Monday’s Abu Dhabi meeting is highlighted by the 2200m Group 3 Arabian Triple Crown R2, the middle leg of the series for 4yos and a race that would appear to revolve about Bahar Muscat, the highest-rated horse in the race and seemingly the one to beat for Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
Unbeaten after four starts, one in Muscat, three here in Abu Dhabi, Al Hadhrami's charge has not put a foot wrong with three 1600m victories, two at Listed level including the opening round of this series just over a month ago.
However, he does have to prove his stamina but, if stays the trip, he should win.
Al Hadhrami also saddles Naser Askar's Sattam Muscat, a useful performer in his own right having won easily at Al Ain in November from Golden Years who is again in opposition.
He has continued to run well, without winning, in three outings since, twice behind his illustrious stablemate Bahar Muscat.
Abdallah Al Hammadi is seeking a third success in the contest in five year, including landing the prize with Ottoman last year. However, his pair, Golden Years and Indy's Day would appear to have something to find having both found Bahar Muscat too good twice.
RB Yas Sir has chased Bahar Muscat home on both his local starts, in the aforementioned pair of Listed races here in the capital and he looks almost guaranteed to appreciate this stamina test. He won on debut over 1900m and then tackled much stronger company over 2000m on his other two subsequent starts in France.
The only Thoroughbred race on the card, a 1400m handicap, is a good quality affair and Perfect Love is a fascinating contender for Antonio Cintra Pereira from his Meydan satellite yard at Green Stables
This will be his UAE debut, although he did go to Saudi Arabia to contest the Group 3 Saudi Derby just over a fortnight ago and two of his three wins at home were on turf, including one of his two Listed victories.
The only 3yo in the race, he will be attempting to concede weight to 12 older rivals and there would appear to be plenty of dangers, including the Rashed Bouresly pair of UAE Prince and Ajwad.
From two Shadwell runners Dane O'Neill partners Taamol for Erwan Charpy with other jockey bookings suggesting Zero To A Hundred and Jumaira Bay are considered the main hopes for Bhupat Seemar and Doug Watson respectively.
