Facile winner of the 1900m Group 3 UAE Oaks at Meydan in February 2020, the now 5yo mare somewhat lost her way until Christmas Eve 2021 when she won a conditions contest over this Jebel Ali 1600m. She followed that up by winning a similar race, again over this course and distance, a fortnight ago and arrives on Saturday seemingly back to something like her best.
For the same trainer, Xazier Ziani appears to have chosen to partner Quip leaving Jose Santiago to ride Tenbury Wells , like Down On Da Bayou owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
Bin Ghadayer said: "All three are in good form and training well but Quip and Tenbury Wells need to translate their work at home onto the racecourse.
"Down On Da Bayou has really returned to form this season which is great for all concerned and we are expecting another big effort from her under conditions she clearly enjoys."
Trained at the adjacent stables by Nicholas Bachalard for racecourse patron Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mouheeb won the 1900m Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas last year at Meydan before finishing fifth in the UAE Derby.
The 4yo was not seen again in public for 307 days, returning to action 15 days ago at Meydan in a 1400m conditions contest, finishing a very creditable third, staying on strongly after appearing outpaced at halfway. Connections will be hoping that has put him spot on for this assignment.
Bachalard said: "He ran very well at Meydan a fortnight ago which delighted us and we are thinking he can, hopefully, build on that in what looks a hot renewal of the Jebel Ali Mile."
When trained by Brendan Walsh, Plus Que Parfait landed the 1900m Group 2 UAE Derby in March 2019 but has not won since. The 6yo will be having his third start for Doug Watson but needs to bounce back after two lacklustre outings at Meydan so far this season.
Watson said: "He has always worked well and continues to do so but he has not fired in two runs at Meydan so we thought a different venue might help so, hopefully, the change of scenery will suit him."
In a fascinating and quality renewal, Bhupat Seemar saddles both Saqqara King , the mount of Antonio Fresu, and Remorse , the choice of Tadhg O'Shea and a course and distance winner in November when beating the re-opposing Tenbury Wells.
Seemar said: "Remorse has won at Jebel Ali which is always a bonus and also has two good Meydan efforts to his name since. The mile is his minimum distance but it is a stiff one for the trip up the hill at Jebel Ali and there should be a good gallop which will suit him.
On his local and dirt debut, Algiers was runner-up over the Jebel Ali 1950m a fortnight ago and will again be ridden by James Doyle for Simon Crisford. He stays further so the likely fast pace should play to his strengths.
For Ahmad bin Harmash and Ray Dawson, Prevent has two 1800m Jebel Ali victories to his name this season and is another likely to appreciate the race becoming a proper stamina test over 1600m in a race few of the 12 can be safely ruled out.
