Sprint stars are ready to fire

If you like your action hard and fast then come watch the big race at Nad Al Sheba racecourse tonight. Those who prefer not to test the heart's capacity, are advised to stay away.

The reason being tonight's featured thoroughbred sprint has all the ingredients to be an absolute fire-cracker. Sprint races at Nad Al Sheba have traditionally produced some sensational performances and tonight's glamour race promises to be one of the races of the year.

A handsome purse of Dh 125,000 has attracted some of the fastest sprinters in the land, including last season's champion Conroy, his would be conqueror Conceal and the dashing State City, to name just three of a star-studded field of 12 runners.

The top-class entry includes established sprinters like San Salvador, Proud Irishman, Crystal Magician, Mutamayaz, Orchestrated and the newcomer to the UAE Feet So Fast.

Although he will have to answer some serious questions relating to his class Richard Alford's Conceal still stands out as a strong contender. On the strength of the ability he has shown in his back-to-back wins this season he runs with a big chance.

But given the depth, and quality, of the opposition a strong drive will be needed from Greek-born rider Dimitris Mylonas when Conceal flies the flag for the International Stables.

But Conceal faces some classy rivals.

In Conroy, the sprint find of last season, he has a rival who is much better than the fourth place to Proud Irishman on his seasonal debut six weeks ago, suggests.

State City appeals on class. Paddy Rudkin's charge stays strongly and though the six furlong trip might be a trifle short, the manner in which he won twice over this course earlier this year before going on to finish a close third to Essence of Dubai in the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas, suggests he can still make a race of it.

After thrice finishing second this season San Salvador is likely to be up with the pace earlier than is usual, while the fact that champion jockey Ted Durcan has chosen to partner Crystal Magician in favour of three other horses owned by Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, could point to the confidence he has in the horse who was beaten ten and a half lengths to third place by Conceal a month back.

Feet So Fast, who was acquired by Sheikh Rashid after he strung together three wins including a most impressive one in the Dubai Duty Free Sprint at the Shergar Cup meeting at Ascot, makes his UAE debut for trainer Satish Seemar.

The form book points to Conceal but it remains to be seen if he can successfully execute the step up in class as he bids to earn his place in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen Sprint on Dubai World Cup night on March 29, 2003.

Ten runners contest the Mazrat Al Ruwayah Prep over 7.5 furlongs with the Allan Smith-trained Khoutoubia going for his third win of the season and Bopp Moon hoping to stop him.

Khoutoubia appears to have rediscovered his zest for racing at the age of eight and more significantly has displayed an ability to adapt. His two wins, both at Abu Dhabi including the last in the National Day Cup, came with contrasting running styles and it will be interesting to see how Gary Hind rides him tonight.

Having twice finished behind Khoutoubia, Bopp Moon will have to find something extra for Richard Hills, if he is to reverse the trend.

Djin, fourth behind Khoutoubia in the National Day Cup, and the improving Danidor represent champion trainer Erwan Charpy while former champion trainer Satish Seemar is represented by former top-class performer Mushaagib.