By Alan Carasso
Hong Kong's Rich Tapestry (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) has finished second and third in the last two runnings of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen–on the Tapeta track in 2014 and back on the dirt last year. The jurisdiction's best main-track sprinter will attempt to cement his status as a chief contender for the $2-million race when he goes for a second victory in three years in Saturday's G3 Mahab al Shimaal S.
The easy winner of the Shimaal in 2014, he dropped a 3/4-length verdict at the hands of fellow Hongkonger Sterling City (Aus) (Nadeem {Aus}) in the final synthetic-track renewal of the Golden Shaheen three weeks later. He was first-up for nearly five months following his bleeding incident when favored in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, but turned in a cracking effort to be third behind Secret Circle (Eddington) and Super Jockey (NZ) (Sandtrap) in last year's Golden Shaheen. Unplaced in three subsequent tries in turf sprints, Rich Tapestry returned to his preferred surface last time and led throughout to best the reopposing Muarrab (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint Feb. 13. The latter has won half of his 22 career starts, including a barnstorming 5 1/4-length tally over track and trip Dec. 17 and will have to overcome the inside post Saturday.
'TDN Rising Star' Marking (Bernardini) takes a pass on the Mahab al Shimaal, but the form of his two-length handicap success Feb. 25 will be on display via Kifaah (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Never dangerous when sixth to Rich Tapestry in the Al Shindagha, Kifaah was ridden for speed in that 1200-metre test nine days ago and held well into the final furlong before Marking finally let down and swooped past for a two-length victory. Whatever the outcome Saturday, it's been a remarkable year for Kifaah, as he has risen nearly 40 points in the ratings since a victory at Sharjah in early November.
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