Durcan books strong rides

Ted Durcan has not enjoyed the perfect start to his new season in the UAE but the three-time champion jockey will be hoping for better as he has secured an attractive book of rides at Nad Al Sheba today.

Durcan, who finished with 56 winners to capture his third UAE jockey's title in 2001-2002, has only managed two winners and four seconds from 31 rides since the new season began three weeks ago.

All that could change today when the talented, and well-mannered rider seen most often in the black or gold silks of retaining owner and defending champion Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, saddles up for all but one of the meet's seven races.

Durcan takes the rides on Virikis, Flower State, Evade, Northern Rock and Cherry Pickings for Sheikh Rashid and Tangeriano for owner Mohammed Yusuf Al Badoor.

Japanese-bred Northern Rock looks the pick. The four-year-old gelding impressed immensely when running out a three and a quarter length winner in his UAE debut on opening night. He should have improved for the effort and despite taking on a somewhat superior field looks like being installed the clear favourite.

Durcan kicks-off the meet on Virikis, a five-year-old with a strong front-running style, in a Purebred Arabian handicap. The Satish Seemar-trained grey gelding has has made two unsuccessful starts this season, but should strip better over today's shorter trip.

Tangeriano, an Argentian-bred colt makes his second start in the UAE for Seemar with Durcan in the irons. He stayed on well to finish a good second to River Celebre, and should go one better today.