Abu Dhabi First season handler Nacer Samiri chases another major prize when he saddles four runners led by last year’s winner Thakif in the Dh3 million Group 1 HH The President’s Cup for Purebred Arabians at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.

Al Wathba Stables-based Samiri, who has already won two legs of the prestigious Al Maktoum Challenge series at Meydan including the first with Thakif, also saddles Mushrae, Nahee and Haanof.

Thakif has a score to settle having been stripped of his victory in the HH The President’s Cup last season following a Stewards inquiry.

Qatar-based Harry Bentley, who was on board on that occasion, resumes his association with the smart eight-year-old.

“I was in Qatar when he won last time. He is a real favourite of mine and looks sure to run a big race,” said Bentley.

“He showed last year he can stay 2200 metres but his stamina is always a nagging doubt, especially if they go very quick.”

Pat Dobbs, who partnered Thakif to win the Al Maktoum Challenge, takes the ride on Haanoof with Wayne Smith on Mushrae and Sam Hitchcott teaming up with Nahee.

Al Asayl trainer Eric Lemartinel outscores Samiri in terms of numbers with five intended runners in the Cup.

Among them are Abu Alabyad, who was awarded the race 12 monts ago following Thakif’s disqualification.

Gerald Avranche, his rider, said: “These are probably his optimum conditions. As you would expect, it is a strong race but he is in good form,”

The Thoroughbred version over 1400 metres has been won in each of the last three seasons by horses owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance who have been trained by Emiriati handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

Hopeing to follow in the hoofprints of former winners Alazeyab, Nawwaar and Ertijaal are Ghaamer and Mustadeem.

Shaikh Hamdan is also represented by the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Kanaf.

Sheikh Hamdan’s first retained jockey Paul Hanagan has elected to ride Ghaamer. While Kanaf, fifth in the race last year, will be ridden by Shaikh Hamdan’s second jockey Dane O’Neill.

National Day Cup winner Forjatt hopes to continue a good weekend for trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam and jockey Chris Hayes following their success with Market Rally in the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) at Meydan on Thursday.

Forjatt also hopes to become only the third horse after King Jock (206) and Nawwaar (2014) to win the two Abu Dhabi highlights in the same season.

“He goes very well at Abu Dhabi. Hopefully there is a good gallop to give us something to aim at,” said Hayes.

Top South African handler Mike de Kock, who saddled Johann Strauss and Disa Leader to finsih second and third last season, is represented by Zahee.

“His last two runs have been disappointing. On his best form he would go very close but we are going to find out if he still retains the ability and or enthusiasm,” said De Kock.