ABU DHABI // AF Mathmoon and Shateh meet again on Sunday. This time on the capital’s turf track in a re-match that will underline the best Purebred Arabian over the 1,400-metre distance.
AF Mathmoon, the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum-owned five year old, won the Group 2 Baniyas on Meydan dirt in their first meeting three weeks ago.
It was a fourth win in five starts for the horse, who is trained by Musabah Al Muhairi, after running an excellent second behind Thakif in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 over the 1,600m trip at Meydan on January 7.
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Before that, he won all his three starts in Abu Dhabi, twice over the distance, in the silks of Emirati owner and breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda before being purchased by Sheikh Hamdan.
“He has had very little racing and can hopefully keep improving,” said Paul Hanagan, the retained jockey for Sheikh Hamdan who was onboard in his last two starts.
“This looks a good opportunity for him and we have to be very hopeful of a big run again.”
Harry Bentley is reunited with the Nacer Samiri-trained Shateh, whom he rode to victory in the Group 3 Al Ruwais Sprint on the track before his second behind AF Almathmoon under Pat Dobbs.
Dobbs rides stable companion and the Al Ruwais runner-up Sha’Red who is also expected to challenge AF Mathmoon.
Trainer Eric Lemartinel saddles Abhaar and RB Smokin Rich. Tadhg O’Shea rides Abhaar, winner of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Gold Cup on his most recent start at Abu Dhabi.
The main support race is the Group 3 Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (2400m) restricted to four year olds.
Mahbooba made all under Richard Mullen to claim Round 2 over 2000m, prevailing by a short head over Sniper De Monlau.
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