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| Staff Writer |
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Go Soldier Go, a son of Tapiture, is set to race in the 85-105 Handicap at Jebel Ali on Saturday in hopes of returning to his winning ways. According to rider Adrie de Vries, Go Soldier Go typically takes some time to get going, but his performances have shown that stamina is his forte.
This season, he has posted solid but unspectacular efforts in well-contested 2000m handicaps at Meydan, facing high levels of competition. In his latest performance, he finished fifth to Kabirkhan, who is being touted as a live Dubai World Cup candidate.
Although he was outpaced from a long way out that night, he found plenty for pressure and ran on to snatch fifth place near the line. The stiffer nature of Jebel Ali's climb to the line should suit him well. However, the feature race is not a one-horse race, as the Michael Costa team is looking to strengthen their position at the head of the trainer's championship.
The Australian handler had entered both Alhzeem and Wessall but relies on the former, who could discover his best form by returning to his 'home ground.' Lost Eden is also a worthy opponent, with his course stats reading 21112. Algiers, who recently retired and was able to finish second in the Dubai World Cup, was one of his victims on the 'Hill.' His presence adds some class to an intriguing contest, and a big run could set him up for the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes on 16th March.
Lion's Mane, a Shamardal gelding trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, is a horse worth watching, with a mark of 76, which looks extremely workable. In his last race, he chased home the highly progressive Nevershow Weakness at Meydan, finishing within three-and-a-half lengths of the winner. Lion's Mane should appreciate the more stamina exacting contours of Jebel Ali on Saturday, as opposed to a venue favoring speed like Meydan. Top-rated Prompting would be of interest, but he ran too poorly for it to be a true reflection of his ability last time at Meydan.
In addition to the 85-105 Handicap, the programme includes a 0-80 handicap over 1000m, a 1400m non-winners' event, and a pair of maidens over 1200m and 1800m. The only Purebred Arabian event is a 1400m maiden for UAE bred runners aged four and above in which AF Alhazem should be poised to strike after numerous close calls, including a treble of third-place finishes in his nine career starts.