Al Asayl-based trainer Salem Al Ketbi will be hoping for a big weekend as both Sharjah today and Abu Dhabi tomorrow host their final meetings of the season.
Abhaar, under Tadhg O’Shea, is the one to watch today as he faces eight rivals in the Dh125,000 Ruler of Sharjah Trophy, a 1,700m Prestige conditions event.
Today’s task represents a drop in class and with the extra 100m likely to suit, the only concern could be the dirt surface as he has only raced on turf to date.
That said, he could struggle on the surface and still outclass these rivals – just as Godolphin’s African Story appeared to do at Meydan last Saturday. It is hard to visualise defeat but should he struggle Ahmadani and Meftah Al Reef have both won on the track, albeit over 1,200m.
The 2,700m Sharjah Marathon is the main support race and 12 are set to face the starter, including last year’s winner Swyft, one of three in the race for Al Ketbi, as well as the 2011 winner, Fantastique MHF.
Meanwhile, at Al Ain yesterday, three went to post for the featured 1,600m conditions contest with Wayne Smith and Manade Athbah prevailing for trainer Eric Lemartinel.
Smith was content to take his time in third behind the early speed set by her stable companion Thaaniya, with Namrood seemingly travelling best of all in second.
Namrood led halfway up the straight but Smith was easing his mount closer all the time before asking her for what proved a telling challenge. She quickened and was well in control at the line.
The meeting opened with a 2,000m maiden, won comfortably by RB Rich Surprise for Al Ketbi and O’Shea. Connections completed a double when Afaal won a 1,600m handicap.
The second maiden on the card, over 1,400m, went the way of the same team with debutante RB Rich Abratude belying her inexperience to make a winning start to her career.
