Dubai Dhruba Selvaratnam enjoys a high strike rate at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and the former champion trainer saddles stable flag-bearer Forjatt as he goes in search of a record fifth victory in the Dh380,000 Listed National Day Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious races run at the track.
The veteran handler, who has spent 25 memorable years as head trainer at the Jebel Ali Stables, has enjoyed previous wins with Wafayt (1995), Murheb (1998) and Jaasoos (2009-’10).
Wafayt made history that year as the National Day Cup became the first-ever Listed race to be run in the UAE.
Forjaat, a veteran of 20 domestic starts since 2012, bids to join that elite group of winners in what looks to be one of the strongest renewals of the National Day Cup.
He faces 11 rivals lead by ex-German trained Limario, who is now based with in-form handler Doug Watson, former Goodwood Group 2 scorer Heavy Metal and three-time Meydan winner Busker.
Forjaat produced an impressive performance to land the National Day Cup Prep on his seasonal return three weeks ago, a race in which Busker finished a three-quarter length runner-up.
Stable jockey Chris Hayes was aboard on that occasions and takes the ride again.
“He really pleased us when winning first time,” said Selvaratnam. “He was not beaten far in the National Day Cup two years ago when not enjoying a lot of luck in running.
“He has been in good form since his win but this is a stronger race and Limario looks the one to beat.”
Limario, who has been campaigned at Group 1 level, takes a big drop in class to contest Sunday’s race.
He deserves the utmost respect given the fact that Watson has his string in fine order.
“He has been working nicely,” said the Red Stables handler. “It will be his first run at Abu Dhabi but conditions should not be an issue and we are very hopeful of a big run.
“This looks a great race to get him back in action and, with the horses running so well on the whole, he should at least be competitive.”
Stable jockey Pat Dobbs will be in the saddle.
The Satish Seemar-trained filly More Aspen may be riding a 16-race losing streak, but she still enjoys considerable appeal as a result of a significant weight allowance.
She raced against Forjatt earlier this year when fourth in HH The President’s Cup.
The pick of the five Purebred Arabian races on the card is the Group 3 Dh420,000 Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup over a mile.
Eleven run with Thakif looking the one to beat.
GN Selections
Race Horse
1. 1. Circe Du Paon; 2. Negmah
2. 1. Hamza; 2. Sataar Al Reef
3. 1. AF Mathmoon; 2. Molahen El Alhan
4. 1. Thakif; 2. Areem
5. 1. Al Shabab; 2. Hakim
6. 1. Forjatt; 2. Limario
Day’s Best: Thakif.
