The opening round of the Arabian Triple Crown, a Listed event for four year olds only, over 1600m, is the official feature at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening on a very interesting six race card.
The opening round of the Arabian Triple Crown, a Listed event for four year olds only, over 1600m, is the official feature at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening on a very interesting six race card.
It features a re-match of the course and distance Abu Dhabi Championship first and second Frynchman and Aqmaar, who also finished 1-2 in a maiden at the second meeting back in November.
It will be something of a surprise if anything beats them and Frynchman looks certain to be a hot Pick Six favourite.
Trained by Philippe Barbe, he is to be ridden by Kieren Fallon who said: “He did it nicely last time and he is improving fast. He seems a very nice prospect and should stay further in time.”
Musabah Al Muhairi trains Aqmaar, to be ridden by Richard Hills who said: “That was an improved run last time and he has shown steady progress for each outing but does have Frynchman to beat.”
The 2200m prep race for HH The President’s Cup is an intriguing clash between Eric Lemartinel’s Nieshan and Gill Duffield’s UAE newcomer Adjinn D’Arocco, the mount of Hills who said: “His European form is top-class and he is a nice new recruit. We will find out a lot this evening as he has been given a nice break since the summer.”
Gerald Avranche rides Lemartinel’s charge and said: “We were pleased with his local debut in the National Day Cup and this trip will be much more suitable.”
Just behind him on that occasion was the Satish Seemar-trained Karmel De Faust who looks best of the rest.
Arguably the most competitive race is the only Thoroughbred one, the concluding 1400m handicap and a maximum field of 14 have been declared with several Dubai International Racing Carnival candidates on show.
Rashed Bouresly has high hopes for Bab Al Bahrain who is a course winner but does have ground to make up on Seemar’s Montmorency who is seeking a third consecutive win.
Jockey Richard Mullen said: “He has been in great form and is so versatile as he has won here and this season at both Meydan and Sherjah. He should go well.”
The frustrating Yasoodd has, again, a bad draw and jockey Willie Supple will be needing a lot of luck.
Trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam said: “He always runs well but is very hard to win with and the draw is no help.”
Marching Time, Dr Smart, Tagseed and Yirga all have to be considered in a wide open contest.