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| Staff Writer |
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Michael Costa has had a great season at Jebel Ali with nine wins in three meetings, and he has several promising prospects this weekend. After a stunning five-timer on the opening day, he has secured doubles at the two subsequent fixtures, and his horses, such as Sadaaty and Meshtri, have the potential to improve his impressive statistics in the 1400m handicap (85-105).
Sadaaty is preferred over Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum duo, as he seemed to enjoy his return to Saturday's venue in his reappearance when he chased home stablemate Mersaal over course and distance in the Shadwell Mohaather Stakes last month. Although a little green, Sadaaty stuck to his task in the final 200m to close the gap on Mersaal, and he is expected to be sharper this time. Monaadah and Mutaany are likely to run prominent races and emerge as the main threats.
Costa and Sheikh Ahmed have strong chances throughout the card, with Moheeba fancied to do well in the 1200m maiden, and Mojeyrr, who joined Costa from Archie Watson, expected to perform well in the 0-85 (1200m) handicap. Wessall could find the winner's enclosure in the Emirates Airline Cup (1800m handicap 0-90), and Ma Yetal could make a winning debut in the 2YO Stakes sponsored by CBD.
Million Doro, who displayed plenty of early speed at Meydan on his initial start before Mendelssohn Bay caught up with him, is likely to do well in the duo's in-form 2YOs rider Connor Beasley and trainer Ahmad bin Harmash. Fawzi Nass's (4.45pm) is an intriguing runner in the closing 1800m maiden after his impressive effort behind Nevershow Weakness.
The card opens with a Purebred Arabian event, with Eyjabi, who won his reappearance at Sharjah, likely to do well. Trained by Dennis O'Brien, the 6YO goes well fresh, having won first off the shelf last season at Abu Dhabi. The runner-up, Octave, will renew his rivalry with Eyjabi on revised terms after his neck success in the HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup, but his closing effort over the 1700m trip suggests that he can progress again on this stiffer track over this 1950m trip.