Undefeated Shahama on course for second UAE Classic prize

Shahama is on track to capture her second UAE Classic prize during the Dubai World Cup Carnival’s week six at Meydan on Friday, having crushed all her opponents so far.

The Fawzi Nass-trained Munnings filly in undefeated in three starts that includes the UAE 1000 Guineas run over the 1,600-metre trip in her last start three weeks ago.

She steps up on trip in the Group 3 UAE Oaks and looks certain to maintain her perfect record in the seven-runner field over the 1,900m distance.

Adrie de Vries, who has been on board in all her three starts, is hoping to maintain the record.

6pm: Mina Hamriya – Handicap (TB) $75,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

6.35pm: Al Wasl Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Turf) 1,200m

7.10pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,900m

7.45pm: Blue Point Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,000m

8.20pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (T) 2,810m

8.55pm: Mina Rashid – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (T) 1,600m

“On form she is obviously the one to beat and we are very hopeful the extra 300m will not inconvenience her,” the 12-time Dutch champion jockey said.

Doug Watson’s Minwah finished behind Shahama in three out of her four career starts. She was runner up twice, including in her last start in the UAE 1000 Guineas.

“Obviously it’s a tough race with Shahama in there but Minwah ran very well behind her last time and, over the longer trip. Hopefully we can at least get closer this time,” Watson said of her Cupid filly.

The Group 2 Blue Point Sprint and the Nad Al Sheba Trophy, officially the most valuable prize in the six-race card, are the two other feature races of the night.

The 1,000m turf sprint has drawn nine runners, including Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby’s Lazuli.

The Dubawi gelding is returning to the