Doug Watson’s Khuzaam and Al Tariq are among favourites for Emirates Airline Cup.

With a focus on showcasing diverse and captivating concepts for racegoers, the Jebel Ali Racecourse is set to host the seventh meeting of the season on Saturday.

The spotlight of this event will shine on the Jebel Ali Sprint and Jebel Ali Mile Preps, sponsored by Emirates Airline and Shadwell, respectively.

Another highlight of the day is the Zayed Ambition Cup, sponsored by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, which celebrates the achievements of the UAE’s successful space missions.

“This race meeting marks a celebration of the UAE’s space mission achievements, and we are proud to announce our partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. As part of our commitment to innovative racing experiences, we are hosting the Zayed Ambition Cup at the Jebel Ali Racecourse. This race is sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of the Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“In line with our pre-season pledge, we are thrilled to uphold the tradition of hosting unique racing concepts at Jebel Ali Racecourse. Beyond mere competitions, horse racing embodies a sense of community, providing a space for people to gather and enjoy weekends with their families.

“We firmly believe that horse racing is more than just races; it is an opportunity for shared experiences and a memorable weekend for all. As the first racecourse to embrace diverse concepts for every meeting, we continue to redefine the horse racing experience, Ahmed added.

Musabbeh Al Mheiri is basking in the success of achieving a significant milestone, securing 500 UAE winners this season. With 13 victories already in the current campaign, Rawy could potentially contribute to this impressive tally in the Emirates Airline Cup (Jebel Ali Sprint Prep).

Despite facing tough competition in the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes, Rawy faced interference in the straight, impacting his performance in the two starts this season.

However, a return to Jebel Ali and a shift to a lower class may work wonders for Rawy.

Having been a runner-up to Sadaaty in a previous course and distance maiden, Rawy’s strength in a challenging 1000m course could work to his advantage.

Doug Watson, enjoying a successful run, brings forth a formidable duo in the sprinting feature with the 103-rated Khuzaam and Al Tariq. Khuzaam, previously trained in the UK by Roger Varian, showcased impressive front-running skills over a mile in Abu Dhabi. The marked dropback in trips is anticipated to yield positive results for connections. Al Tariq, with strong course form, looks promising after a close battle with Morning at Meydan in his last outing.

The Jebel Ali Mile Prep boasts an intriguing field, featuring the unexposed Swing Vote, a recent winner at the same racecourse.

With a genuine pace expected, Swing Vote, skillfully handled by Cristian Demuro, will be among the favourites.

Street Mood, coming off a well-executed victory in a Sharjah conditions event, is poised to deliver another commendable performance. Track specialists Delorean and Justice Protocol also strong contenders in the highly competitive lineup.

El Introvertido stands out in the 1600m maiden, dropping in on a stiff track. Adrie de Vries, the man of the moment, aims to guide El Introvertido to victory based on his impressive performance as a December maiden at Jebel Ali.

The action begins with the Wathba Stallions Cup sponsored by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Racing Festival. The Wathba Stallions Cup has attracted a quality field of 16.

The seven-race card also features the Romeo Interiors Cup and the Emirates NBD Cup.

Sporting the silks of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jebel Ali Racecourse patron, Makfoul emerges as a leading contender in the Romeo Interiors Cup.