Force Freeze can scorch rivals at Meydan
Top UAE sprinter to make his seasonal debut as he takes on seven rivals in feature race
Dubai: All eyes will be on top UAE sprinter Force Freeze when he makes his seasonal debut at Meydan Racecourse tonight as his connections continue to plan his schedule towards the Dubai International Racing Carnival and ultimately the big sprint race on Dubai World Cup night.
Force Freeze heads an eight-horse field who will vie for honours in the six-furlong conditions race sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, the meeting principal sponsor.
Trained by Doug Watson, the five-year-old placed fifth behind Big City Man in the Group One Dubai Golden Shaheen on dirt in 2009 and ninth in the same race won last year by Kinsale King when it was held on the all-weather at Meydan.
Today's race will be crucial to develop his fitness and edge if he hopes to remain competitive with Watson saying: "Force Freeze won first time out last season at the Carnival, and that and World Cup night are obviously the target again. He is ready for a run though and pleasing us at home".
Commenting on his second runner, Musaalem, Watson added: "Musaalem had three Carnival starts last season and went very close on his first start, so he too goes well fresh. He has blossomed over the summer and both should run well".
Recent course and distance winner Alo Pura looks a live threat while Jebel Ali scorers Dohasa and Yirga spice up an interesting contest. Dohasa was an impressive winner over five furlongs at Jebel Ali having previously finished behind Alo Pura, trained by Dhruba Selvaratnam, at Meydan in November.
Twelve runners contest the supporting feature event, a conditions race over seven furlongs for three-year-olds, with Doug Watson again likely to saddle one of the main contenders in Dherghaam.
The Shadwell-bred colt was 10th on his UAE debut behind the impressive Reynaldothewizard but appeared to need the run on the day and can be expected to strip fitter on his reappearance today.
