ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed’s flat-racing operation is expanding.
Yousef Al Bloushi becomes the second Emirati trainer, after Majed Al Jahouri, to handle Sheikh Mansour’s racehorses on the flat when he sends out two runners in tonight’s eighth meeting at the capital’s racecourse.
Daanah is his first runner in the second race – a rated conditions event for mares that have not won two races – and Haajeb 30 minutes later in a handicap for horses rated 0-85.
Although winless in seven starts, Daanah arrives with some useful form in France for her first run in the Emirates.
She has never been out of the first five in all her career starts, including one second place and two thirds, and will be ridden by the Emirati apprentice Saeed Al Mazrooei.
Harry Bentley, who rode a remarkable six winners in Doha last Wednesday, is on-board Haajeb and the four year old has a similar record in eight starts in France. Both are expected to make a good impression for the new trainer.
The Eric Lemartinel-trained Manan, already a winner of two races in three starts, is the obvious favourite in the most valuable race for the Purebred Arabians on the card.
“The trip is ideal and he is at his best on turf certainly so conditions are in his favour,” said Gerald Avranche, the Qatar-based jockey who rides for the Abu Dhabi-based Frenchman. “This looks a lot tougher test than his two wins so far this season. So I am probably more hopeful than confident.”
Stable companion Ibn Battuta Monlau is seeking a sixth course and distance victory, and is another to consider with Ted Durcan onboard.
apassela@thenational.ae
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