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After the fireworks of the International Racing Carnival at Meydan last night racing in the UAE returns to its roots at Jebel Ali racecourse this afternoon with many more local runners.
The highlight is the listed Jebel Ali Stakes. I fully expect Emmrooz to confirm his form by beating Haatheq. These two are the class horses in the race and it is hard to look beyond them. However Emmrooz only just saw off Haatheq in a conditions race on 17th December here at Jebel Ali so one could feel that Haatheq may well have his beating but today Emmrooz is 2kg better off so I fully expect him to win under Keiren Fallon. It may well be a battle of tactics between Fallon and Haatheq's jockey Richard Hills but I expect Keiren to triumph. Of the rest Noisy Silence is probably the best as he is well proven over this distance but I shall stick with Emmrooz.
Newbury Racecourse are spnsoring the last race confirming their strong ties with UAE racing which sees them have the Dubai Duty Free race day and also host Arab Racing. In what looks to be a competitive affair I expect the new recruit Ancien Regime to Dhruba Selvaratnam's yard to give Fallon another winner. He has been in the handicappers grip for a bit in the UK but the change of scenery will do him good and he will be at the top of the handicap and will probably be just good enough to see off the top weight Shampagne.
The highlight is the listed Jebel Ali Stakes. I fully expect Emmrooz to confirm his form by beating Haatheq. These two are the class horses in the race and it is hard to look beyond them. However Emmrooz only just saw off Haatheq in a conditions race on 17th December here at Jebel Ali so one could feel that Haatheq may well have his beating but today Emmrooz is 2kg better off so I fully expect him to win under Keiren Fallon. It may well be a battle of tactics between Fallon and Haatheq's jockey Richard Hills but I expect Keiren to triumph. Of the rest Noisy Silence is probably the best as he is well proven over this distance but I shall stick with Emmrooz.
Newbury Racecourse are spnsoring the last race confirming their strong ties with UAE racing which sees them have the Dubai Duty Free race day and also host Arab Racing. In what looks to be a competitive affair I expect the new recruit Ancien Regime to Dhruba Selvaratnam's yard to give Fallon another winner. He has been in the handicappers grip for a bit in the UK but the change of scenery will do him good and he will be at the top of the handicap and will probably be just good enough to see off the top weight Shampagne.
Indeed Fallon could be in for a top day as I fancy him to win the second race too on Dhruba Selvaratnams Otaared. This is a competitive event and is the Jebel Ali Mile Prep which much does as it says on the tin. Jet Express won this race last year before winning the Listed Jebel Ali Mile itself but I think age is catching up with the old boy this year who is a real favourite with fans and connections alike. Otaared is trained at the track and has shown himself to be in good fettle this season with a good second to the progressive Atlantic Sport last time out.
The first race is an interesting 1600 metre maiden featuring several horses who have shown promise throughout the season. Trainer Ali Al Raihe saddles 3 runners and it is interesting that Royston Ffrench has decided to ride Street Act. Ignoring his last run he has been hugely consistent of late finishing in the frame on 3 of his last four starts at Meydan and his run in November at Jebel Ali showed us the son of Street Cry handled the surface. Stablemate Dahes has been a standing dish in maidens at Meydan and he must lose his maiden tag soon and he is back over the trip of probably his best performance when a close fourth to Mark to Market. Richard Mullen rides Lord Tiger who has only had two lifetime runs but he looked to be getting the hang of things when second to West Emirates in a Maiden at the end of 2010 at Meydan. The four year old son of Tiger Hill looks a smart performer in the making and represents the stable of Satish Seemar who is currently leading the Trainers Championship. I am a great fan of Maidens and although I would love Dahes to win one for his consistency I am expecting to see Lord Tiger lead this competitive heat home.
There are two other thoroughbred handicaps making up this card for what should be a thrilling day. Racing at Jebel Ali is really lovely and relaxed and it has a bit of a country track feeling. Entry is free and you are plied with t shirts and gifts when you arrive. There is a knowledgable crowd and when a pick six favourite triumphes you certainly know it from the crowd reaction. I for one love a day at Dubai's Garden track.
Selections
Race 1 - Lord Tiger
Race 2 - Otaared
Race 3 - Emmrooz
Race 4 - Confederation
Race 5 - Tayyab
Race 6 - Ancien Regime
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