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| Staff Writer |
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Abu Dhabi's six-race card on Thursday is set to be dominated by the 4YO UAE bred Purebred Arabians. The Abu Dhabi Colts Classic and the Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic both carry a purse of AED100,000 and will have full fields of 16 assembled. The colts and geldings will start first, with the Jaber Bittar-trained Mubeed being the one to watch out for. He won his debut at Sharjah by a striking nine lengths and distanced himself impressively from his rivals as the race progressed. With a rating of 87, he is the top-rated horse in the race and is expected to justify his top billing status by handling a step up in trip with ease.
Irfan Ellahi's Jebel Ali Palace Stables has strong representation, with JAP Awqat, Royston Ffrench's choice, leading the charge. Boasting a course and distance third and a dominant win over six furlongs at Sharjah, JAP Awqat fits the race profile well, making him a significant contender. Noteworthy contenders include AH Haizum and LZ Bibi, both successful in their maidens against Magic Touch. The fillies' race appears to be a match between previous winners Hathlla and HA Sahaba.
Hathlla, ridden by Connor Beasley, showcases a remarkable 15-length debut victory over a mile on Al Ain dirt. Her gate-to-wire win suggests suitability for the challenging 1400m here. Similarly, HA Sahaba, a debut winner at Sharjah over 1200m, faced a challenging mile Conditions event won by HM Alchahine. Stamina remains uncertain, and jockey Sandro Paiva must time his fractions perfectly aboard the Hamad Al Marar-trained horse.
The final race of the card is the Thoroughbred handicap over 2400m, and Branwell from team Musabbeh Al Mheiri looks like a strong contender. He has performed well on all three starts this season, including finishing behind the impressive Nevershow Weakness in his last race. Richard Mullen has a rare ride for Oasis Stables, while Zabeel Stables' retained rider Tadgh O'Shea has opted for Green Jacket, who won his maiden race at Jebel Ali last year but has yet to reach his full potential. Act Of Wisdom, who finished sixth in a Meydan turf handicap over 2400m, has more recent form and could be the safest bet in the race.
The next race is a 0-100 rated 2200m handicap for Purebred Arabians, and it features a competitive field. Mujazif, ridden by Mullen, is expected to turn the tables on stablemate RB Yas Sir from their last face-off in December. GCC Cup runner-up AF Yatwy is also part of the 14-horse line-up. Ismail Mohammed's Ala Kaifi and Al Mheiri's Al Dhaja are two horses that could relish the staying trip, especially the latter, who has performed well over shorter distances.
In the penultimate race of the card, AF Marmuq, last week's scorer, looks like the one to beat again in the opening 1200m handicap . In the 1400m handicap, Winds Of Fortune, who finished second in a strong handicap on Jewel Crown Day, may get off the mark on his debut start for trainer Doug Watson.