DUBAI // Russian Rock’s record at Jebel Ali over the 1,000-metre sprint is impressive to say the least. He has won five of his past six starts over the course and distance, and heads a seven-runner field in his first start of the season in Friday’s third meeting at Jebel Ali.
The six-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar starts as favourite over his six rivals in the Dh120,000 conditions race despite conceding 2.5kgs for his win in a Listed race at Jebel Ali last season.
Russian Rock has 10 career victories in 29 starts and seven of the eight in the UAE have been at Jebel Ali for the Emirati trainer Musabah Al Muhairi, with Wayne Smith aboard as jockey.
“He will come on for the run and has to give weight away but he is working well,”Smith said. “Conditions obviously suit him well and the yard continues in good form.”
Sholaan, trained by Dhruba Selvaratnam, ran well on his seasonal return in a 1,200m handicap and should challenge, as can Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trained Mujaazef, winner of this race 12 months ago from Russian Rock and Kilt Rock.
Doug Watson has 10 entered across the six-race card including Kilt Rock and Group 3 winner Jutland in the only meeting of the week.
Kilt Rock, five times a Jebel Ali winner but yet to finish in front of Russian Rock after seven attempts, comes with the benefit of a run when finishing third behind Mashaaref over 1,400m at Jebel Ali.
Watson is more hopeful of Jutland in the featured 1,950m conditions race, a course and distance over which he won in March 2012 and chased home Treble Jig in last season’s Listed Jebel Ali Stakes.
The six-year-old gelding by Halling won the Group 3 Abu Dhabi Championship before finishing last season with an excellent fourth in the Dubai Gold Cup on Dubai World Cup night.
“This race has always been the plan for his first start back and he is fit and well at home,” Watson said. “We are really pleased with him and expect him to at least go very close.
“He will improve for the run and we have races like the Jebel Ali Stakes and Gold Cup at Meydan to aim at again.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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