FIRST BLOOD. Doug Watson-trained Al Bastakiya winner Cosmo Charlie can make a winning seasonal debut at Meydan. Munaaser is preferred though. PHOTO: Andrew Watkins
An international cast has assembled for the Al Shindagha Sprint, the most interesting race on an attractive card at Meydan today.
First run in 2000, this Group Three 3, run over 1200m on dirt, has been dominated by Doug Watson in recent years, winning the past two renewals.
He fields a strong team, headed by Garhoud Sprint winner and Dubawi Stakes runner-up Drafted and My Catch, the 2018 Al Shindagha Sprint hero.
The last-named, to be ridden by Sam Hitchco, was entitled to need his comeback behind Raven’s Pass and if taking a step forward he enters calculations.
The Pat Dobbs-ridden Drafted, a three-time winner at Meydan, has the stronger claims of the Watson pair.
He will appreciate the likely furious pace and arrives off a personal-best in the recent Dubawi Stakes, where he ran on strongly in the closing stages from the tail of the field to chase home Raven’s Corner.
Top American handler Steve Asmussen is no stranger to success in the Middle East, winning the 2008 Dubai World Cup with Curlin.
He has booked Ryan Moo-re to ride Switzerland, a five-time winner including twice at Grade 3 level in the US. Ibn Malik, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, is one to consider.
Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, he caught the eye on his Meydan dirt debut last month, just failing to catch Drafted in a close finish.
Nine Below Zero, the lowest-rated runner in the field, caused a minor shock on his local debut in a recent course and distance handicap.
This is a massive step up in class and he’s unlikely to make an impact on his Group 3 debut, despi-te representing a yard in fine form.
South American import Tato Key, the mount of Shane Foley who won the 2014 Al Shindagha Sprint aboard Russian Soul, boasts a smart CV, winning 12 of his 14 races in Argentina, all on dirt. He can’t be overlooked.
The UAE 1000 Guineas, the opening Classic of the season, has attracted the biggest field in its history, 15 fillies will contest the 1600m dirt event which carries a purse of US$250,000.
Ismail Mohammed’s progressive Al Hayette looks the one to beat.
She has blossomed since arriving in the UAE, completing a double in the recent trial, having hinted at promise on her local debut in late November.
The manner she came home powerfully when defeating Nashirah and 12 other rivals, suggests she will relish stepping up to 1600m today and will take plenty of stop-ping despite her awkward draw in stall 15.
Godolphin, chasing back-to-back wins, are mob-handed and have four runners — Dubai Beauty, Lover’s Knot, Swift Rose and Divine Image — with preference for the last-named, the mount of William Buick who is back after a lengthy suspension.
Mike de Kock’s Baroot shrugged off a lengthy layoff and a lack of confidence in the betting when scoring here three weeks ago, showing a sharp turn of foot to run out a ready winner and he faces 15 rivals in the finale, a 1600m handicap on turf.
To take a bet, go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.betting-world.co.za.
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