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Capital to Host UAE Arabian Derby and Emirates Fillies’ Classic

ABU DHABI — Sunday’s Abu Dhabi meeting is a six race card highlighted by both the UAE Arabian Derby and the Emirates Fillies’ Classic. Ten have been declared for the Derby, over 2200m, including Doug Watson’s Quite A Show who, rated 100, is by far the highest-rated runner in the field and the mount of Richard Hills he should run a big race.

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Watson said: “He is a nice lightly-raced young horse and has come on a lot for his first UAE run. I expect a big run in an open looking contest.”

Rod Simpson is no stranger to big race success in the UAE and introduces Seraphin Du Paon who has yet to win but boasts some decent form in his native France, a press release said.

William Buick takes the ride and Simpson said: “He is a new horse to the yard and we hope he can run well. Obviously we will find out a lot about him on Sunday.”

Samira De Cerrere and MH Al Wadi would also have to be considered in an open race.

The maximum field of 16 will contest the 1600m Fillies’ Classic and the Michael Kettle-trained Sama Bu Dhabi looks a leading contender having won her only start to date.

The trainer said: “We were delighted with her winning debut and she has come on a lot from that. This is obviously a lot harder but we are hoping for a big effort.”

She is one of three fillies penalised for recent victories and the other pair, Jawhara Al Reef and Raeaa W’Rsan may be the main dangers.

The sole Thoroughbred race on the card, a 1400m conditions race, is a wide open affair with the maximum 14 set to go to post.

Dhruba Selvaratnam saddles Moran Gra who, if able to reproduce his best European form, would appeal as the one to beat.