ABU DHABI // Ernst Oertel can regain the lead in the trainer's championship with 11 runners entered in five of the six races on Sunday night at the capital's racecourse.
The South African is double handed in the featured Arabian Triple Crown Round 2 with Shayel Aldhabi, the winner in Round 1, and Najm Alemarat, the UAE Arabian Derby runner-up.
He has four entered in the Emirates Colts Classic, spearheaded by Hab Nessnas.
Oertel has four in the next race, the Al Khatim, to be run over 2,200 metres, with Time Out carrying the stable's colours, and one each in the opener, Errada, and Averroes, in the concluding thoroughbred prize.
Shayel Aldhabi is unbeaten in four starts this season and tackles the longer 2,200m for the first time, while Najm Alemarat was a close second to stable companion Skoop over the course and distance.
Tadhg O'Shea was onboard her in three of those victories and has opted to ride the Bibi De Carrere filly.
"All those victories of Shayel were over 1600m, so this is a big step up in trip but I think she will stay," the UAE champion jockey said.
Oertel runs Averroes for the first time in Abu Dhabi after being twice beaten this season in the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan.
"He stays a lot further, so the trip could be a bit sharp for him, but they normally go quick at Abu Dhabi, so hopefully his stamina can come into play as he has a touch more class than most in the race," O'Shea said.
THE RACECARD
Post time 5pm
Race 1 Abu Samrah, maiden, 1,600m, turf, Dh35,000
Race 2 Emirates Colts Classic, prestige, 1,600m, turf, Dh100,000
Race 3 Al Khatim, rated conditions, 2,200m, turf, Dh80,000
Race 4 Arabian Triple Crown round 2, Group 3, 2,200m, turf, Dh150,000
Race 5 Wathba Stud Farm Cup, conditions, 2,200m, turf, Dh50,000
Race 6 Emirates Championship Prep, conditions, 2,200m, turf, Dh80,000
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