Sardem shines on opening day of Al Bayt Cup meet

Doha, Qatar: Sardem, with Maikon De Souza in the saddle, delivered a dominant performance to claim top honours on the opening day of the Al Bayt Cup meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse.

With five races taking place on the first day, the meeting will conclude with the Al Bayt Cup battle, as another five races are on the card for today’s action.

Al Azraq Stable’s Sardem looked a class apart in the Thoroughbred Handicap 65-90 (Class 3), staying in front of the pack throughout the 1200m run.

The Bader Al Balushi-trained gelding then fended off a late charge from Millions – ridden by Alberto Sanna – to win by one and a quarter lengths. Meraj finished third in the race.

Meanwhile, the 1900m Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate – the penultimate race of the day – produced thrilling action, with Osama Al-Dafea-trained Aaneef Zakhir under Jefferson Smith prevailing over Al Qaws by a nose.

Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi also excelled yesterday, bagging two victories as the talented Qatari rider guided Hamad Al-Jehani-trained Saida to an emphatic five-length win in the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6) – the opening race of the day.

He then expertly rode Nasser Ghazali-trained Cloak And Dagger to an impressive victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75, outpacing Far Shot by one and three quarter lengths.

Piloted by Shakir Al Balushi, Sultanat emerged winner in the closely contested Purebred Arabian Handicap 55-75, edging Hazm Al Sulaimi by a head in the 1200m race.

Meanwhile, the 2500m Purebred Arabian Handicap 80-100 (Class 2), with the coveted Al Bayt Cup at stake, is expected to be a thriller this evening. The likes of Al Nati Up, Ghanem, Nijinski Al Maury and Sakher are among the racers competing for the top prize. The proceedings will start with the Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75.

22nd Al Uqda Race Meeting - Al Bayt Cup (Div1)
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) 
Thoroughbred Handicap 65-90 (Class 3)
Sardem, Bader Al Balushi, Maikon De Souza
Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6)
Aaneef Zakhir, Osama Al-Dafea, Jefferson Smith
Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75 (Qatari Riders) (Class 5)
Cloak And Dagger, Nasser Ghazali, Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi
Purebred Arabian Handicap 55-75 (Class 5)
Sultanat, Salem Fadgham Al-Hajri, Shakir Al Balushi
Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6)
Saida, Hamad Al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi