Today's featured race at Nad Al Sheba, the Al Ras thoroughbred handicap over 1500 metres, might lack depth with only six runners set to face the starter. But picking the winner is a tricky business.
At first glance Curule, who bounced back to form with a brave effort at Jebel Ali Racecourse three weeks ago, looks to have a big chance of winning it for trainer Doug Watson. However, looking at his overall record, there is reason to doubt the seven-year-old's reliability.
In 25 career starts, Curule has won four times, the most recent being at Jebel Ali where he out-battled veteran Meshty. His last success came in January 2003, in the Dubai Racing Club Carnival Trophy.
Australian rider Gaven Birrer continues his association with the horse following the Jebel Ali win.
Among the five horses he opposes is the Dhruba Selvaratnam-trained Mandobi, who will be making his UAE debut in the race.
Strong form
Formerly trained in England by Alec Stewart, the son of Mark of Esteem brings strong Listed race form to Dubai and should be considered a leading fancy.
Satish Seemar's Quick Reply looks the pick of the field in the Al Manara Handicap for Purebred Arabians over 1,500 metres.
Ryan Moore partners the son of Wiking who was an easy course winner over 1,300 metres in November.
Adi Selvaratnam has a strong chance of landing the Al Dhagaya thoroughbred handicap over 1,600 metres with Mythical Jinks who has delivered two decent efforts this season.
Christian Wroe' Holy Pole must have a chance as well on the strength of his last effort where he was a one and a quarter length second to Flower State in that race.
Rashed Bouresly can win the Wadi Al Jern Handicap over 1,800 metres with Suzuka, a winner at Jebel Ali over 1,600 metres last Friday. David Hayse takes the ride on Suzuka.
Erwan Charpy can claim the final race of the evening, the Bu Hail Handicap over 1,400 metres with the Supple-partnered Muwassi.
After an impressive career debut, the Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trained Alma'arry, the mount of Dean Mernagh, looks a likely danger as is the Al Kurdi-trained Prince of Denmark.
Selections
1st race: Quick Reply
2nd race: Mythical Jinks
3rd race: Suzuka
4th race:Mr. Magistrate
5th race: Curule
6th race:Muwassi
Day's best:Al Maali
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