Dubai: The Doug Watson-trained Jawhar will aim to rediscover his record-breaking form when he faces a strong field in the 1,600m Longines Conquest Classic Handicap at Saturday Racing at Meydan meeting.
The Halling gelding set a new mark for the distance on his penultimate start at Meydan before he finished out of the frame over an extended trip. Now back to the mile, the six-year-old can make amends and is taken to score from South African-trained Final Button and stable companion Oasis Dancer.
Watson said: “Oasis Dancer has been running so consistently all season, both at Meydan and Jebel Ali, and deserves a change of luck.
“Jawhar remains in great form and I expect them both to run well again.”
However, the main danger appears to be Final Button, who trainer Mike de Kock is confident of producing a big effort.
“Final Button is certainly capable of a big run at this level and stays 1,600m well,” said the handler who saddled a brace at Thursday’s Carnival meeting.
The champion South African handler also saddles Lehaaf, Red Duke and Alhebayeb, all of whom have genuine claims.
“We took Lehaaf to Jebel Ali hoping for a big run to boost his rating and try and get him in a valuable handicap in the Dubai World Cup Carnival,” said de Kock. “It did not work out so we will have another go here because he showed on his first Meydan run he can be very competitive at the Carnival.
“Red Duke and Alhebayeb need to bounce back to their best juvenile form but both are fit and well.”
The other turf handicap on the Longines-sponsored card is over 1,200m, where the Ernst Oertel-trained Brazen looks to be the one to beat.
Watson sends out three including Kilt Rock, Muaanid and Famous Warrior.
