Flight Pattern has speed to win Jebel Ali Sprint

Australian-bred Flight Pattern can secure his reputation as a top quality sprinter by beating a high quality field in today's Dh350,000 Jebel Ali Sprint (Listed), is one of the highlights of the season. But the five-year-old son of Canadian stallion Manshood, will have to be his swiftest as he takes on clutch of seasoned sprinters in Ramp And Rave, Kharir, Mutamayyaz, Countless and Moonis.

In his last start at Jebel Ali Flight Pattern, given a compelling ride by British champion Kieren Fallon, just got up on the line to beat Moonis and Ramp And Rave in a thrilling three-horse finish. Both Moonis and Ramp And Rave reoppose today, and they are joined by Kharir, a two-time winner at this course, the much improved dual winners Countless and Mutamayyaz. Also in the nine-horse field are established sprinters Bin Cyclone, Mudallel and the newcomer San Salvador who won three races in a row when trained at Newmarket by former Godolphin assistant Jeremy Noseday.

Flight Pattern should have improved for the effort and is likely to start today's race as the favourite. Top Godolphin jockey Frankie Dettori replaces Fallon who continues his successful partnership with Jaci Wickham's Countless. The go into today's big race on the back of a noteworthy win at Nad Al Sheba four weeks ago. The Danzig gelding will have benefitted from the layoff and should be considered a strong contender.

Jebel Ali trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam must also fancy the chances of his leading sprinter Ramp And Rave who finished a strong third to Flight Pattern two weeks ago at this course. Though Selvaratnam insists that the Jebel Ali track is not Ramp And Rave's best surface the manner of his last running suggests that he will have a strong say at the finish.

Kharir, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, has been a leading performer at this venue, and though he could only manage fourth in the race won by Flight Pattern, is likely to improve. The same can be said of Satish Seemar's Moonis who led a furlong out from home before being edged by Flight Pattern.

In the final analysis is should be Flight Pattern from Ramp And Rave, followed by Moonis and Mutamayyaz. Seven runners contest the Jebel Ali Mile Prep including last year's star miler Conflict, Maktoum Challenge winner Goombayland, and the Saeed bin Suroor duo Siege and Zoning. Though his has not raced since winning the Godolphin Mile on March 25 last year Conflict looks the one they will all have to beat.