Dubai: Trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam will be hoping to turn the tide on what has been a rather frustrating season thus far when he saddles a couple of well-fancied runners at his home track at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Friday.
The veteran handler has sent out 16 runners since the season began on October 28, but is yet to get off the mark.
“A lot of our horses went up in weight last year while others have been in need of a run following the summer break,” said Selvaratnam, a four-time champion trainer who holds the record for saddling the most winners in a season with 67.
“But I don’t like pushing my horses, I believe in giving them time to settle down each season.
“We have some nice chances on Friday, particularly with Gobooll who is a dual course and distance winner from last year, and Talyani, who was a decent handicapper when based with William Haggas in the UK,” he added.
“He hasn’t run here due to an injury. But he’s recovered and is fit and ready to go. But obviously he will need the run as this will be his first start since August 2015.”
“Gobool probably did have the equivalent of a race, but without his jockey,” said Selvaratnam. “Friday’s conditions are probably his optimum and he seems fit and well at home. It is a tough race but he should be competitive.”
With stable jockey Chris Hayes still on the sidelines as he recovers from a track injury, Selvaratnam has roped in the services of Qatar-based Harry Bentley for four rides on Friday, including Gobooll.
The eight-year-old son of Invincible Spirit takes on twelve rivals headed by the Doug Watson-trained duo of Okimon, a dual course winner and Lytham St Annes.
The reigning UAE Champion Trainer is also responsible for two other runners, Stunned and Jawhar.
“He is working very nicely and we are very pleased with him,” said Watson of Okimoni. “He has proved his ability to run well fresh and, hopefully, he can do so again on Friday.
“He (Stunned) is ready for a race and this looked a good option.”
Commenting on the prospects of Jawhar, and dirt debutant, Lytham St Annes, the trainer added: “Both have been off the track since February and we want to get them back in action.
“We have turf options for them early next year but this gives us a chance to see how they handle Jebel Ali where neither have run before.”
Zabeel Stables handler Satish Seemar saddles two, with stable jockey Richard Mullen choosing Fit The Bill over Pupil.
Assistant trainer Bhupat Seemar said: “Both are in good form and should run well in an obviously competitive race.
“Fit The Bill will be racing on dirt for the first time but seems to work well on it at home.
“Pupil has run well at Jebel Ali in the past and, hopefully, will do so again.”
Friday’s card also features four other competitive looking handicaps and an interesting maiden contest.
GN Selections
1st Race: 1. Skygazer; 2. Godrevy.
2nd Race: 1. Diwaan; 2. Shaakis.
3rd Race: 1. Okimono 2. Gobooll.
4th Race: 1. Najm Suhail; 2. Ordinal.
5th Race: 1. Tides Rise; 2. Secret Ambition.
6th Race: 1. Pictograph; 2. Secret Trade.
Day’s Best: Najm Suhail.
