Dubai World Cup: Dubai Kahayla Classic set for Purebred Arabians

Dubai - The 10-furlong contest on dirt has assembled a solid field of 13 runners.

This is the biggest night for thoroughbred racing with five Group 1 affairs and three Group 2 contests to be run across the dirt and turf surfaces at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.

But the Purebred Arabians too holds a special place on the nine-race card on Dubai World Cup night with the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic.

The lone race for Purebred Arabians, the Dubai Kahayla Classic kicks things off with it being the first race in the afternoon.

And the 10-furlong contest on dirt has assembled a nice and solid field of 13 runners, headed by Saudi Arabian raiders Mubasher Al Khalediah and Mutawakel Al Khalediah.

The UAE, one of the leading lights when it comes to Purebred Arabian racing, too has a strong representation with AF Alwajel being one of them.

Trained by UAE-based handler Ernst Oertel, AF Alwajel is the mount of record eight-time UAE Champion Tadhg O’Shea, also a Purebred Arabian specialist.

And Oertel was pleased after AF Alwajel’s work during the past week.

"It’s going brilliant,” said the South African.

“He did his final work last week, nothing serious, but he was great. He’s been doing a lot of extra distance to put some stamina into him and hopefully he turns up on the day. He is in good form and I’m very happy. He has a great draw, and all things are looking good,” Oertel added of AF Alwajel, who has drawn stall one.

Meanwhile, RB Money To Burn, trained by another UAE-based conditioner Eric Lemartinel, is the only filly in this year’s renewal of the race.

"She worked last Sunday and since has just been ticking over nicely,” Lemartinel said on Friday morning

“She cantered yesterday (Thursday) and this morning (Friday) she just jogged. She will do another light jog tomorrow (Saturday) morning before leaving for the races. All is good,” the Frenchman added.