Selvaratnam hopes to call Bluff on opposition

dubai — The Dhruba Selvaratnam-trained Bluff may be facing two former Jebel Ali Stakes winners on Friday but connections hope some gallant efforts in defeat will pay dividends as he contests the featured Shadwell Conditions Race.

James Doyle, a former stable jockey for Selvaratnam, will take the ride on Bluff over the 1800m trip, with current stable jockey, Chris Hayes missing out due to injury. Trained by Selvaratnam, for racecourse patron Shaikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Bluff was second over 1400m at the second meeting of the Jebel Ali season a fortnight ago. That was the rising five-year-old’s first run after having been gelded over the summer.“Bluff ran very well when second on his seasonal return a fortnight ago,” he said.

“That was over 1400m and Friday’s 1800m will suit him much better. He has been working well and we hope for a big run but it is a good race. Perhaps Jutland is the main danger but there are a few nice horses in the field. “My horses have been in need of an outing this season,” said Selvaratnam. “He should run well and, hopefully, be placed at least.” Ten competitors have been declared, including two past winners of the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes over the longer trip of 1950m in the guise of Jutland and Interpret.

Jutland, one of UAE Champion Trainer Doug Watson’s three runners in Friday’s race, won that Jebel Ali feature in January 2015. The nine year old boasts an impressive 12 career victories, including the Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship on turf in March 2013. Seeking a sixth Jebel Ali success in total, Jutland is the mount of Sam Hitchcott with his regular partner, stable jockey Pat Dobbs, choosing to ride the trainer’s Mizbah.