Silver Galaxy looks to emulate achievements of Treble Jig

Forjatt, ridden by James Doyle, wins in Jebel Ali. — KT file

Dubai: Forjatt is all out to defend his crown in the 1600 Jebel Mile (Gr-3) in what could be a two-horse duel up the hill on Friday. This race which was won by Forjatt for the patron of the course Shaikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was rescheduled after the race was called off a couple of weeks ago to mourn the sad demise of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.

Jebel Ali Mile is the richest of the venue’s three major events of the season and sponsored by Derrinstown Stud, the Irish arm of the breeding empire of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. Ten horses have been declared to battle it out to the wire in the feature event which carries a total purse of Dh575.000 that makes the most rewarding race at the popular track.

Trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam at the same course and ridden by Oisin Murphy, Forjatt bids to become the third horse to win the race twice and second horse to land the double in consecutive seasons (Conflict won it in 2001 and then in 2004). Dhruba commented: “He is in great form and we could not be happier with him. His first run was very pleasing and he won well last time. This is a tougher race though and Silver Galaxy and Shamaal Nibras look two of the main dangers,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Silvestre de Sousa will be in the saddle as Silver Galaxy tries to emulate the achievements of stable companion Treble Jig before being sold out to a Gulf customer.

“He has done really well this season considering his inexperience,” said de Sousa. “He ran really well in the Jebel Ali Stakes and the drop in trip should not inconvenience him. We are hoping for a big effort.” Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi added: “He is a very nice horse and should produce a big run in a good, wide open, race.”

The main support race, the 1000m Jebel Ali Sprint Prep, concludes the seven race card and Al Muhairi will be hoping his Muarrab can concede weight to his nine rivals under Paul Hanagan. He beat Forjatt on his penultimate start before chasing home Reynaldothewizard in the Listed Dubawi Stakes at Meydan. He is seeking a sixth Jebel Ali victory and second over course and distance.

The Seemar-trained Take Ten won the Jebel Ali Sprint itself last year and makes his first start since under Marc Monagahn, while Bouresly introduces a fascinating contender in the form of Roaring Forte. A useful performer in the UK for William Haggas, he has been off the track a mammoth 2010 days (August 2009). “He is a very nice horse,” said Bouresly. “We have had him over two years and needed to be very patient with him. He is working well and think he will run a big race.”