By Chris Hoover
Doha: Alban de Mieulle trained Al Dahma looks invincible in the QR 200,000 GCC Champion Breeders Cup, a race for Pure Arabian horses bred anywhere in the world by GCC Breeders and to be run over 1,850 metres. Al Dahma will go into this race as the favourite on the basis of the filly’s outstanding record.
The Umm Qarn Farm’s bred champion surely has the stamina when it comes to tackling longer trips and the four other runners in the fray do not appear to have the requisite class to test her to the hilt, except for Shahania Stud’s Jaafer. As such, it is hard to visualize Al Dahma suffering any reverse today at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Al Dahma is blessed with all the attributes that are the hallmark of a champion. She has class, speed and capable of digging deep into reserves should the need arises.
The last time that she ran here, Al Dahma kept stable mate General at bay in the Emir’s Sword race and with her full brother not in the fray, it is only Jaafer that she has to tackle. Jockey David Bouland will once again be entrusted with the reins. There is no reason to look beyond Al Dahma and the vast majority of racing pundits will share this optimism.
Having said this, one must stress that Al Dahma is not going to have it easy as she is taking on a strong contender in Jaafer, who has had the better of Al Dahma earlier this year. But that was Al Dahma’s first appearance on the track after a one year break due to injury. While the Umm Qarn Farms bred filly should win as per the script, if there is any upset, then the beneficiary could be Shahania Farms Jaffer, who too has improved with each run.
Trainer Alban de Mieulle is confident that Al Dahma could win this coveted race for Umm Qaran Farms. “Al Dahma has already beaten all of them and I am not too worried about her as she has the class. We have to only beat Jaafer, who is also a brilliant horse. If all goes well, Al Dahma should win. She is better than she has ever been and we are looking forward to another winning performance from her,” trainer Alban de Mieulle told the Gulf Times.
Talking about Al Dahma’s preparation and General’s absence, Mieulle said. “Al Dahma has been having light training work since three weeks and has come out well after the Arabain World Cup in Paris. She is looking good. General has already proved his class with the brilliant victory in France and we plan to target him in the bigger races as the season progresses.”
Selections:
1st race: 1. Safia, 2. Tex Mex, 3. Kahail
2nd race: 1. Montfjord, 2. Importer, 3. Musk
3rd race: 1. Amwaj, 2. Raqiyah, 3. Haija
4th race: 1. Shems Al Mekan, 2. Al Gathnfar, 3. Nawaif Al Naif
5th race: 1. Haizum, 2. Mothaber, 3. Baraka
6th race: 1. Logic Way, 2. Becher, 3. Storm Sir
7th race: 1. Al Dahma, 2. Jaafer, 3. Asraa Min Albarq |
