Nad Al Sheba: Rooney back in business

Tonight’s second Nad Al Sheba fixture of the new season is a six-race card highlighted by a valuable 10-furlong (1800m) handicap off at 2100 for which 10 have been declared.

Daragh O’Donohoe partners top-weight Dynamic Saint for Champion Trainer Doug Watson and he will be hard to beat if anywhere near his best.

His trainer said: "He seems in great form and has run well fresh in the past so we have to be hopeful."

The preceding seven-furlong (1400m) handicap sees the long awaited return of Musabah Al Muhairi’s Knight of Dance who won his only career start to date in a maiden on the opening night of last season.

He has clearly had problems but impressed on that occasion and jockey Wayne Smith said: "He is hopefully a nice prospect but has had his problems. Fingers crossed he can have a full season and add to his tally."

As is the norm, the Purebred Arabians open proceedings and this week’s mile (1600m) handicap provides a fascinating clash between Royal Epic and Wayne Rooney, who have been campaigned in top company. Rod Simpson’s Abu Alemarat, winner of the Purebred Arabian UAE Triple Crown last year, is a non-runner but his trainer said of his other runner: "Don’t forget Time Out, he ran well the other night."

Meanwhile, Watson reports Rooney, who is making his first start for the trainer, is "in fine form" and it promises to be an interesting clash with the Gill Duffield pair Hayajaan and Muthaaber among the dangers.

THIS WEEK’S ACTION

TONIGHT – NAD AL SHEBA

Six-race card. First race 7pm. Contact Dubai Racing Club on 04-327 0077 or visit www.dubairacingclub.com

SUNDAY – ABU DHABI

Six-race card. First race 5pm. Contact Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on 02-445 5500