Dubai: Brabhham, trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash at the Al Qudra-based Al Aasfa Stables, can become only the third horse after One Man Band and Polar River to record four wins in a season, when he contests the concluding handicap at Meydan Racecourse on Friday.

Previously prepared by ex-Dubai champion handler Kiaran McLaughlin in America, the six-year-old son of Darley’s celebrated stallion Bernardini, is sure to take all the beating in the 1800 metre dirt contest which bring the curtain down on the domestic season at Meydan prior to the Dubai World Cup on March 26.

The main danger could come from Nathr, who represents champion-elect trainer Doug Watson.

The seven-race card which is restricted to the dirt, is highlighted by the 1600m Asia Pacific Super Region handicap featuring a field of six.

Watson, who notched his 50th winner of the season with Cool Cowboy on Super Saturday last weekend, is responsible for two of them including Jebel Ali scorer Padlock and a graduate from December’s ERA Racing in Dubai Sale, Tried And True.

Watson’s stable jockey, Pat Dobbs has opted to ride Padlock while Sam Hitchcott partners the latter.

“Getting his head back in front has hopefully done his confidence a lot of good,” Watson said of Padlock. “He remains in great shape, goes well at Meydan and must have a big chance.”

Tried And True posted one win in seven starts when previously raced by Eoin Harty for Godolphin in the USA.

“He is a nice new horse who has pleased us since joining the yard,” said Watson. “This is the ideal opportunity to get a start into him and find out a bit more about him.

“Whatever he achieves here, he will be a nice horse for next season.”

Should Tried and True prove successful in the race, he will be eligible for the Dh15,000 win bonus that will be paid to winning graduates of the sale.

Bin Harmash relies on Fitzgerald who impressed when landing a seven furlong victory at Jebel Ali earlier this year.

Stable jockey, Freddy Tylicki said: “He ran well first time and relished the 1400m last time at Jebel Ali.

He was staying on strongly so the 1600m at Meydan should really suit him.”

Wayne Smith rides course and distance winner Stormardal while Scotland Forever, whose two previous starts were in the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint and the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, represents Satish Seemar.

Seemar also looks to have genuine claims in the Vision To Reality Handicap with Glenleven although Mutahaddith, the winner of two handicaps over the course and distance this season, looks a Pick Six favourite.

Reigning champion handler Musabah Al Muhairi saddled a treble on Super Saturday and looks to continue his strong form with Conform With Fact.

Watson introduces recent acquisition, Docket, winner of one of his five starts for Godolphin and Harty in the USA.

“He is another nice new addition who is going well at home,” said Watson. “He has been off a year though so may need the run.”

Ali Rashid Al Raihe and his stable jockey, Tadhg O’Shea, combine with Mutahaddith, twice a course and distance winner this season.

“He has had a good season and can hopefully be competitive again,” said O’Shea. “He was given a bit of a break after a busy spell so is fresh and well.”

Alareef, trained by Mike de Kock should not be far away here.

 

GN Selections

Race Horse

1) 1. Rockley; 2. Shamal.

2) 1. Hammerindown; 2. Muharrib.

3) 1. Burnt Pavlova; 2. Bowery.

4) 1. Padlock; 2. Fitzgerald.

5) 1. Milton; 2. Mutahaddith.

6) 1. Baroot; 2. Conquerant.

7) 1. Brabbham; 2. Nathr.

Day’s Best: Brabbham.