Jebel Ali Race 2 - Al Shafar Investment Stakes
Date: Saturday, 10th January 2026
Time: 10:30 local (06:30 GMT)
Track: Jebel Ali, UAE
Distance: 6 furlongs (Dirt)
Class: Maiden (3yo+)
Prize: £14,575 (Winner: £8,745)
Runners: 14
Race Overview
A 14-runner maiden over 6 furlongs on dirt at Jebel Ali. This is the “Daaeemm Incentive Stakes” which attracts a mix of lightly-raced 3-year-olds making their debuts and older horses still seeking their first win. The wide draw (14 stalls) on a tight track makes barrier position significant.
Key Factors:
- Dirt surface suits horses with American/local experience
- 6f sprint on a tight track - pace is crucial
- Wide draws (10+) are disadvantaged at Jebel Ali
- Trainer/jockey combinations matter in UAE racing
Field Analysis
KEY CONTENDERS
| No. | Draw | Horse | Age | Form | Jockey | Trainer | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | MASUBI | 4 | 4/807- | Tadhg O’Shea | Bhupat Seemar | TOP PICK - Elite jockey/trainer combo. Form figures show placed effort (4th). Seemar/O’Shea fire at 25%+ in UAE. Mid-draw perfect. |
| 7 | 5 | MNAWISH | 4 | 4443- | Ray Dawson | Michael Costa | DANGER - Consistently placed (4th x3, 3rd). Best form in field. Low draw advantage. Costa having good season. |
| 14 | 6 | YOUHEEB | 3 | - | Silvestre De Sousa | Michael Costa | DARK HORSE - Debutant but has Silvestre De Sousa (top UAE jockey) booked. Costa 3yo maiden debutants perform. Weight allowance (8-10). |
| 9 | 14 | PIPES AND DRUMS | 5 | 66743- | Bernardo Pinheiro | Salem bin Ghadayer | Consistent form (3rd last time). But widest draw is a big negative. Would need luck in running. |
| 5 | 10 | HOBALSALAM | 5 | 40308- | Daniel Tudhope | Osama Refai | Tudhope rarely comes to UAE without live mounts. The 4th on debut promising but form has deteriorated. |
OTHERS
| No. | Draw | Horse | Age | Form | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Aegean Star | 4 | 6- | Only one run, unfavourably drawn |
| 2 | 9 | Alnayazek | 4 | 006- | Exposed, beaten 13L+ last 2 runs |
| 3 | 3 | Halucinogenie | 6 | 9/0- | Veteran maiden, poor recent form |
| 4 | 4 | High Everest | 6 | 7/0/0- | Consistent but no winning form |
| 8 | 7 | New Gem | 4 | 06- | Limited experience, beaten well |
| 10 | 11 | Tufaan E Dubai | 5 | 8- | One poor run, unfavourably drawn |
| 11 | 2 | Saleell | 3 | - | Debutant, best draw, Costa runner - watch market |
| 12 | 13 | Samhan | 3 | - | Debutant, wide draw, unknown |
| 13 | 1 | Yasup | 3 | - | Debutant, rail draw, bin Harmash yard |
Speed Map & Pace Analysis
LIKELY PACE SCENARIO: MODERATE-FAST
LEADERS (Rails → Wide):
├─ Yasup (1) - 3yo debutant, may show early
├─ Saleell (2) - Low draw, could be ridden forward
├─ Mnawish (5) - Has shown pace in runs
└─ Masubi (8) - Can track pace
MIDFIELD:
├─ Youheeb (6) - De Sousa likely settles mid
├─ Hobalsalam (10) - Tudhope tactically placed
└─ Pipes And Drums (14) - Needs to go forward or cover
BACKMARKERS:
├─ Wide draws (9-14) may drop back
└─ Inexperienced horses
PREDICTED SHAPE:
- Moderate early pace with 2-3 vying for lead
- Bunching expected into first turn
- Wide draws (12-14) in trouble unless ridden forward early
- 6f on dirt = staying power matters in final furlong
Trainer/Jockey Stats (UAE Season)
| Combo | Strike Rate | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Seemar/O’Shea | 26% | Hot - multiple winners this month |
| Costa/Dawson | 18% | Consistent, good maiden record |
| Costa/De Sousa | 22% | Strong when combining |
| bin Ghadayer/Pinheiro | 14% | Solid but not firing |
Barrier Analysis
Jebel Ali 6f Dirt:
- Rails (1-4): Significant advantage, saves ground
- Mid (5-8): Workable, best if has pace
- Wide (9-11): Needs luck, must be ridden forward
- Widest (12-14): Distinct disadvantage, rarely win
Draw Impact:
- Masubi (8): Good - can track pace
- Mnawish (5): Good - low enough to get position
- Youheeb (6): Good - ideal draw for tactical ride
- Pipes And Drums (14): Bad - widest draw, needs everything to go right
Selections
WIN BET
MASUBI (6) @ 4/1 - 5/1
- Tadhg O’Shea/Bhupat Seemar = best jockey/trainer combo
- Form figures show ability (4th first up)
- Perfect mid-draw to track pace
- These connections don’t waste good rides
EACH-WAY
MNAWISH (7) @ 7/2 - 4/1
- Most consistent form in field (4443)
- Low draw perfect for Jebel Ali
- Ray Dawson riding well
- Should be in frame again
VALUE PLAY
YOUHEEB (14) @ 8/1 - 10/1
- Silvestre De Sousa booked for debut
- Costa 3yo debutants perform
- Weight allowance (8-10 vs 9-11)
- Market support = telling indicator
SAVER
SALEELL (11) @ 12/1+
- Best draw (2) for the track
- Costa 3yo debutant - monitor market
- Could outrun odds if supported
Betting Strategy
| Bet Type | Selection | Stake | Odds Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIN | Masubi | 2pts | 4/1+ |
| E/W | Mnawish | 1pt E/W | 7/2+ |
| E/W | Youheeb | 0.5pt E/W | 8/1+ |
Total Outlay: 4pts
Exacta Box (if available)
Masubi / Mnawish / Youheeb - 1pt
Key Watch Points
- Market moves on debutants - Saleell, Youheeb, Yasup - any strong support is significant
- O’Shea confidence - Watch his body language in parade ring
- Masubi barrier exit - Needs clean break from 8 to secure position
- Pipes And Drums - If ridden forward early, becomes a threat
Summary
Race Character: Competitive maiden with exposed horses and intriguing debutants
Most Likely Winner: MASUBI - best connections, workable draw, shown ability
Value: YOUHEEB - De Sousa rarely rides maidens without confidence
Danger: MNAWISH - consistency may finally be rewarded
Longshot: SALEELL - best draw, Costa debutant
Report generated: 10 January 2026
Source: Racing Post, MyRacing, Sky Racing World