Dubai: The final meeting of the year at Jebel Ali Racecourse is highlighted by the Jebel Ali Stakes Prep, an 1800-metre conditions race, which will take place on Friday.
Among the eight runners declared for the race is the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Interpret, winner of the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes last season and the mount of stable jockey, Silvestre De Sousa. He is penalised for that victory, as is Dormello, trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam.
Dormello earned his penalty by winning a course and distance conditions race in March and Oisin Murphy takes the ride.
Richard Mullen is in the saddle on course specialist, Tiz Now Tiz Then, for his main employer, Satish Seemar. Seeking a fourth course victory, Mullen’s mount set a 1400-metre track record at this meeting two years ago and won twice on the course over 1600 metres last season.
“He loves it at Jebel Ali,” said Mullen. “We have waited for this race to make his seasonal return as it looked an ideal target. It is a tough little race but he is fit and well and the horses remain in great form.”
Haatheq, trained by Ali Rashid Al Raihe is a dual winner of this race, having won in 2010 and 2013, as well as finishing second in 2012.
Dane O’Neill takes the ride on Jalaa, trained by Doug Watson.
“It is his first start of the season but he seems in great form,” said the handler. “He goes well at Jebel Ali and this looks a good starting point for the campaign. Obviously, it is a good race but we are looking forward to running him.”
Al Raihe’s stable jockey, Royston Ffrench, rides Haatheq, with Wayne Smith on the owner’s third runner, Sefri, for trainer, Erwan Charpy.
The main support race is a 1200-metre conditions contest for which a select seven have been declared. The weights are headed by Forjatt, trained by Selvaratnam and penalised for his win in last season’s Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile.
Apprentice Marc Monagahn rides him with stable jockey, Oisin Murphy, choosing to partner stable companion, United Color. Winner of the inaugural Listed Dubawi Stakes at Meydan Racecourse in January, he has yet to win on dirt but has finished second in this race in each of the last two years.
The Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Muarrab won this race last year when completing an early season hat-trick. He has not been seen since but looked an exciting sprinter 12 months ago. However O’Neill, chooses to ride stablemate, Fityaan.
A 1000-metre winner at Jebel Ali on his penultimate start, O’Neill’s mount was third over that same course and distance on his most recent outing four weeks ago.
The Watson-trained Kilt Rock was just in front of him on that occasion and is in opposition again in a fascinating speed battle.
