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Shayel Aldhabi fancied

Raced by The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the four-year-old filly is trained by Ernst Oertel at Al Asayl Stables in Abu Dhabi. Unbeaten in her last four starts, the Bibi De Carrer daughter smashed a field of 14 runners in the Emirates Fillies Classic (Prestige) to lead by 10 lengths before being eased by the rider close home, and the extra four furlongs will not be a worry in today’s test.

Najm Alemarat, a good second to Skoop over distance and course in the first leg of the Triple Crown, may find Shayel Aldhabi too strong.

In another Classic, Monawer, ridden by Patrick Cosgrave, heads the weights in the 1600m second leg of the Emirates Colts’ Classic, the second feature of the evening.

Having finished fourth to UAE debutant Skoop in the 2200m UAE Arabian Derby (Prestige) at the same venue last time out, the four-year-old son of Baibi De Carrere was not suited by the extended distance and should bounce back when he returns to the mile trip. Hab Nesnas, a good winner of a maiden event over 1400m a couple of weeks ago is the best of the rest.

Meanwhile, the partnership of Oertel-O’Shea saddles Averroes in the 2200m Emirates Championship Prep, the only thoroughbreds’ event on the six-race-card. Ironically, the Abu Dhabi-based horse is making debut at the same track in which he’s training.

After making it a winning start on UAE debut for owner Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan at the Meydan all-weather track, the six-year-old son of Galileo failed to show the best of him in his subsequent five starts. Averroes reportedly suffered some problems when beaten by nine lengths by Bay Willow.