Dubai Kahayla Classic: the Arabian stars

Nieshan

He won the Al Maktoum Challenge III (G1) for a third consecutive year when fending off Versac Py on Super Saturday. This son of Akbar has been so consistent over the years, and would deserve to win on World Cup night. He finished fifth last year. Nieshan is seven years old now and he seems as good as ever. He travelled well throughout the race three weeks ago, when placed in mid-division early on, and made good progress to lead 300 metres out. Versac Py and Naseem threw down challenges in the straight but Nieshan fended them off. The trio drew well clear and were in a different class. This was sweet revenge for Nieshan, who had previously been beaten by Naseem in a photo finish to the President’s Cup (G1) at Abu Dhabi.

Naseem

This one’s open to improvement. The son of Mahabb has shown a nice combination of versatility and consistency this year. He was third to Areem in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round I (G1). Staged over 1,600 metres, that contest was clearly a bit on the sharp side for Naseem. Stepped up to 2,200, and switching to turf, he won the President’s Cup (G1) at Abu Dhabi, where he overcame a slow start to finish strongly and caught Nieshan for a thrilling nose verdict. Naseem most recently ran third to Nieshan in the Al Maktoum Challenge III (G1). Give him a strong early pace, and he is a danger to all.

Areem

Here is another really classy Arabian. Areem was also bred in France, where he was second to Tabarak in a Group One over 1,600 metres in 2011. He was second to Naseem in the UAE Arabian Derby over 2,200 metres on turf at Abu Dhabi last year, so is not without stamina. His best form, however, has come over shorter. Jockey Ahmad Ajtebi sent him straight to the lead in the Matkoum Challenge Round I, and Areem galloped on strongly in front to win by 3½ lengths from Dariya, another talented runner owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

TM Fred Texas

He won this for Qatar last year, so must also be considered. TM Fred Texas was the best as he beat Seraphin du Paon by 1¾ lengths 12 months ago and is clearly one of the best Arabian runners around. His two runs at home this winter have not been up to scratch, however, as he finished fifth on both occasions. He needs to regain his best form to win again. n