Dubai: Encipher and Asatir seeks back-to-back wins at Jebel Ali Racecourse when they square off in the 1400m Shadwell Handicap, the feature event at today’s (Friday) six-race meeting.

Trained by former two-time champion handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe, Encipher won over course and distance four weeks ago prompting Royston Ffrench to talk up his chances of a repeat victory.

“That was a good win last time,” said the jockey. “He goes particularly well at Jebel Ali where he loves the dirt surface. Hopefully he is the one they all have to beat.”

Asatir was a first-up winner for Erwan Charpy, one of the long-standing trainers in the UAE, who was making his first start in almost a year and a first outing on dirt.

An ex-Godolphin trainee, the son of elusive quality had pleased his Green Stables handler, who must be hoping that he can build on that performance and maintain his winning ways.

Wayne Smith takes the ride again and said: “He will have improved for that outing as he had been off the track a long time.

“They went very quick that day which really helped him as he stays further. This is a better race but at least we know the surface is not an issue and he retains plenty of ability.”

Red hot handler Doug Watson, who tops the trainer’s table with 12 wins thus far, saddles Shebebi.

“I think he will run well,” said Watson. “He improved a lot from his first run back at Meydan to finish a close fourth at Jebel Ali two weeks ago. He is working well and should be competitive.”

The former champion trainer also saddles Shamaal Nibras who is looking for a first win at the track.

“He ran really well twice at Jebel Ali last season,” said Watson. “So we know the surface and hill are not going to be an issue for him. His first outing this season was excellent but he ran a bit flat second time.

“We have freshened him up and he seems in great form.”

Others to note are Atlantic Brave, who is seeking a seventh Jebel Ali victory for trainer Musabah Al Muhairi and a first since November and Alnashmy who was fourth in the Listed National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi last Sunday.

Resident Jebel Ali handler Dhruba Selvaratnam saddles UAE debutant Saayerr, the winner of the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood as a juvenile in 2013.

There are four other competitive handicaps on the card and an interesting maiden’s race.