Dubai racing hots up
THE Dubai racing season is starting to crank up a gear with two Listed races on the card at Meydan today.
The Garhoud Sprint and the Entisar Stakes are the twin features of a highly attractive six-race card.
Talented Hong Kong import Pakistan Star makes his Meydan dirt debut for new handler Doug Watson in the Entisar Stakes, a race the former champion trainer has dominated, winning four of the six renewals.
Pakistan Star, twice a winner at Group 1 level at Sha Tin, has been off the track since refusing to race in the Jockey Club Mile 12 months ago.
The seven-year-old is reported to be working well and if taking to dirt, he can’t be overlooked, provided he’s on his best behaviour.
Casey Jones has earned a step up in class after scoring on his seasonal reappearance, a first success on dirt on his third attempt since joining Musabbeh Al Mheiri.
He should relish the step up to 2 000m and rates a big player, despite something to find on the official ratings in the hands of Antonio Fresu.
Al Mheiri and Fresu combined to win last year’s renewal with Military Law.
Just A Penny enhanced his superb strike-rate at Jebel Ali when winning a valuable handicap last month, where he registered his ninth success at the track with a dominant victory under Sam Hitchcott.
However, he did not show much at Meydan in two previous appearances.
Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer fields a strong challenge, saddling three of the nine runners.
Riding arrangements suggest For The Top (Royston Ffrench) is the yard’s main hope.
Remember, TAB offers a full betting bouquet on today’s Meydan meeting.
Get your FREE Dubai tote sheet instore or online at tabonline.co.za