Forjatt Eyes Repeat in Jebel Ali Mile

Initially scheduled Jan. 20, the G3 Jebel Ali Mile was postponed due to the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. The race is sponsored by Derrinstown Stud, the Irish arm of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s breeding empire, and has attracted a field of 10, most notably last year’s winner Forjatt (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}). Trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam for racecourse patron, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he bids to become the third horse to win the race on two occasions. Second over 1200 meters on his seasonal return, Forjatt won his most recent start, over 1400 meters on the Abu Dhabi turf and looks the one to repeat as he defends his crown. “He is in great form and we could not be happier with him,” said Selvaratnam. “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.” 

Silver Galaxy (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) represents the owner-trainer combination of Fathi Esaed Mohammed Egziama and Musabah Al Muhairi, who combined to land the race in both 2012 and 2013 courtesy of Treble Jig (Gone West). The Newsells Park Stud-bred only made his racecourse debut last November as a back-end 3-year-old and opened his account at third attempt over today’s course and distance. He has improved continuously since, winning two more races and running third in the listed Jebel Ali S. over 1950 meters. Stable jockey Silvestre De Sousa has ridden him in all six starts and maintains the partnership. “He has done really well this season considering his inexperience,” said De Sousa. “He ran really well in the Jebel Ali S. and the drop in trip should not inconvenience him. We are hoping for a big effort.” 

Doug Watson saddles Shamaal Nibras (First Samurai), a 1400-meter course winner on his penultimate start and second over the same trip at Meydan three weeks ago.