Watson has three other starters in the race including Barbecue Eddie, fourth home in the 2008 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) but unplaced in two local starts at the 2009 Dubai International Racing Carnival and a try at Jebel Ali in March.  Top weight goes to HRH Princess Haya’s Escape Route, a winner at Jebel Ali on November 6 when sprinting five furlongs for trainer Satish Seemar.  He’ll also send out Terrific Challenge, a sprinting winner at the 2008 Winter Racing Challenge and the 2007 winner of the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3).

The highlight of the opening trio will be Friday’s open condition event for sprinting thoroughbreds.  A field of ten will gather to run 1000 meters at Jebel Ali in the featured third race with a 120,000 AED purse.  Hammadi, top-rated for trainer Doug Watson, is the likely favorite.  The 4-year-old son of Red Ransom has one win and one placing in two starts at Jebel Ali, including one of the course’s top events, the 2009 Jebel Ali Sprint (Listed).  Hammadi often races with prominence and is expected to be on point again.  Friday’s start will be his first since a respectable seventh in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). 

Dubai International Racing Carnival veterans Escape Route and Sea Hunter, both racing for Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, are highly rated.  Escape Route was victorious at last year’s closing meeting at Jebel Ali, defeating a well-heeled field of 16 by almost two lengths.  Jaasoos adds intrigue to the field following two, 2008 Winter Racing Challenge scores at Nad Al Sheba while racing for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 

Click HERE for the declarations.