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Dubai: The Listed Jebel Ali Sprint today is the highlight of the track's ninth and penultimate meeting of the season, sponsored by Shadwell Estate.
The 1,000m dash has attracted an international maximum field of 16 with last year's winner, the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Taqseem bidding to achieve what only Try Prospect has done in the past and defend his crown.
However, Martin Dwyer, who partnered the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance,-owned horse last year, neglects him here to ride the Erwan Charpy-trained Tawaassol who would have a big chance if able to reproduce his best UK form on what will be his dirt debut.
Charpy is hopeful of a big run: "He ran well on his one start for us and has worked well on the dirt. A race is obviously different but his pedigree offers a lot of encouragement as to how he will act on the dirt."
International interest is provided by Brazil's Select Reason, Scandinavia's Calrissian, Bahrain's Nights Cross and South African duo Valiance and Drift Ice who are both trained by Mike De Kock.
Hitting form
Frankie Dettori makes a rare visit to the course to ride Valiance with stable jockey Kevin Shea on Drift Ice.
Shea said: "He has been in good form at the Carnival and the stiff five furlongs (1,000m) could be ideal. Valiance ran well last time he ran on this course but this is tougher."
The Bahraini raider Nights Cross was a useful performer in the UK for Mick Channon and was an easy winner in Bahrain on his most recent start. He should go close while Calrissian appears to be hitting form.
Home trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam has won the race five times and Johnny Murtagh partners Mandobi of the yard's two runners, while Dhruba's brother Adi saddles Comandante Xara who won the prep race on his last visit to this track.
Adi won the race in 2002 with Conroy and Keagan Latham maintains his partnership with the horse.
Latham said: "He won very well last time and course form is obviously a big plus. This is tougher but he should run well."
Selections
- 1st race: Jim Can Manage It
- 2nd race: Lover Boy
- 3rd race: Changing Wing
- 4th race: Comandante Xara
- 5th race: Al Rajih
- 6th race: Otranto
- Day's best: Al Rajih
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