Dubai: Muarrab, last year’s Listed Jebel Ali Sprint sensation, laid down an ominous marker for the season’s major sprints when thrashing his three opponents in a 1200 metre conditions event sponsored by Frayland.
Ridden with confidence by Dane O’Neill, the six-year-old son of Oasis Dream scored by eight lengths from recent Jebel Ali winner Nawwaar, and on the strength of that performance will have set all challengers running for cover.
Friday’s victory was his eighth on the track and perhaps one of his best ever performances.
“I was always happy and he really quickened nicely when I asked him,” said O’Neill. “When he hits that hill he just strides out so powerfully.
“It is the perfect start to his season and he was very impressive. You just never know how they will go first time out, but he was good today.”
His trainer Musabah Al Muhairi said he expected a big run from him, but was a bit surprised at the way he flattened his rivals within a matter of strides.
“He’s a serious horse and we were confident that he will run well, but you have to be a bit surprised with the authority he showed as this was only his first visit to the racecourse in over eight months,” said the reigning UAE champion trainer.
“He could be better this year than he was last season, so we are very excited with his prospects. Obviously he will defend his Jebel Ali Sprint title but we will also look at the Carnival.”
Muarrab raced in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who sponsored the feature race of the afternoon at Jebel Ali under the banner of Shadwell Farm, the American arm of his breeding empire.
Former champion handler Satish Seemar was responsible for saddling the first and second in the 1800 metre conditions event, with Farrier getting up on the line to deny stable companion Mawhub in a close finish.
“It has been a while coming but he deserves to get his head back in front,” said Mullen. “He always seems to run well fresh and obviously acts well here at Jebel Ali.
“He stays further so I knew he would run all the way to the line.
“We also knew Mawhub was in good form and he too goes particularly well here. I was a bit worried about giving him 3kgs because of Hector’s claim.
“In fairness, Hector gave Mawhub a great ride but luckily, for me, my fellow was finishing strongly and we hit the front just in time. The horses have been running well and it is a big result for the whole team.”
Al Muhairi, whose string is slowing coming into stride, completed a Jebel Ali double when former Dubai World Cup-winning jockey Fernando Jara rode Art Wave to victory in the Jotun Handicap over 1400 metres,
“The 1400m here at Jebel Ali really suits him,” said Jara. “I had been warned he is not always the easiest, especially when in front, but I hoped he would pick up when I asked him and he dug deep for a gutsy win.”
O’Neill also completed a double when Mushaakis cruised home a comfortable winner of the Commercial Bank of Dubai Handicap, a feat that was also achieved by trainer Doug Watson, with victories by Tadarrok in the opening and Busatto 30 minutes later.
