Dubai: The Ruler of Sharjah Trophy is the showpiece race as the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club stages its final and biggest meeting of the season.

Seven have been declared for the 1,700m Prestige contest where Eric Lemartinel appears to hold solid claims with Mahfouzm, the mount of Tadhg O’Shea, and Al Jazi, who will be ridden by Gerald Avranche.

Lemartinel sent out Hamza to land the prize last year during his first season as retained trainer at Al Asayl Stables near Abu Dhabi.

“Mahfouz has only had three starts and this will be his dirt debut,” said O’Shea. “He seems to handle a similar surface in his work at home and the longer trip than he has faced should suit him.

“Al Jazi is more experienced, has won on dirt and should stay so the yard have two decent chances but [Ernst] Oertel’s horse [AF Jahed] looks the one to beat.”

“It took him a few starts to realise what was required but has had a good season once the penny dropped,” said Oertel.

“He has had a nice little break and this looked a good opportunity for him. Hopefully, he has a big chance.”

The final race of the Sharjah season is the Sharjah Marathon, a 2,700m handicap in which The Secret, trained by Doug Watson, will bid to repeat his victory of 12 months ago.

The seven-year-old had four wins from five outings last season, all four wins coming in Sharjah.

With Jim Crowley on board, the return to Sharjah will certainly suit him and he appears to hold serious claims of defending his crown.

“There has not been a suitable opportunity at Sharjah up to now so we are pleased to get him back there,” said Watson. “He is in good form at home and we expect him to at least go close.”

The Al Asayl team has two runners with RB Burning Ash the choice of O’Shea on this occasion and Avranche aboard stable companion, Meydan Du Paon.

However, the main danger could be from the locally bred Shamikh Al Wathba, a winner over 1,800m on debut at Al Ain in December, who has had just two subsequent outings for Jean de Roualle.

Both those races were over 1,600m on turf at Abu Dhabi, he was runner-up on the first occasion but perhaps a bit disappointing when finishing ninth in his last time out.

The five-year-old has had a month off, and should be freshened up. He is also expected to benefit from the increased trip and return to dirt, making him a big threat under Antonio Fresu.