JEBEL ALI SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER – CATHAL MCHUGH - @CATHAL_MCHUGH
R1 14:00 – Handicap (0–85) – Purebred Arabian – 1200m
AF Almomayaz (1) stands out as the proven performer. A seasoned campaigner with vast experience on dirt, he has the tactical pace and resilience that Jebel Ali demands, and his high rating combined with Ray Dawson’s booking makes him the one they all need to reel in.
The lightly raced Eywan AW (5) looks the biggest danger. He’s progressive, has already shown plenty in just five starts, and his proven ability over this distance suggests he’ll handle Jebel Ali’s testing incline better than most. With Silvestre De Sousa steering, he shapes as the horse most likely to pounce if the favourite leaves the door open.
Keep an eye on AF Muhem (9) for the minors. He’s a consistent dirt performer, gets a valuable 2.5kg claim, and tends to finish off strongly — a trait that is often rewarded on this stiff Jebel Ali 1200m. With a clean passage, he’s a solid top-three contender.
Selections:
1 AF Almomayaz
5 Eywan AW
9 AF Muhem
R2 14:30 – Maiden – Thoroughbred – 1400m
Casino Bay (1) sets the bar. He’s been knocking on the door in stronger maidens, handles the Jebel Ali surface, and with Tadhg O’Shea staying aboard, he brings both experience and consistency. His rating stands out, and this looks a golden opportunity to shed the maiden tag.
The main threat appears to be Mawhoob (3), who has shown promise in limited runs and now gets Silvestre De Sousa to guide him up the punishing climb. He travelled well for a long way on debut here, and natural improvement gives him every chance of making things interesting late.
For the minors, Munyah (4) shapes as a genuine top-three candidate. An Into Mischief colt who ran well enough on debut at Jebel Ali, he should take a clear step forward with that experience behind him, especially with a visor and tongue tie applied.
Selections:
1 Casino Bay
3 Mawhoob
4 Munyah
R3 15:00 – Handicap (0–75) – Thoroughbred – 1200m
The third on the Jebel Ali card is a competitive 1200m handicap featuring a mix of in-form three-year-olds and seasoned dirt sprinters. Gallant Blade (1) looks the one to beat. He has already shown he handles this course, brings strong early speed, and the visor/tongue tie combination seemed to sharpen him last time. With a solid win over the trip and a peak rating for this grade, he should take plenty of catching.
The main danger is Arabian Angel (5), who continues to progress for Bhupat Seemar. He has been ultra-consistent, boasts a Jebel Ali win on his CV, and gets champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea on board. If he finds rhythm early, he’ll be powering up the hill late.
For the minors, National Interest (8) makes plenty of appeal. He thrives on this surface, hits the line well at Jebel Ali, and his four second-place finishes over the track underline how close he is to breaking through. With a handy draw and Adrie de Vries aboard, he fits the frame again.
Selections:
1 Gallant Blade
5 Arabian Angel
8 National Interest
R4 15:30 – Handicap (70–95) – Thoroughbred – 1200m
The feature sprint for the middle of the Jebel Ali card looks a cracking 1200m contest. Faattik (2) gets the narrow vote. Ultra-consistent at this level, he boasts strong Jebel Ali form and thrives on dirt. With Ray Dawson aboard and a favourable draw, he looks primed to add another win to his résumé.
The main challenger is Cats By Five (1), who brings the highest rating in the field and a rock-solid profile on this surface. He’s been placed in five of his last seven starts, handles the trip, and the blinkers/tongue tie combination keeps him sharp. If he breaks cleanly, he will apply serious pressure from the front.
A strong top-three chance is Attwaal (5) - lightly raced, progressive, and already proven on the Jebel Ali incline. With Silvestre De Sousa taking the ride, he should secure a perfect stalking position before launching his challenge.
Selections:
2 Faattik
1 Cats By Five
5 Attwaal
R5 16:00 – Handicap (0–85) – Thoroughbred – 1600m
The fifth race stretches out to the demanding Jebel Ali mile, and Diamond Dealer (1) looks exceptionally well placed to make a big impact. Highly consistent this season and well suited to the surface, he draws gate 1 and gets Tadhg O’Shea to mastermind the ideal stalking trip. He sets a high benchmark in this grade.
The main threat is Monfrid (2), who continues to progress under Michael Costa. Versatile across distances and armed with strong mid-race speed, he now gets Silvestre De Sousa - a notable boost on this course. If he relaxes early, he’ll be finishing strongly.
A solid top-three chance is Inspired Idea (3), who brings consistent dirt form, multiple placings this season, and a favourable draw. He should sit handy and stay on up the hill.
Selections:
1 Diamond Dealer
2 Monfrid
3 Inspired Idea
R6 16:30 – Handicap (75–100) – Thoroughbred – 1950m
The 1950m handicap brings together a strong field of seasoned middle-distance performers, but War Hawk (6) looks ready to make his breakthrough. Improving with every run and ideally suited to the long Jebel Ali rise, he draws perfectly and gets Daniel Tudhope to execute the plan. Expect him to launch late and take control in the final stages.
Elraaed (2) is the main danger. A proven performer around Jebel Ali with strong form over this trip, he seldom runs a poor race. With Silvestre De Sousa aboard, he should track the pace and be poised to strike.
For third, Mount Kosciuszko (3) remains one of the most consistent handicappers in the UAE. He stays strongly and handles this incline better than most, making him a reliable placing prospect.
Selections:
6 War Hawk
2 Elraaed
3 Mount Kosciuszko
R7 17:00 – Maiden – Thoroughbred – 1950m
The final race of the afternoon is a 1950m maiden where several lightly raced types look poised to improve. Comet Chaser (1) sets a strong standard. He’s been shaping well in deeper maidens, stays the trip, and now gets Adrie de Vries from a favourable draw. Expect him to grind home best.
Wafaytt (7) is the main threat. He has always shown glimpses of ability and now secures Silvestre De Sousa. With improvement expected over the longer trip, he’ll be finishing fast.
For third, Political Truth (9) makes appeal. Consistent enough at this level and equipped with a hood that seemed to sharpen him last start, he has the profile to run into the minor money again.
Selections:
1 Comet Chaser
7 Wafaytt
9 Political Truth
Best: R6 War Hawk
Next Best: R3 Gallant Blade