ABU DHABI // The second staging of the €1.2 million (Dh4.4m) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown has drawn an international field to the country that was only seen previously at the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the Purebred Arabian showpiece and the traditional opener of the Dubai World Cup card.
Headlining that list is Al Mourtajez, but there are number of others challenging him for the coveted title on Sunday night at the capital’s track.
Among them are Kalino and Sahabba, last year’s winner and runner up, and the third and fourth, Thakif and Abhaar.
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But the one to fear most is the Kahayla Classic winner AF Mathmoon in the silks of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid.
Bred in the UAE by Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the five-year-old grey son of AF Albahar has won six of his seven career starts.
He went down to Thakif in his Group 1 debut but subsequently has been behind him in the Kahayla Classic.
AF Mathmoon has won over the track in all his four appearances but the only worry would be that he is returning for his first race since his last run in March.
“The timing of this race is not ideal for local horses because we are at the beginning of the season,” said his handler Musabah Al Muhairi. “The horses that have come from abroad hold an advantage because they are either in the middle or end of their seasons. Nevertheless, my horse has been prepared well, as usual, and we are hoping for a big run from him.”
Among the 16 entries are American trio Paddy’s Day, Sand Victor and Thess Is Awesome, but they are all at a major disadvantage because they race on dirt and left-handed in their homeland whereas Abu Dhabi is right-handed and turf.
The six-race card also include both the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship and the Apprentice Jockey Championship, the two main supporting races on the night.
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