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| Staff Writer |
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Sharjah Longines Racecourse has saved a key annual race for its last meeting of the season. The HH The Ruler of Sharjah Cup, a Prestige contest for 4 and 5YO UAE bred horses, highlights the final six-race card at this Northern Emirate venue on Sunday. The 1700m weight-for-age run features top-rated horses like Majed Al Jahoori's trainee, Bassam Al Wathba.
5YOs, including Bassam Al Wathba, carry a weight penalty, with many required to carry the maximum 59kgs. Bassam Al Wathba, an Areem entire owned by Al Wathba Racing, seeks redemption after finishing fifth in The GCC Cup presented by Longines. His stable companion, Basem Al Wathba, is also in contention, having shown promise with a maiden win at Jebel Ali.
The race also sees the participation of Eric Lemartinel trained teammates Zaidan Al Wathba and Sadiq Al Wathba. Additionally, Irfan Ellahi's horses, JAP Mehna and JAP Awqat, are expected to put up a strong challenge, along with Ernst Oertel's AF Alfahem and AF Alarqaa. Barghash, Caesar Hawran, and Magic Touch add to the competitive field.
In the Sharjah Marathon, Game Time leads the charge, facing stiff competition from Taajer and Makhtar. South African Oertel fields a strong team, including AF Estatha, AF Mukhrej, and No And No Al Maury. Abdallah Al Hammadi's Ozone Layer is another contender to watch out for.
The only Thoroughbred offering is a 0-75 handicap over 2000m, featuring Waqet, Dubai Vision, and Green Jacket. Additionally, there are a 1200m maiden for UAE bred runners and two handicaps over 1000m and 2000m.