Dubai: Racing returns to Jebel Ali today with a six-race card highlighted by a 1,600-metre handicap sponsored by the Shadwell organisation of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
The competitive race has attracted the maximum field of 16 with Ryan Moore taking the ride on Satish Seemar's Ibn Al Nafis, who is bidding to remain unbeaten having won both his first two starts.
Moore said: "This looks a lot harder than the races he has won but he is clearly progressive and it is a nice spare ride."
The weights are headed by Blaze of Fire, representing South African Mike De Kock, who said: "We do not know an awful lot about the horse but he has solid form in France and we need to get him on the track."
My Verse, trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam, made a pleasing impression winning on her local debut.
The 1,200-metre handicap could end up as a contest between Selvaratnam's Borehan and Silaah, trained by Doug Watson.
Suitable conditions
The trainer said: "We like the horse and he ran very well first time. Conditions should suit and we expect a big run."
Oman will also join the Jebel Ali party with Rise View carrying the Royal Cavalry Oman colours in the 1,200-metre handicap.
Olympic City represents Oman in the 1,800-metre handicap, but Watson's Numair looks to be the favourite.
Watson said: "He has run very green both times and did well to win last time. Hopefully he has improved and learned."
A second win for Numair would advertise the form of De Kock's Boss Professor who chased him home on that occasion and has stable companion Jodi and Mubarak Bin Shafya's Al Wasl to beat in the 1,200-metre maiden.
Selections
Race 1: 1. Bareq, 2. As Mushrif
Race 2: 1. Mutajammel, 2. Slyponi
Race 3: 1. My Verse, 2. Ibn Al Nafis
Race 4: 1. Alwaabel, 2. Go On Be A Tiger
Race 5. 1. Jodi, 2. Al Wasl
Race 6: 1. Silaah, 2. Glorious Gift
Day's best: My Verse
