Saleem Golam: hoping to score on Recital in HH The Heir Apparent Trophy
PICTURE: Martin LynchRecital bids to make it third-time lucky
Preview: Qatar, Thursday 1.15pm GMT
Al Rayyan (Doha): HH The Heir Apparent Trophy (Group 1-local) 1m4f, turf, 3yo+
RECITAL, sixth in last year's Derby for Aidan O'Brien, will be bidding to make it third time lucky in Qatar for his new trainer Ahmed Kobeissi when facing 15 rivals in Thursday's HH The Heir Apparent Trophy, one of the country's most prestigious and valuable prizes.
Having been partnered by Darren Williams and Jamie Spencer on his previous two outings, he will be ridden on this occasion by former British champion apprentice Saleem Golam who shared the honours in 2005 with Hayley Turner.
Golam said: "I am very grateful to Mr Kobeissi for this opportunity in Qatar and it is very exciting to get to ride a horse of Recital's class in a big race. I have ridden him several times in the mornings and he is a proper horse with a touch of class.
"Things have not panned out for him in his first two starts here but the extra distance will help him and hopefully I can ride him a touch more handily. It is a very good racebut I am expecting a big run."
He will certainly need to be somewhere near his best with last year's winner, stable companion Beethoven back to defend the crown he won under Seb Sanders. Liam Jones is in the saddle this time and last year's second and third, Miss Starlight and Lancelot are back in opposition.
On his most recent start, Beethoven was well beaten over 1m1f and will appreciate this step up in trip but has struggled this season having also been beaten by both Amico Mio and the fast improving Dubawi King.
Amico Mio, winner of last year's Emir Trophy, won the Group 3 Barzan Cup earlier this season but has been beaten by both Lancelot and Dubawi King subsequently.
Gerald Avranche rides Dubawi King despite being in the saddle when Ladyanne won the Qatar Derby (1m2f) with her rivals including both Recital and Arrigo who was making his local debut in the race. Both were staying on strongly and will be suited by the extra distance, while Ladyanne denied stable companion Brittany on that occasion and is another to consider in what appears a very open race.
Dubawi King, a useful handicapper for Nigel Tinkler, prior to his arrival in Qatar, beat Lancelot in early December but was behind that rival a month ago.
General Duke's has been a revelation this year and arrives here having won all five of his local starts, working up from maiden company. This is a big step up in class but the season's leading rider Darren Williams maintains their unbeaten partnership which includes a win over Brittany late last year.
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