The Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) was delighted to see that all 13 entries for the Emirates Breeders (0-55) Handicap Stakes at Wolverhampton on Monday 9th August have declared. The one mile and half a furlong contest includes recent winner Zayin Zyperion, who defeated Kayack in a photo finish when they met at Lingfield Park last month, as well as the third, Aljawaaher, and a number of the other runners from that race which was held over a mile and a quarter.
The drop down in trip could see the tables turned as Evermore Racing’s Kayack had hit the front from three furlongs out, with Zayin Arabian’s Zayin Zyperion needing every inch of that distance to reel the seven-year-old in. However, they also face the Delyth Thomas owned and trained course and distance winner Callymay, and her stablemate Kayclaire who was a runner-up at the Dunstall Park track in the same grade two years ago.
Aymee represent the same connections as Zayin Zyperion and is looking to redeem herself when finishing well adrift of her stablemate, however she and Bin Al Reeh, also trained by Pete Hammersley, may prove to be better on Turf. Also from the local Hammersley stable is the Connolly’s Samawaat, who is looking to recapture her good form of last season. Another owner-trainer double handed in the race is Steve Blackwell, who runs the aforementioned Aljawaaher and his homebred filly Aloof. Both finished behind Zayin Zyperion at Lingfield, but the drop in trip could play to Aljawaaher’s strengths, as he was once beaten a head over nine furlongs at the Midlands track when racing off a much higher mark in his youth.
Aloof is one of two four-year-olds in the race, and whilst she has shaped like she will be better at five, like her dam, Upstart Crow’s half-brothers both won on their debuts at three and four years. He’s taken a little longer to come to hand than his older siblings, being very green on his first appearance, but showed improvement in a higher grade on his handicap debut last time. He will be ridden Louis Steward, who currently boasts a 33% strike rate on thoroughbreds and is seeking his first win on an Arabian.
The race also features an encouraging mix of professionals and amateurs. Whilst Steward has caught the headlines of late, he is joined by Joey Haynes who has struck up a good rapport with the Hammerlsey stable and Arabians in general. Haynes has either won or been placed in seven out of his thirteen rides on Arabians, however the professionals with the greatest advantage are former ARO Novice Jockey Champions Charlie Price and Ellie Mackenzie. Price is now a conditional jump jockey, whilst Mackenzie is an apprentice on the Flat. Both rode against each other as amateurs and enjoy the opportunity to continue to ride Arabians, Price has twice been placed on his mount Kayclaire as a professional, but won on her when still an amateur.
Of the amateurs’ with rides, whilst Kayack’s partner Serena Brotherton has a wealth of experience on thoroughbreds, she has a long way to go to catch Stephen Harrison who partners Bin Al Reeh. Harrison passed the 100-winner mark back in 2015, with the majority of his wins coming on Arabians.
Genny Haynes, Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO) Commercial and Finance Director said: “ARO would like to thank the Emirates Breeders for their generous sponsorship of this race. It is part of a series that supports UK Arabian racing through maidens, conditions races and a variety of handicaps that cater for all levels.”
She continued: “We would also like to thank the BHA and all the team at Wolverhampton racecourse for their assistance this season.”
