Dubai: Only seven days since he claimed his first winner at Nad Al Sheba racecourse UAE apprentice jockey Ahmad Ajtebi chases back-to-back wins aboard the Purebred Arabian Raabob.
But to do so Ajtebi will have to defy the top weight of 62.5kg, and strong claims from Nadir Du Back, a two race winner for trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe last season.
Running off an 8kg higher mark than he did when recording a 2 1/4length victory, Raabob, the six-year-old French-bred horse, will need to improve for that effort to see off his rivals in what appears to be a competitive handicap over 1,600 metres.
The highlight of today's second meeting features a competitive 1,600m handicap, the Dubal Potline Classic, which has attracted a field of 12.
Reigning champion trainer Satish Seemar saddles four of the runners and Ted Durcan's mount Bianconi, who make his dirt debut, looks the pick of the quartet. The 1,600m trip appears be on the short side for stable companion Lover Boy.
Erwan Charpy's regally-bred Rosberg can go close but, after his stunning four-timer last Thursday, former champion trainer Doug Watson must have high hopes of his three runners. Mutamarres looks first choice on jockey bookings, with Daragh O'Donohoe, who rode three of Watson's winners last Thursday, taking the ride.
In great order
Watson said: "Mutamarres is in great order and really pleased us when winning on his sole dirt start at Jebel Ali in March. He worked well at Nad Al Sheba recently and if he stays the trip he should go well."
The trainer also looks to hold strong claims with Tri Another Cat in the 1,700m Dubal Casthouse Trophy, who Watson reported "goes well fresh and is in great shape", and Ballychace in the 2,000m Dubal Stakes.
Reflecting on last week's winning quartet, he added: "It was a great start and testament to the hard work the team have put in over the summer."
Musabah Al Muhairi won the maiden last week with Knight Of Dance and looks to hold the key to this week's 1,800m Dubal Trophy in which he saddles both Liwa and Sahara Sphinx.
- With inputs from the Dubai Racing Club
