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| Staff Writer |
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At this time of year, Al Ain hosts the first leg of their renowned Marathon Series. This challenging competition in the Purebred Arabian racing circuit puts the stayers to the test, as they compete over a grueling 5100m trip in its final leg.
Fourteen runners will compete in the First Leg of the Al Ain Marathon Series, covering a journey of 3200m. The top contender for the title is star mare Al Mahbooba, who aims to become the undisputed marathon champion in the country.
She comes into this race with a preparatory run under her belt and looks set to defend her marathon crown. Connor Beasley will be riding Al Mahbooba instead of stablemate Jabalini, who carries the top-rated tag in the race but lacks experience on dirt.
Apart from Al Mahbooba, the four-pronged attack from Al Ajban Stables, under the helm of trainer Abdallah Al Hammadi, is worth a closer look. Indys Day, rated at 101, appears to be the yard's flag bearer, even though he started his campaign in a 1000m sprint and will now be contesting in a 3200m event. Winked, the mount of Oscar Chavez, was a placegetter in all three legs of this marathon series last season behind Al Mahbooba. Loolwa, trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, is also interesting off bottom weight and can make her presence felt.
The nine-race card opens with a 0-75 handicap for the thoroughbreds over 2000m. Ismail Mohammed's Gliding Bay will be looking to finally open his UAE account after finishing fourth in four races last campaign. Yurman and dual course and distance winner Anizzah are among the opposition.
The second race on the card is a 2000m event for the Purebred Arabians, carrying Conditions status and has attracted a high-quality field. Munir Du Soleil, rated at 112, is the headline act after finishing second in the Group three National Day Cup. Kerless Del Roc will be looking to make amends for his no-show run on seasonal bow in December last year, while Bahwan catches the eye after finishing third in the UAE Arabian Derby last start.
Elsewhere on the card, AA Lahab returns in the win-restricted 1800m event, while the 1800m maiden has been split into two hugely competitive divisions. An 1800m handicap, a mile handicap, and a 1400m maiden all for the Purebred Arabians complete the race quota for the UAE's first flat race meeting of 2024.