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Dubai: Today's final meeting of the 2007-2008 UAE racing season before the Dubai World Cup, features intriguing battles for both the trainers and jockeys' championships.
Trainer Doug Watson is seeking to win his second championship after 2006, while Ali Al Muhairi hopes to create history by becoming the first Emirati to capture the prestigious title.
Both approach today's season finale at the Jebel Ali Racecourse with contrasting strategies.
While Watson has opted for strength in numbers, by saddling 19 runners in the meet's six races, Al Muhairi is relying on four of his stable's stars to help him eclipse his rival.
Watson's tally of winners for the season is 35 and Al Muhairi 34. But in the case of a tie, Al Muhairi will be declared the winner as he has scored more seconds to Watson (34-30).
If the trainer's championship looks set for a thrilling finish, the jockey's championship promises even more fireworks, with three riders in contention for top honours.
Ted Durcan, hoping to win an unprecedented seventh UAE jockey's championship goes into today's meeting with a one-win advantage over Tadhg O'Shea and Wayne Smith (25-24).
However, while Durcan and O'Shea have secured a full book of six rides, Smith has one less. Both O'Shea and Smith have previously never won the jockey's championship.
The battle for the titles could start in the very first race today, a 1,600-metre handicap, where Watson and Al Muhairi, appear to saddle the main hopes - Better Mix and Storyville.
Both horses made winning appearances at the course on the last starts and can be expected to fight out the finish.
Richard Mullen rides Better Mix, but Smith can draw level with Durcan should Storyville repeat his last outing heroics when prevailing by a nose from Mr Grand Lodge.
It will also help Al Muhairi to come on level terms with Watson in the trainer's championship.
Should this be the scenario it will help set the mood for the afternoon.
Watson must have a big chance in the meet's second race, a 65-90 handicap also over a mile, with Patio.
The 3-year-old filly finished fourth behind Cocoa Beach in the UAE 1000 Guineas and UAE Oaks, but can make amends in this company. Durcan takes the ride.
Smith and Al Muhairi team up with the promising Sahara Sphinx in a bid to win the feature race of the afternoon, a conditions handicap over 1,950metres, while the main threat appears to be Dynamic Saint. Durcan rides him for Watson.
Former champion trainer Erwan Charpy has some exciting prospects in the remaining three races including Mobsir, Pure Bluff and Kept Faith.
Whichever way the pendulum swings today's races are not to be missed.
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