This competitive dirt dash marks the return of a pair of G1 Golden Shaheen-winning veterans in Reynaldothewizard (Speightstown) and Krypton Factor (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}), who won that prized sprint in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 10-year-old Reynaldothewizard, who won this race the last two years before it was upgraded to black-type status, has not been seen since last Feb. 12, when he bested Krypton Factor by a neck in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint over this track and trip. Jockey Richard Mullen, who has ridden the bay in 16 of his 17 local starts for eight wins, said, “He seems very well and as fit as we can get him at home. He has been bucking and squealing so is obviously full of himself and we will find out a lot on Thursday regarding how much ability remains. Obviously he is 10 now and taking on the younger generation but we know conditions really suit him.”
Krypton Factor made two outings last season after his Al Shindagha turnover without much luck, finishing fifth in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on Super Saturday and beating just one home in the Golden Shaheen.
Appearing to have the upper hand on his elders in this one is Sheikh Hamdan's Muarrab (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). The 7-year-old rides a four-race win streak into this, and was last seen transferring his Jebel Ali form to Meydan with a win in the Listed Garhoud Sprint over this track and trip Dec. 17.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
