Stars prep for National Day Cup

Dubai: Derbaas, winner of last year’s National Day Cup, puts his current form to the test when he preps for this season’s renewal of the Listed race at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.

Ali Rashid Al Raihe’s eight-year-old was a consumate four-and-a-quarter length winner of the 1,600m race 12 months ago, comfortably beating 2009 and 2010 scorer Jaasoos, who also lines-up in Sunday’s prep.

The pair are among a strong field of eight runners headed by Marching Time, who won the prep in 2011 for trainer Doug Watson.

Dane O’Neill was aboard for both Derbaas’ wins last season said of his chances: “Abu Dhabi really suits him and we have a great draw in one, though in this small field that is perhaps less important.

“The penalty [last year’s win] makes the task more difficult but he should not be far away.”

The Dhruba Selvaratnam-trained Jaasoos might by the oldest horse in the race at nine, but he must be respected on past performances at the track.

He is reportedly fit and his connections remain confident he will give a good account of himself.

Nine runners contest the Purebred Arabian version, headed by Group 1 Emirates Championship Musharab and Quite A Show, winner of last season’s Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah at Meydan.

They are joined in the field by Ghalib and Merzal, the mounts of Wayne Smith and Richard Mullen respectively.

Eric Lemartinel saddles Raked, while champion trainer Ernst Oertel is represented by the filly Shayel Aldhabi, a winner of four of her six local starts.