Preview: Ajrad Athbah, Defending Champion, Ready To Shine

This race marks the pinnacle of a seven-race card, and Ajrad Athbah, owned by Yas Racing and sired by AF Albahar, aims to reclaim victory. 

Despite two consecutive runner-up finishes in his last three outings, Ajrad Athbah's prior triumph, where he beat Mujeeb by a length and three-quarters, speaks volumes of his potential.

This 2200m challenge, one of six Purebred Arabians events in Abu Dhabi this weekend, has a field of 14, with Ajrad Athbah leading the pack with a rating of 120. 

In the 2023 edition of the race, he outpaced four competitors with higher ratings, elevating his own to 124. Despite a less successful outing in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, where he finished tenth, Ajrad Athbah remains a formidable contender, especially considering his recent runner-up position in the HH The President Cup.

Ajrad Athbah faces familiar foes in this title defense, notably Mujeeb, who is now under the guidance of O'Brien. Mujeeb, who finished third in the HH The President Cup Prep, holds a grudge from his second-place finish behind Ajrad Athbah in the Jewel Crown Prep. With Al Jahoori's charge aiming for a repeat victory, the competition promises to be intense.

Among the contenders are National Stables' Izadi Star and Joe Star, trained by Helal Alalawi. Despite recent inconsistencies, Izadi Star's past successes in the Arabian Triple Crown highlight his potential. On the other hand, Joe Star's victory in the UAE Arabian Derby positions him as a top prospect, provided he overcomes past behavioural issues in the stalls.

Meanwhile, RB Yas Sir, trained by O'Brien, seeks a third consecutive triumph over C&D but faces a tougher challenge this time. Abdullah Al Hammadi's Hameem, a seasoned victor at Abu Dhabi, eyes another triumph, although recent inconsistencies raise concerns.

As the excitement builds for the 1600m races, Musabbeh Al Mheiri's RB Heads Up hopes to capitalize on a recent victory while Aswan eyes success in the Thoroughbred contest. With contenders like Eruptive in the mix, the stage is set for a thrilling day of racing.