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| Staff Writer |
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Alberto Sanna dominated QREC Al Rayyan Racecourse with six winners on Tuesday's nine-race programme, headlined by victory in the feature Baidda Algaa Cup aboard maiden-breaker Al Maqam.
The in-form rider's remarkable achievement came alongside a stellar day for trainer Mohammed Ghazali, who saddled five winners, while Julian Smart contributed three victories to the action-packed card.
Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari's Al Maqam (No Risk Al Maury x Marj Eyoun) secured his maiden victory in the Baidda Algaa Cup - Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate over 1700m.
Za'eer Al Shahania, trained by Osama Omer E Al-Dafea and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, set the early pace, tracked by Husam Al Shahania and Assalam. Noorah Al Hadi moved up to challenge the leader, but it was Sanna aboard Al Maqam who delivered the decisive move, powering past rivals to win by a length and a half. Nah'aab Al Shahania, owned by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, finished eight lengths back in third under Lukas Delozier.
Farhan, representing Mohammed Bin Fahad A H Al Attiya, showcased his class in the Purebred Arabian Handicap. The Ghazali-trained 5YO, ridden by Delozier, powered clear of early leaders Ikef De Bozouls, Almashahar, and Al Mustafiz to win by six lengths from Sakher and Akmar, the latter trained by Hadi Al Ramzani.
The stable's success continued with Saigon Dream in the Thoroughbred Novice Plate. The progressive 4YO surged past pacesetter Moyet and Bluey's Boy, trained by Tareq Essa R A Abdulla, while Sir Palamedes from Hamad Al-Jehani's yard claimed third.
Torvar added to Ghazali's tally, beating Mojandil, Main Reef (trained by Ahmed Kobeissi), and Dubai Hills (trained by Gassim Ghazali) in the Thoroughbred Handicap.
Smart's yard celebrated three winners, including Kera De Flauzins' thrilling victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap. The Injaaz Stud-owned mare outbattled front-runners Kai Du Soleil, Taaghi, and Al Hemroor before denying stablemate Al Mosayterah and Solmax in a photo finish.
Al Mutaghatris provided Smart's second winner, breaking his maiden in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap under Sanna, narrowly defeating Khaeer Al Shahania, trained by Abdulla Mesfer Al Shahwani, with Azooz and Dhi Qar Zakhir completing the field.
Due To Dance maintained his winning streak in the opening Thoroughbred Handicap, providing Sanna with his first winner. The Ghazali-trained 3YO made all to hold off Axiome and Overrule, trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi.
Silver Jubilee, trained by Al-Jehani, returned to winning ways under Pierre Charles Boudot in the Thoroughbred Handicap, defeating Crush And Run, High And Wide, Nano Toro, Colnago (trained by Rashid Mohammed R A Alathba), and Millions from Abdulaziz Ali A Al-Kathiri's yard.
The card concluded with Duke Of Monlau breaking his maiden in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate under Sanna. The Ghazali-trained colt defeated Texas Pride CS, Lattam Al Shajah, and Al Ryan Park to complete a memorable day's racing at Al Rayyan.