Sharjah: Molahen Alham, a decisive winner of the Emirates Colt’s Classic last month, looks hard to oppose in the Dh150,00 Ruler of Sharjah Cup Presented by Longines, the highlight of Saturday’s season finale at the track.
The four-year-old colt represents reigning UAE champion trainer Ernst Oertel, who looks certain to retain the prize he won for the first time last season.
He will be partnered by Oertel’s stable jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who already has the jockeys’ title he won 12 months ago in the bag.
Although this will be Molahen Alham’s first dirt outing, O’Shea is bullish about his chances. He said: “He is a young horse, we have always liked and won both his first two starts before finishing second twice and disappointing a bit in the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Gold Cup.
“We then decided to ride him very positively in the Colts’ Classic and the tactic worked. He seemed to really enjoy being out in front and galloped on strongly to the line when challenged.
“That was over 1600m but the extra 100m should be fine. Hopefully he will act on the surface and be hard to beat.”
He faces five opponents, including MH Areeb, who dead-heated with Al Waqqad in this race last year when previously trained by Saleha Al Gurair. He subsequently won again over course and distance last November to give his new trainer, Elise Jeanne, her first UAE winner.
However, he has not run up to expectations in his last three starts and has a lot to find on form if he hopes to pose a threat on Saturday.
Eric Lemartinel saddles two runners, Ain Jaloot and HK Ahlawiya.
Saturday’s card also features the 2700m Sharjah Marathon, an event that is traditionally run at the final meeting, and a field of 16 will face the starter,
Among them are last year’s winner, Laahaq, who is trained by Majid Al Jahouri. Harry Bentley is in the saddle once again.
Stable companion Raheq was third last year and reopposes for Oertel and O’Shea.
Sharjah specialist Swyft, who was sixth in the 2013 renewal, and Kalahari Desert, 11th on that day, also represent Oertel.
Racing starts at 3pm and entry is free to the racecourse.
