Reach High has the pedigree to soar in the Jebel Ali topliner

Ed Marnane

– Racing returns to Jebel Ali today for a competitive card, highlighted by a valuable 1600m handicap.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor isn’t a frequent visitor to the Dubai track and the Emarati saddles lightly raced British import Reach High.

Returning after a 14-month break he landed a decent handicap on the all-weather at Kempton in November, delighting favourite

Dubai

backers when showing a good attitude to score in a driving finish.

This four-year-old is fancied to open his UAE account at the first time of asking in the hands of Harry Bentley. Reach High has a dirt pedigree, suggesting the underfoot conditions won’t be an obstacle. He’s very exposed, unlike his rivals, and rates a solid bet.

Topweight Just A Penny, seeking a sixth win at Jebel Ali, is a threat if bouncing back to his best from a favourable draw for the powerful Doug Watson-Pat Dobbs partnership. He struggled in the Jebel Ali Mile trial behind Frankfourfingers but will appreciate stepping down in grade.

Salem bin Ghadayer, the leading trainer at the course this winter with eight wins, launches a two-pronged challenge with Flashy Snapper and Ply. The latter has the assistance of champion jockey-elect Tadhg O’Shea. The gelding hasn’t fired since coming to the Emirates, showing little on Meydan’s main track.

He could reward backers at decent odds if enjoying the switch to Jebel Ali, having looked progressive in the second half of 2017 for Roger Charlton. He shouldn’t be overlooked.

Of the others Munaaser, trained by Al Rashid Al Rayhi, showed improved form behind Claim The Roses and is one to consider, while Pilgrim’s Treasure, who showed promise on his local debut before disappointing behind Interconnection, appeals if first-time blinkers work.

Strong Chemistry, a winner at the course last month, ran well behind Storyboard at Meydan last Saturday and has claims returning to this venue.

High Waves, Mike de Kock’s only runner, has fitness concerns following a seven-month break and is best watched on his UAE debut.