Abu Dhabi return suits Arabian Somoud

Ed Marnane

Top-class Arabian Somoud returns to Abu Dhabi on Thursday bidding for his third successive HH The President Cups, the highlight of a quality six-race card.

Jean de Roualle’s stable star, who faces 13 rivals in the Group 1 showpiece, arrives on the back of a narrow victory in the prep four weeks ago. Now a nine-year-old, the French-bred Somoud has been a wonderful servant for connections and demonstrated he hasn’t lost any of his ability and enthusiasm when getting the better of Mujeeb and nine others, his first start since finishing a good fourth behind French champion First Classs in the Group 1 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown at Abu Dhabi earlier in the season.

Mujeeb, trained by Salem Al Ketbi, renews rivalry but faces a stiff reversing the form on 3kg worse terms, and will need to raise his game to snap a losing run going back 12 months when scoring at this course.

On official ratings, the 120-rated Hameem is an obvious threat, especially as he’s ideally berthed in stall No 1. Trained by Abdallah Al Hammadi, he had Somoud a length behind when third in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown in December.

Switching to dirt at Meydan for his next run, he failed to land a blow and eventually came home a remote seventh behind Rb Rich Lyke Me in Round I of the Al Maktoum Challenge. He will relish the switch to Abu Dhabi and can easily bounce back. He has an impressive strike rate on grass, winning eight of his 11 starts.

The in-form Mickael Barzalona is an eye-catching booking for Munir Du Soleil, trained Ibrahim Al Hadhrami. He made late headway to finish a close third in Group 3 company at Abu Dhabi two months back, an improved run after showing little on his seasonal reappearance.

Bred in France, he showed decent level of ability for former trainer Thomas Fourcy, most notably when finishing a close fourth in the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains at Saint-Cloud on just his second start of his career in October 2021.

Of the others, Suny du Loup is one to consider under regular pilot Pat Dobbs. He has made big strides this season, winning twice at Abu Dhabi, both over the 2200m distance of the HH The President Cup.

His progress was halted when stepping up to Group 1 company on his dirt debut at Meydan earlier in the month, where he trailed in a distance behind Hayyan from a poor draw. It’s easy to forgive that effort and at decent odds, he can’t be ruled out back at a venue he is clearly proven.

Shadwell are enjoying a fine season and five days after winning the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile with Fanaar they are chasing another big prize in the Listed HH President Cup for thoroughbreds, the final race. Dane O’Neill, Shadwell’s retained rider, has chosen to ride Haqeeqy, one of three runners representing Shadwell in the 1400m event.

Trained by John Hyde, he is bidding for back-back wins in the event and holds sound claims. He made a pleasing comeback here in the Listed National Day Cup two months ago, leaving the impression he would be sharper for the race.

He sets the standard based on official ratings and looks the one to beat under O’Neill, a rider who is cracking form. Last weekend he partnered Fanaar to victory at Jebel Ali, twenty-four hours after riding a double at the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan.

In a weak renewal, the course specialist and winner of the 2020 HH The President Cup winner Taamol, owned by Shadwell, merits respect for Meydan-based rookie trainer Ali Al Badwawi. Winner of a competitive 14-runner handicap at Abu Dhabi on his seasonal debut, he has run well in defeat since, the most recent when a close fourth behind Godolphin’s Electrical Storm at Meydan.

The veteran, by Helmet, is a reliable and consistent performer and looks a big player under Pat Cosgrave, who has a decent strike-rate at Abu Dhabi this season.

Western Writer, the most expensive horse sold in the history of the Racing at Dubai Sale five months ago, impressed on his UAE debut for new trainer Bhupat Seemar last month. Formerly trained for Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, he was given a confident ride by Tadhg O’Shea and readily quickened clear to run out a comfortable winner from Nibras Passion at Abu Dhabi. Richard Mullen has been booked, replacing the suspended Tadhg O’Shea, Seemar’s stable jockey. Western Writer, the least exposed horse in the field, is open to plenty of improvement and can’t be overlooked, despite having plenty to find on the official ratings.

BEST BET

Race 5 No 13 Somoud

VALUE BET

Race 1 No 13 Af Alzahi

BEST SWINGER

Race 6 3-Haqeeqy and 9-Taamol

JACKPOT

(Races 3 to 6)

R24

Leg 1: 9, 12

Leg 2: 7, 9

Leg 3: 4, 9, 13

Leg 4: 3, 9