Dubai: New Jebel Ali Stables handler Gopi Selvaratnam is looking to log his first victory of the season at his home track when he saddles American import Bluff in the Shadwell Farm Conditions Stakes on Friday.
Selvaratam has gone winless in two meetings at the course, but looks to have strong claims of breaking the ice with Bluff, as the much-fancied Mizbah is a non-runner together with stable companion Just a Penny.
“He is a bit of a temperamental horse but seems to be in good form at home and should run well,” said Selvaratnam.
“He can be a bit lazy in his races but is certainly ready for a run and as fit as we can get him without one.
“He should improve for the outing but we are hoping for a big run under conditions which suit him.”
Champion Trainer Doug Watson was due to saddle three runners but Mizbah and Just A Penny were announced as non-runners.
However, Resonant, the mount of Tadhg O’Shea, is a strong representative for Watson having won over 1,600 metres at Jebel Ali at the very first meeting of the season a month ago.
“Mizbah was a bit lame so has to miss out as he would have been very competitive,” said the in-form handler who saddled a four-timer at Meydan Racecourse last week.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, sponsors the race through Shadwell Farm, the US arm of his large breeding empire, and is represented by Ijmaaly.
Dane O’Neill, retained by the owner, rides for Ali Rashid Al Rayhi.
This race is the same distance as the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes won by Interpret three years ago and the Oasis Stables trainee will be making his seasonal debut for Maria Ritchie. Interpret is a bit of a Jebel Ali specialist having won four times at the track, but is winless since March 2015.
Emirati handler Ahmad bin Harmash won this race last year and saddles the three-year-old Brabbham who receives weight from his six rivals.
The main support race, a 1,200m handicap sponsored by Commercial Bank of Dubai sees Selvaratnam run Jebel Ali veteran Sholaan.
Watson relies on Indescribable while Satish Seemar saddles Riflescope. However, the danger looks to be the Ali Rashid Al Rayhi duo, Beachy Head and Kasb.
GN Selections
Race 1: 1/ Ejbaar; 2. First Down.
Race 2: 1. Prince Suhail; 2. Fast Enough.
Race 3: 1. Bluff; 2. Resonant,
Race 4: 1. Hawker; 2. North Pole.
Race 5: 1. Broadcloth; 2. Arcarius.
Race 6: 1. Lasb; 2. Scrutineer.
Day’s Best: Kasb.