Nathr among favourites for Sheikh Hamdan Cup at Sharjah racecourse
SHARJAH: Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club (SERC) stage their penultimate fixture of 2018 on Saturday, hosting a six-race card undoubtedly highlighted by the only Thoroughbred race, the Sheikh Hamdanbinrashidalmaktoumcup, a 1700m handicap worth Dhs100,000.
A maximum field of 16 is declared, with the weights headed by Nathr, one of three in the race for champion trainer Doug Watson and a genuine Dubai World Cup Carnival performer in his pomp.
Owned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the 7-year-old entire son of Dixie Union has won four times in the UAE, with his best effort in defeat when chasing home Heavy Metal in a 1600m Meydan handicap in February 2017. Heavy Metal has won five of his eight subsequent outings, including the 2018 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 (G2) and Godolphin Mile (G2).
Watson also saddles Pat Dobbsridden Trenchard for Mohd Khalifa Al Basti. Seeking a first local victory on what will be his fourth outing, the charge was previously trained by Mike de Kock last season.
Runner-up on three of his five UAE outings, he arguably deserves a change of luck with Mutamakkin, for the EERC (Emirates Entertainment Racing Club), completing the Watson trio under George Buckell.
“Nathr has not really fired this season but is in good form at home and we all know he has plenty of ability. Hopefully he can bounce back and this looked a good spot for him,” Watson said. “Trenchard had been running well until a slightly disappointing effort but is working very well and must have a decent shout in an open race.”
On behalf of EERC, Justin Byrne said: “To be honest we were disappointed with Mutamakkin’s last run, but the sharp bend at Jebel Ali probably did not seem to suit him. He is a horse we really like and, after Saturday, will probably go to Meydan. We will also look for something for him on the Abu Dhabi turf.” With a handicap rating of 90, connections must still harbour Carnival hopes for Nathr, but Sam Hitchcott rides because Dane O’neill, retained by Sheikh Hamdan, has opted to ride the owner’s Takatul for Musabbeh Al Mheiri. A homebred 5-year-old gelded son of Smart Strike, on 89, he is on the cusp of a Carnival rating. A win here would certainly propel him in said territory. Victorious on four occasions in Britain for Charlie Hills, he will be hoping to make it third time lucky locally having twice finished runner-up at Jebel Ali.
O’neill said: “These choices are never easy, but Takatul has done little wrong in those two Jebel Ali outings, is pleasing his trainer at home and should be suited by Sharjah. Hopefully I have picked the right one.”
Mheiri’s stable jockey Ben Curtis rides Abjar making his local and dirt debut having arrived in the UAE via Sir Michael Stoute, for whom he registered his sole victory on the Wolverhampton all-weather.
Also doubly represented is Satish Seemar, with Richard Mullen choosing Invincible Strike, leaving Tadhg O’shea to partner Mawhub, who is returning from 702 days off.