Course specialists clash in wide-open handicap

Preview:  UAE, Saturday 10.30am GMT

Sharjah dirt

Course-and-distance specialists Bin Shamardal and Gulf Of Gold are among a maximum field of 16 declared for a wide-open 1m2f handicap at Sharjah on Saturday.

Trained by Musabah Al Muhairi, Bin Shamardal has won his last two starts at Sharjah - both over Saturday's trip of 1m2f - and was a decent second at Meydan last time.

Jockey Wayne Smith said: "His win here in November was our first of the season and then he went in again here two weeks later so conditions clearly suit him. He is up in the weights now but remains in good form."

The first of those wins came at the expense of Florentine Ruler (Doug Watson/Ted Durcan) and the pair share top weight.

Watson also saddles Gulf Of Gold (Shane Foley), a winner in these conditions in November.

Tadhg O'Shea has passed over both Florentine Ruler and Gulf Of Gold to ride stablemate Champagne Style.

Watson said: "They all ran well on their last visit to Sharjah which was Champagne Style's UAE debut and he was certainly unlucky not to finish closer as he was stopped in the straight.

"All three look to have a decent chance in an open contest."

Busker (Mubarak Bin Shafya/Pat Cosgrave) should not be ruled out in an ultra-competitive heat, while Firstknight (Watson/O'Shea) should make a bold attempt to follow up his Jebel Ali win in the 5f handicap. Home Office (Al Muhairi/Smith) looks a big danger.