Former winners clash in Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Cavalryman and Ahzeemah seek second success in staying contest at Meydan

G odolphin have won every running of the $200,000 (Dh734,464) Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy since the staying contest’s inception in 2011 and look certain to extend their dominance in today’s renewal at Meydan Racecourse.

Cavalrayman, who triumphed 12 months ago, and 2013 scorer Azheemah headline a strong 11-runner field in the 2,800-metre event that is used as a springboard to the $1m 3,200-metre Dubai Gold Cup (G3) on Dubai World Cup day.

Both horses are trained by Saeed Bin Surour and are joined by stable companion Excellent Result, a dual winner over similar races last season.

With stable jockey James Doyle in action at Warwick Farm in Sydney, Australia, William Buick takes the ride on Cavalryman — a nine-year-old veteran of 38 races, of which he has won 10.

Dane O’Neill rides Excellent Result, while Harry Bentley will be aboard Ahzeemah.

Raring to go

“All three are fit and well,” said Bin Surour. “They have all won over course and distance and both Cavalryman last year and Ahzeemah have won this race before.

“Ahzeemah and Excellent Result have the benefit of a run already this season and have been working well since those runs.

“Cavalryman had a busy campaign last year, winning well at Newmarket and Glorious Goodwood. It was always the plan to wait for this race for his return to action, but he runs well fresh as he showed when winning this on his seasonal debut 12 months ago.

“All three should run well and it is a race we are really looking forward to.”

The main dangers appear to be the Doug Watson-trained Meandre, a four-time Group 1 scorer in Europe, Rio Tiger, who is trained by Salem Bin Ghadayer, and another veteran campaigner from Mike De Kock’s stables, Star Empire.

De Kock, who also saddles Almoonqith, said: “We think Almoonqith will stay the trip. There is every encouragement he will in his pedigree and his style of racing.”