Abu Dhabi: The highlights of Abu Dhabi’s second meeting of the season are the prep races for the National Day Cups, 1,600m contests apiece for both the Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians.
Eight have been declared for the Thoroughbred version where Ali Rashid Al Raihe’s Nawwaar looks set to defend his unbeaten record at Abu Dhabi which includes last season’s National Day and HH The President’s Cups.
“Obviously the Abu Dhabi turf track really suits him,” said Dane O’Neill. “We have a decent draw and have to be hopeful although the penalty makes life a bit tougher.”
Other notables in the race including Derbaas, who is seeking a third consecutive win in the contest, and the Doug Watson-trained Jawhar.
Satish Seemar relies on Moonlight Dash, a 2,200m course winner in January.
Champion trainer Ernst Oertel holds strong claims in the Purebred Arabian version with champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea electing to ride Nymphea Du Paon, a winner of seven of her eight career starts.
