The Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trained Need To Know looks the one to beat in the featured 1,600m handicap as Meydan stages its second meeting on the new dirt surface this evening.
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Already a winner this season in a 1,600m Jebel Ali handicap last month, he is seeking a fifth UAE victory.
Stable jockey Royston Ffrench maintains the partnership having been in the saddle three weeks ago.
He said: “It was a good win on the opening day and a great start to our season. He has continued to work well since and it would be nice to think he is still improving.”
Erwan Charpy saddles a fascinating runner in the shape of Sefri, the choice of Dane O’Neill from four runners owned by Sheikh Hamdan. He had four starts in the UAE last season, all on turf, but his pedigree suggests dirt will suit him.
Meanwhile, Firebeam disappointed in two starts at last year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival and has now left Godolphin to join Ahmad bin Harmash. He will be ridden by Adrie De Vries.
However, the main danger to Need To Know could be Shamaal Nibras, trained by Doug Watson and a good second on his debut for the yard over 1,400m at Meydan two weeks ago. He was staying on strongly on that occasion, suggesting this extra 200m will suit him. Pat Dobbs will be in the saddle.
Dhruba Selvaratnam and new stable jockey Oisin Murphy enjoyed a winner at both Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi last weekend and combine with Canwinn. Runner-up in a better race on this card last year, he has won on dirt at Jebel Ali and cannot be discounted in an open contest.
The action moves on to Al Ain on Friday, also using their new dirt surface for a second time, with the Purebred Arabians taking centre stage in a 1,600m conditions race for which seven have been declared.
Wayne Smith rides Bigg N Rich for trainer Eric Lemartinel and the pair should be very hard to beat, despite having to concede weight to his six rivals.
He won twice at Al Ain last season, has won four times over 1,600m and landed his only previous dirt start, in 2012.
Should he fail to fire, the progressive Molahen El Alhan looks the most likely to take advantage for Ernst Oertel and Tadhg O’Shea.