy of Jaleel who made a winning debut in the three-year-old 1400m maiden in the silks of Ben Shahwan Arabian Horse Stables. In a near carbon copy of race one, Beasley took dead aim late on at the front-runner, which in this case was the Oscar Chavezridden Najm Baynounah. A power-packed finish took Jaleel clear of his front-running rival, while JAP Awoat finished a further twoand-three-quarter lengths back in third. The second meeting of the season at Abu Dhabi was turning into a benefit for the trainer/jockey partnership of Beasley and Al Hadhrami completed their sparkling hat-trick when Altiber comfortably lifted the 1400m maiden for older horses from the Majed Al Jahoori-trained Eiman (Bernardo Pinheiro) by four-and-a-half lengths. Nashwanh Al Sraya and Jules Mobian were a further length back in third for Ibrahim Aseel. It was Beasley’s 11th win of the campaign and he said: “We had a good draw and my lad had good experience so there was no point complicating the job. He jumped well from the gates and travelled well in front, so we kept it pretty simple. He was entitled to win on his previous runs last year as they were good efforts so hopefully, he can progress from this and continue to improve.” Proud moment: Connections of Fakhr receive their trophies after his success BEASLEY, AL HADHRAMI STEAL CAPITAL SHOW WITH SPARKLING HAT-TRICK THE SECOND MEETING OF THE SEASON AT ABU DHABI WAS TURNING INTO A BENEFIT FOR THE TRAINER/JOCKEY PARTNERSHIP OF CONNOR BEASLEY AND IBRAHIM AL HADHRAMI.
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 29 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 Jaleel ES Midwakh Aswan Altiber DOBBS EXCELS ON BRAVE BAHWAN The Beasley/Al Hadhrami stranglehold was broken in the 1600m Conditions event when the Adil Mouchahi-trained Bahwan was perfectly delivered by Pat Dobbs to score in the colours of Mansour Ali Sulaiman Salem Al Shamsi. In contrast to the previous winners on the night, the four-year-old was well off the pace before Dobbs made his ground wide in the straight to deliver his mount on the line and deny Nadia Du Loup (Sulaiman Al Ghunaimi/ Abdul Aziz Al Balushi) by a neck. A delighted Mouchahi said: “I booked Pat one month before as I thought he would really suit the horse and that’s how it worked out!” ES Midwakh benefited from a powerful ride from Adrie de Vries to hand trainer Adnan Mohammed a first career winner and shed his maiden tag at the 11th time of asking in the 1600m Al Wathba Stallions Cup for private owners. “We went a good pace, and I was always sat with plenty in hand. He quickened up nicely in the straight and was well suited by the 1600m at a track like this,” commented De Vries who landed the penultimate race by a length-and-a-half from the Khalifa Al Neyaditrained AF Yeheeb (Allaia Tiar). Beasley took third aboard Abubakar Daud’s Maimoun RS. The finale was captured by Aswan, formally trained by Simon & Ed Crisford, who obliged on his second start for man of the moment Musabbeh Al Mheiri, courtesy of a smart tactical ride from the front by Bernardo Pinheiro saw him capture the closing Thoroughbred 1600m handicap by three lengths at the expense of Chosen Mark (Ahmed Al Shemali/ de Vries) and Miami Joy, partnered by Qais Al Busaidi for Ismail Mohammed. RESULTS Race 1: Fakhr Race 2: Jaleel Race 3: Altiber Race 4: Bahwan Race 5: ES Midwakh Race 6: Aswan
REVIEW / AL AIN adiyat racing plus.com 30 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 By Suleiman Altaf As one jockey brought up a milestone, another was celebrating for quite a different reason at Al Ain on Friday evening. Victory for Sa’ari proved to be the first leg of a double for Brazilian rider Bernardo Pinheiro who reached the notable landmark of 100 winners in the UAE aboard the Majed Al Jahoori-trained colt, before also steering Fadiah Al Wathba to an effortless eight-anda-half length victory in race six. While weighing room colleague Saif Al Balushi may have a little way to go to reach his century, a welcome brace, instigated by Salb and completed with victory aboard Desert in the finale were his first winners of the new season and completed a fine night’s work. Pinheiro was seen to good effect in race four courtesy of a totally controlled ride on the debutant Sa’ari in the colors of YAS Racing. Always well positioned tracking leader Al Nasr, Sa’ari was committed for home at the top of the stretch and responded to every call from his rider, gamely fending off a late challenge from stablemate Zayd to produce a 1-2 for the Al Jahoori stable. Pinheiro was on the scoresheet again swiftly afterwards, this time partnering Fadiah Al Wathba to an effortless eight-and-a-half length victory in race six, a 1400m all-aged maiden. Having competed in Group races last season, it