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| Sumita Pawar |
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The Abu Dhabi card on Sunday features the Gr.1 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown as the main event. However, the Thoroughbred event that closes the day promises to be equally exciting. The Listed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup has attracted a maximum field, all vying to win the AED 380,000 first prize. Last year's winner, San Donato, is expected to be a popular Pick 6 selection among many.
Rated 112, the 7YO San Donato defied the odds to win this event last year after a long absence. He fought off Shadwell-owned duo Alfareeq and Haqeeqy in the hands of Pat Dobbs. The son of Lope De Vega, trained by Doug Watson, displayed a fine turn of foot to quicken clear. If he is in the same form as last year, he could prove tough to beat. He ended the last campaign finishing within four lengths of Danyah in the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint. Bhupat Seemar is three-handed, with Tadgh O'Shea aboard Western Writer, Jim Crowley booked for Laneqash, and Andrew Slattery in the saddle for Rakeez.
Western Writer won both of his opening starts of the campaign at Abu Dhabi last term, over 1600m and 1400m respectively. He finished sixth in the Ras Al Khor Conditions event won by Al Suhail, with San Donato in second place and Haqeeqy in eighth. Laneqash didn't perform well in that race, but it was his first start for the yard after leaving Roger Varian in the UK. He may be a different proposition this time around after having had a chance to acclimatize.
The final member of the trio, Rakeez, ran well when all wrong at the weights on his final start last season, finishing an honourable fourth to Global Storm in the 2410 Dubai City Of Gold at Meydan. However, Sunday's race may not make maximum use of his confirmed stamina. Boosala, formerly trained by William Haggas, is also a contender and unlikely to want for any fitness on his debut for Jebel Ali Stables, with the combination of Michael Costa and Ben Coen.