Jebel Ali: Gharir looks a class act

The Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, the undoubted feature of the season so far, is the highlight tomorrow and the 1,950m Listed contest has attracted a high-class field. Eleven were declared for the Dh350,000 race but Doug Watson's 2003 winner Dubai Honor will miss the race it was announced yesterday.

Erwan Charpy won this last year with Dynamic Saint and will be hoping that either Gharir or Rosberg can emulate their stable companion. Gharir, placed behind Godolphin's Shamardal in both the French 2,000 Guineas and Derby, won a prep race for tomorrow's contest, over a mile, a fortnight ago, while Rosberg made an impressive winning return to action at Nad Al Sheba. The trainer said: "Gharir is a nice horse with a bit of class. He should stay the trip and worked well last week. Rosberg was lame after his win which has affected his preparation but he too worked well the other day. Both should stay the trip."

Watson relies on Mutasallil. He said: "We took Mutasallil to Nad Al Sheba on Sunday and he worked well. He goes well fresh."

Remaadd, third to Gharir last time and seasonal debutant Mulaqat are both trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam who said: "Remaadd has come out of that race well and this longer trip will suit, while Mulaqat has done plenty of work. I can't split them.