The cream undoubtedly rose to the top in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening with multiple Group One winner Areem taking the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Prep, 30 minutes after Group Three winner Forjatt won the only Thoroughbred contest, the National Day Cup Prep.
Both races were over 1600m and Areem looked back to something like his very best after a quiet end to last season. He made virtually every yard of the running under Wayne Smith, providing both owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and trainer Nacer Samiri, with their first winners in the UAE.
For the owner, it was actually the very first runner to carry his silks.
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Smith said: “I knew it was a great spare ride and was very hopeful as we all know he has bags of ability and speed, but sufficient stamina to set a real test at this trip.
“He loves being out in front and putting his rivals to the sword. It would be nice to ride him again but I have to be grateful for this opportunity on him.”
Samiri completed a double, landing the concluding 2200m handicap with Bibisheena, a first winner of the campaign for Sczepan Mazur.
Forjatt has finished first past the post in the last two renewals of the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, although a prohibited substance discovered in his system resulted in disqualification last year.
Trained by Dhruba Selvaratnam for his main patron, Sheikh Ahmed, made a winning return to action, conceding weight to 13 rivals.
Ridden confidently by Chris Hayes, riding his first Abu Dhabi winner, he always looked to be going best and put the race to bed about 300m from home.
A double for Nacer Samiri at #AbuDhabi as Bibisheema dots up in the last under Szczepan Mazur.
— Dubai Racing Channel (@DubaiRacingTV) November 15, 2015
Selvaratnam said: “He has been off since March and I really thought he would need the outing so to win, giving weight away, is very pleasing.
“I actually thought he had hit the front too soon but he ran on well.
“The National Day Cup itself is the obvious next step with the
Dubai World Cup Carnival and perhaps another crack at the Jebel Ali Mile later on his agenda.”
Hayes added: “I was impressed and he is clearly a nice horse. I’m delighted to get a winner here in Abu Dhabi.”
Eric Lemartinel won the opening 1400m maiden for his new boss, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Hamza, the mount of Tadhg O’Shea, who said: “He is a young horse with bags of potential but still a big baby.
“He would have won easily if he had not slowed to have a good look around close home.
“Better races will suit him and, hopefully, he has a bright future.”
Jesus Rosales rode his first winner of the season, partnering Jamila Al Reef to victory in a 1600m maiden for trainer Jaber Bittar, doubling his own seasonal tally.
Another jockey to get off the mark for the campaign was Jose Santiago who produced MH Kanz with a late challenge to prevail in a 1400m conditions race.
Trainer Elise Jeanne was opening her seasonal account and will be hoping to improve on last season’s total of four winners.
