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| Staff Writer |
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In Round Two of the Al Ain Marathon Series at Al Ain on Saturday, Al Mahbooba, an impressive Purebred Arabian, aims for continued success. Under new ownership and trainer since the summer, the 8YO has excelled in the staying division. After finishing third in her seasonal reappearance over a shorter distance, Al Mahbooba returned to winning ways in Round One over 4100m.
Connor Beasley partners with the mare, having various options for the race. Stablemate SS Izz Dubai, with a career-high official mark of 108, carries top weight and has been performing well in Group one company at Meydan. Another stablemate, Jabalini, finished fourth in the first leg and, though not showing significant improvement in distance, remains an unexposed prospect for marathons.
Hakeem from Al Asayl, trained by Dennis O’Brien, showed a liking for staying distances in the first leg, finishing behind Al Mahbooba. With Richard Mullen again in the saddle, Hakeem benefits from a favorable 2.5kgs weight swing this time.
The only Thoroughbred contest on the card is a 0-75 handicap over 2000m, where Oasis Moon, trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, stands out as the favorite. Having secured two placings at the venue this season, Oasis Moon looks poised to finally shed his maiden tag. While Coast Sky retains potential, Green Jacket, under stable jockey Tadgh O’Shea, has experienced a sustained drop in ratings, making him an interesting contender.