was always a matter of when she would shed her maiden tag and, after breaking smartly, it was an all-the-way victory for the Al Jahoori-pupil who will have stronger assignments ahead of her. The feature event witnessed a thrilling finish between Ss Izz Dubai and the Ibrahim Al Hadhrami-trained Salb with the latter eventually getting the better of his stablemate under rider Al Balushi who was enjoying a first winner of the season. With 1600m being his optimal trip, Ss Izz Dubai felt the pinch in the final furlong after dictating much of the race and succumbed to a late finishing kick from Salb, going down by just under two lengths. Al Balushi was forced to wait until the finale for his double, a 1400m handicap for 0-80 rated Purebred Arabians, which was won in convincing fashion by Desert. The five-yearold was recording his second career victory Sa'ari Desert PINHEIRO AND AL BALUSHI STARS OF THE SADDLE AT AL AIN
REVIEW / AL AIN adiyat racing plus.com 31 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 RESULTS Race 1: Makfoul Race 2: AA Lahab Race 3: Salb Race 4: Sa'ari Race 5: Otina Race 6: Fadiah Al Wathba Race 7: Desert Makfoul and provided his trainer Khalifa Al Neyadi with a first winner for the season. It was race five, though, that had a healthy crowd on the edge of their seats as Jules Mobian almost pulled off a heroic victory aboard Naajeeb. Losing his stirrups midway through the race, Mobian was determined to ride his mount to victory, and it looked like happening in the home straight as Naajeeb gradually diminished Ocelot’s advantage to grab the lead in the final 50m. However, Pat Cosgrave and Otina had other ideas as the pair came from out of the clouds to grab the win in the dying strides. The in-form Michael Costa found himself in the winner’s enclosure once again after Makfoul landed the opening thoroughbred maiden on the card. Partnered by stable first choice Ben Coen, Makfoul saw no other rival after overtaking runner-up Oasis Moon for the lead halfway through the race. With this victory, Ben Coen secured his second winner in the UAE having won the finale on Sadeedd at Meydan last week. Three-year-old Oasis Moon (Bernardo Pinheiro/Musabbeh Al Mheiri) finished second with Alwareeth (Royston Ffrench/Salem bin Ghadayer) producing a late rally to grab third on the post. Al Asayl’s Dennis O'Brien AA Lahab, the mount of Sam Hitchcott, recorded the biggest winning margin of 11 lengths in the Jebel Hafeet 1800m maiden.
REVIEW / JEBEL ALI adiyat racing plus.com 32 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 821 Thursday 23rd November 2023 RESULTS Race 1: AF Yatwa’ad Race 2: Moodeer Race 3: Bilhayl Race 4: Rayed Race 5: Mersaal Race 6: Attribution Race 7: Delorean By Duane Fonseca For the second meeting in a row, Jebel Ali patron Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his resident trainer Michael Costa made headlines in their backyard, a double on Saturday taking the pair’s tally to 10 for the season. After winning the Handicap Sprint Stakes sponsored by the Emirates Sprint Series with Bilhayl (Ben Coen), Sheikh Ahmed’s yellow brigade reigned supreme in the feature event, the 1400m Mohaather Stakes sponsored by Shadwell, which was also won well by Mersaal under Omani apprentice Qais Al Busaidi. Mersaal sat off the pace set by Salem bin Ghadayer’s Desert Safari, the ride of Royston Ffrench, with Al Busaidi asking for an effort at the 600m marker. No sooner was he nudged then the five-yearold Ghostzapper gelding delivered without hesitation, his mighty turn of foot evident as he gobbled up ground quickly to seize the initiative 400m out and run clear to claim a third victory in six starts. Mersaal was chased home by teammate Sadaaty, the ride of Coen, who despite throwing the kitchen sink at the former was forced to be content with second, three lengths adrift. Almoreb was a further lengthand-a-quarter behind in third for Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Bernardo Pinheiro. TWO 1-2S FOR COSTA It was a second 1-2 for Costa on the card, Bilhayl and Coen proving too hot to handle for stablemate Laa Baas, the ride of Pat Dobbs. Five went to post for the 1000m Handicap Sprint Stakes but it turned out to be a match race between the Costa-trained pair who broke smartly and ran virtually alongside each other until Coen decided to ask his gelded Shamardal partner to lengthen. Winner of a course and distance affair in February, Bilhayl shifted gears smoothly and Bilhayl SHEIKH AHMED, COSTA CONTINUE WITH THEIR BACKYARD DOMINATION Not another five-timer, but ‘yellow brigade’ prove battle-ready yet again with a double and five other podium finishes during Jebel Ali’s second meeting of the season.
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