Abu Dhabi: The 2200 metre Al Shahama Handicap for thoroughbreds is the highlight of Sunday’s race meeting Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club , where the Salem Bin Ghadayer-trained Hunter’s Creek looks to have solid claims.

A winner over 2400 metre on the course four weeks ago the son of Cape Cross will have the services of Royston Ffrench once again.

“He did it in good style last time,” said Ffrench. “The slightly shorter trip should not be a problem but we could have been drawn better.”

Frenchman Erwan Charpy also sends out a serious contender in Amaan, a course and distance winning in February 2014.

On his most recent outing two weeks ago he was a promising third over 1600m.

“He has been running well,” said Charpy. “He won at Jebel Ali at the opening meeting and has put in good performances at Al Ain and Abu Dhabi on his two most recent starts.

“They were both over 1600m and he should appreciate the return to 2200m. We are pretty hopeful of a good run.”

Dane O’Neill, retained as second jockey by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, partners the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Mustadhaf who is seeking a first UAE victory at the fifth attempt.

Signs In The Sand has not visited the winner’s enclosure in 25 UAE outings, but given the form that Satish Seemar has his runners in, this could be the time when he snaps that losing streak.

Stable jockey, Richard Mullen, takes the ride on the eight-year-old son of Cape Cross whose last victory came on the all-weather at Kempton Park in October 2010.

The 1600m Al Taweelah Handicap for Purebred Arabians looks a competitive despite only attracting five runners.

Al Asayl trainer Eric Lemartinel accounts for two of them with Tadhg O’Shea choosing to ride Hamza while Wayne Smith pick up a spare ride on Al Dheeb.

Hamza won his maiden over 1400m in November and was fourth in the Listed opening round of the Arabian Triple Crown over the mile

“He is quite a quirky character,” said O’Shea. “So hopefully the small field will suit him.

“He won his local debut well, over 1400m at Abu Dhabi and this looks a good opportunity to get his head back in front.

However, the Erwan Charpy-trained Cheik Roque, who was third in the Arabian Triple Crown Round One when making his local debut, looks the one they will all have to beat.

“We were certainly pleased with his first run,” said Charpy. “It was a very good effort and hopefully he has improved with the run under his belt.

“He has a lot in his favour but, even though there are only five runners, at least three have a good chance.”

GN Selections

Race Horse

1. 1. El Salaam; 2. Ghadeer.

2. 1. Al Yawazi; 2. Huyam.

3. 1. Cheik Roque; 2. Hamza.

4. 1. Hunters Creek; 2. Amaan.

5. 1. Love To Dance; 2. AF Maqayes.

6. 1. Thaaniya; 2. Nasmat Al Reef

Day’s Best: Cheik Roque.