Shajjy is the horse to be with at Meydan

– Racing returns to Meydan today for a competitive sevenrace card, highlighted by a valuable 1400m handicap. Only eight horses have been declared, seven without the benefit of a recent run and it looks wide-open.

Top-weight Shajjy, one of three runners sporting Sheikh Hamdan’s blue silks, was entitled to need his recent comeback at Jebel Ali, the four-year-old’s first start of the season. Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, he produced his best effort since arriving in the UAE, finishing mid-division behind High On Life. He warrants respect if taking a step forward in the hands of Ben Curtis.

However, jockey Dane O’Neill, contracted to Sheikh Hamdan, has chosen Taamol, who is trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi. He will enjoy the step down in class to handicap company having tackled stronger in his final two appearances last term.

Former champion trainer Satish Seemar saddles three runners — Way Of Wisdom, Pilgrim’s Treasure and Mazeed. The latter has the assistance of Richard Mullen and gets weight from his seven rivals. A winner on his seasonal debut at Meydan last term, he’s a consistent and reliable performer and should put up a bold show. Pilgrim’s Treasure, to be ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, signed off last season with a narrow victory at Meydan and warrants respect.

Dirilis Ertugrul, trained by Ismail Mohammed, can open his account in Race 3, a 1600 Maiden Plate. The lightly raced US-bred colt progressed nicely last season.

The fragile Wild Tempest, runner-up to the mighty Cracksman on his racecourse debut two years ago, looks a threat to the selection. He made an encouraging start after a spell on the sidelines.

Roy Orbison, trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi, has no fitness concerns after contesting a handicap at Jebel Ali’s opening fixture 13 days ago and is one to consider. Beachcomber, not seen for nearly 12 months, enters calculations if reproducing his form behind Mazeed in the hands of Mullen.