The third race of Friday’s six-race meeting at Jebel Ali is the 500,000 AED Jebel Ali Stakes (Listed), run over 1,950 meters (about ten furlongs). A field of sixteen has been assembled for the race, including top-rated #7 MASHAAHED for trainer Erwan Charpy. The son of In The Wings was third in a conditions prep for this event back on December 18 over 1,800 meters but has regressed in the ratings off a 112, from last year’s Dubai International Racing Carnival.
#14 WEALD offers an interesting proposition as a longshot chance. While his performances over the turf courses at Nad Al Sheba and Abu Dhabi were poor, he flourished when over the dirt at Jebel Ali, defeating #9 MONTE ALTO by 1.25 lengths in his first start over the surface. If you can bring yourself to ignore some otherwise horrific performances on local turf and focus on the dirt win, which took place over Friday’s trip of 1,950 meters, Weald could be the play.
The hot connections of Dhruba Selvaratnam and William Buick, winners of three consecutive races last meeting at Jebel Ali, settle in with #8 MEERISS, who offers a win and a second in two starts this season. Going third off the layoff, Meeriss could pop a big one over the track he enjoys so much. Buick was aboard for his early season win and climbs back for Friday’s race, the richest of the season to date.
Doug Watson’s #2 DYNAMIC SAINT was a winner at the 2009 DIRC when running third off the layoff and he scored at a juicy price that day. Down to a 100 rating following two even performances, similar to his early 2009 form, Dynamic Saint could show his best effort with a run on Friday.
Click HERE to access the form guide for Friday’s races.