Dubai: In-form handler Doug Watson will bid to complete a big-race double at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Friday, when he saddles Shamaal Nibras in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile — the centrepiece of three pattern races hosted by the venue each season.
Watson won the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes a fortnight ago with Jutland and, given the form that his horses have been in all season, Shamaal Nibras must have serious claims in what looks an open renewal of the prestigious contest.
The six-year-old son of First Samurai has been well rested since winning at the track over 1,400 metres six weeks ago and Watson explained: “That was always the plan. He needs time between his races so we have been patient — just as we were with Jutland.
“It worked with him and we are hoping for a big run from Shamaal Nibras in a competitive renewal.”
Stable jockey Pat Dobbs takes the ride and said: “Obviously he will have to improve from his last run, but he’s a nice, genuine performer who likes the track at Jebel Ali.
“There are some nice horses in the race, such as Forjaat, Mufarrh and Silver Galaxy, but my horse is on the up and should run well.”
Meanwhile, resident Jebel Ali handler Dhruba Selvaratnam is looking to win the race for the second successive year with stable star Forjatt, the mount of Oisin Murphy.
The feat has only been achieved twice before, with Treble Jig being the most recent double winner when successful in 2012 and 2013.
“He ran very well on his return in a sprint,” said Selvaratnam. “That was the best option to get him back on the track and to have a race before this and we were very pleased with him.
“Obviously he is a year older than when he won 12 months ago and it looks a strong renewal, but he should run well.”
Dual course winner
Musabah Al Muhairi, one of the handlers who has enjoyed the most success at Jebel Ali, runs the highly regarded Silver Galaxy, a dual course winner this season who was third in the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes a fortnight ago.
The race is sponsored by Shadwell Farm, the American arm of the breeding empire owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. His famous blue and white silks will be carried by Mufarrh, trained by Ali Rashid Al Raihe and to be ridden by the owner’s retained jockey, Paul Hanagan.
Al Raihe’s stable jockey, Royston Ffrench, rides stable companion Zain Shamardal, runner-up in the Jebel Ali Mile prep a fortnight ago.
Richard Mullen rides the Satish Seemar-trained Mawhub, who is seeking a third Jebel Ali victory of the season having already won twice here over 1,800 metres.
“He has been running well all season,” said Mullen. “It is a good race but he seems in good form and should run a big race.”
Friday’s meeting features four other races sponsored by Shaikh Hamdan under several divisions of his breeding empire, while The Racecourse Newbury continue their support of Jebel Ali racing by sponsoring the final event on the card.
