Mazin and Smith add another compelling win

Three newcomers made a winning debut at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club last evening as the Mazin Al Kurdi-Wayne Smith team combined for another compelling victory.

Woodfield, saddled by top Indian trainer Richard Alford, made a promising UAE debut when winning an eight-furlong contest for thoroughbreds after putting up a brave fight in the run in to the line.

Ridden strongly by Philippe Bruneau the Zafonic gelding produced just that extra to stave off Michael Hussey astride the John Sadler-trained Ides in a close finish.

The other two debutants to make winning starts to their UAE campaigns were Noor Alain for Karl Burke and Bas Ana for James Frazier Jr.

Noon Alain, a French-bred four-year-old filly stretched out well under Michael Hills to won a six-furlong handicap for Purebred Arabians by one length from Jaber Bittar's Khateer, ridden by Seamus O'Gorman.

Bas Ana also had to work for her victory in a Maidens race for Purebred Arabians, but Michael Hills had it a little easier this time out as the Izentespeshal filly held out by a length and three quarters from Kesbes dec Chaillach, ridden by Seb Sanders for champion trainer Erwan Charpy.

Mazin and Wayne Smith were kept waiting until the final event of the six-race card before they could add to their fruitful alliance.

The pair were in top form at the Jebel Ali Racecourse on Friday, winning four races each.

Yesterday the confidence in the partnership was seen to full effect when Smith produced the Dormane colt with a blistering run to get the better of Tidjam Lotois, ridden by Richard Mullen for Julian Smart.

Other winners on the night were AF Muntaha, ridden by Gary Hind for Rod Simpson and Valdora, the mount of former English Derby winning rider Willie Ryan, for trainer Yancy Carter Jr.

Results:
1.Thoroughbreds Maiden (1m):
1. Woodfield (R Alford) P Bruneau; 2. Ides (J Sadler) M Hussey; 3. Saihook (A Smith) G Hind.
Distances: Nk, 3 1/2.
Time: 1:37.05

2. Purebred Arabians UAE Bred Maiden (7f):
1. AF Muntaha (R Simpson) G Hind; 2. Shoofni Ana (A R Alraihe) J Carroll; 3. Zeina (J Peromingo) M Hills.
Distances: 1 1/4, 1L.
Time: 1:35.57.

3. Purebred Arabians (6f):
1. Noor Alain (K Burke) M Hills; 2. Khateer (J Bittar) S O'Gorman; 3. Ali de Piboul (A Smith) G Hind.
Distances: 1L, 1/2L.
Time: 1:19.08.

4. Purebred Arabians Miaden (6f):
1. Bas Ana (J Frazier Jr) M Hills; 2. Kesbes dec Chaillac (E Charpy) S Sanders; 3. Juliett I (J Bittar) SO'Gorman.
Distances: 1 3/4L, 1 3/4L.
Time: 1:21.37.

5. Purebred Arabians Maiden (11f):
1. Valdora (Y Carter Jr) W Ryan; 2 Eben AlGhali (E Charpy) S Sanders; 3. Shurouk (J Peromingo) S Hamel.
Distances: 1 1/2L, Sh.
Time: 2:33.43.

6. Purebred Arabians (8f):
1. Klovis de Nerak (M Al Kurdi) W Smith; 2. Tidjam Lotois (J Smart)R Mullen; 3. Quick Reply (S Seemar) C Arnold.
Distances: Nk, 1 1/4L.
Time: 1:47.56.