Alkaraama for Jebel Ali win

Alkaraama returns to Jebel Ali today, chasing back-to-back wins in the Jebel Ali Sprint, one of two Listed features on the seven-race card.

Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri and owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Alkaraama failed to make any impression in the Dubawi Stakes (Group 3) on his seasonal debut last month, trailing in a long way behind Switzerland after getting squeezed at the start.

Returning from a 320-day break, the son of War Front was entitled to need the race and back at the scene of his greatest triumph, he should mount a bold bid in the hands of Jim Crowley. He is the highest rated runner in the field with a mark of 102.

This year’s Jebel Ali Sprint, over 1000m, is a weak renewal with only two of the eight runners rated 100 or above.

The 100-rated Habub, winner of four of 12 races for Owen Burrows in the UK, makes his local and dirt debut for Al Mheiri, and has been gelded since finishing last of 19 in a competitive handicap at Ascot six months ago. He faces a stiff task on a surface he’s untested and makes little appeal.

Satish Seemar’s Leading Spirit, third in last year’s renewal, has struggled badly this winter, failing to beat a rival home in two appearances, albeit in Group 3 and Listed company.

Connections will be hoping the application of first-time cheekpieces will spark a revival.

Shanaghai City, unbeaten on his last three visits to Jebel Ali, all over the minimum distance, is a tough, progressive horse that should go well, despite having to a bit to find on the ratings.

Best Bet: 6 Discovery Island (Race 3)

Best Value: 4 Lucius Tiberius

(Race 6)

Best Swinger: 8 Shanaghai City and 1 Alkaraama (Race 4)

Jackpot (Races 4-7)

R48

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 3, 7, 8, 13 Leg 3: 1, 3, 4 Leg 4: 3, 13