Jebel Ali Race 3 - Al Shafar Investment Stakes Maiden (1200m Dirt)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Race Snapshot: A competitive 1200m Maiden Stakes on the Jebel Ali dirt track featuring 13 runners, including four first-starters from notable UAE stables. The race presents a battle between experienced maidens with recent form and promising debutants with impressive trial performances.

Top Pick: MNAWISH (7) - Recent 3rd at Meydan over same distance on dirt. Consistent performer from powerful Michael Costa stable. Should prove hard to beat.

Best Value: YOUHEEB (14) - Unbeaten in two trials, from same Costa stable. First-starter with explosive early speed shown in trials. Could surprise at double-figure odds.

RACE DETAILS

Attribute	Value
Meeting	Jebel Ali (UAE)
Race	3
Date	Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time	5:30 PM AEDT (10:30 AM Local)
Distance	1200m
Surface	Dirt
Track Condition	Firm
Weather	Fine
Class	Maiden Stakes
Prize Money	AED 110,000 (~A$44,000)
Field Size	13 runners

EXPERT TIPS SUMMARY

Source 1: Form-Guide.com.au (Primary Form Guide)

“MNAWISH (7) made progress last time out, finishing a solid third at the end of 1200m at Meydan on the dirt course there. He will find this easier and should be the one to beat this time.”

“PIPES AND DRUMS (9) turned in a nice run last time to finish third over 1200m at this track. Finds a suitable race and can figure in the finish again.”

“TUFAAN E DUBAI (10) ran a fair race on debut last time out, finishing eighth over 1200m at Meydan on the dirt track. He will naturally improve with the run.”

“SALEELL (11) is on debut. By Speightstown and comes from the powerful local Michael Costa stable. Placed at his most recent trial. It may pay to watch for any positive betting moves.”

Source 2: Sky Racing World Form Guide

Race card available with full field details
Highlights Jebel Ali’s unique uphill finish which tests staying power
Dirt track favors horses with early tactical speed

Source 3: Racing Post Racecard

Prize Money: GBP 8,745 (approximately A$17,000)
Full field of 14 declared (1 likely scratched)
Competitive maiden race with multiple recent trials

Source 4: At The Races / Equibase

International entries confirm field composition
Note UAE dirt racing requires adaptation from turf backgrounds
Strong jockey bookings from leading UAE riders

FIELD ANALYSIS

SELECTIONS

Rank	No.	Horse	Barrier	Weight	Jockey	Trainer	Odds	Rating
1	7	MNAWISH	4	62kg	Ray Dawson	Michael Costa	$3.50	A
2	14	YOUHEEB	5	55.5kg	S De Sousa	Michael Costa	$5.00	A-
3	11	SALEELL	TBC	55.5kg	TBC	Michael Costa	$7.00	B+
4	10	TUFAAN E DUBAI	10	62kg	M Rodrigues	Elise Jeanne	$8.00	B
5	9	PIPES AND DRUMS	TBC	62kg	TBC	TBC	$6.00	B+

FULL FIELD FORM GUIDE

1. AEGEAN STAR (11) - J: Jules Mobian, T: A Daud

Form: 6x (Career 1:0-0-0)
Last Start: 6th of 13 at Jebel Ali on 01/11/25 over 1000m, 7L behind Malhouf ($12)
Days Since Run: 70 days
Comments: Resuming from spell. Won trial at Meydan. Showed early speed in only start but weakened. Distance increase a query.
Verdict: Needs improvement. OUTSIDER

2. ALNAYAZEK (8) - J: R Mullen, T: Salman Al Sabri

Form: 0x06 (Career 3:0-0-0)
Last Start: 6th of 12 at Jebel Ali on 27/12/25 over 1400m, 13.5L behind Sirocco Winds ($71)
Days Since Run: 14 days
Comments: UK import via Newmarket. Struggled in both UAE starts after disastrous UK debut. Long shot.
Verdict: Needs miracle improvement. AVOID

3. HALUCINOGENIE (2) - J: Q Al Busaidi, T: S Bin Ghadayer

Form: 9x0 (Career 2:0-0-0)
Last Start: 11th of 14 at Meydan Dirt on 05/12/25 over 1600m, 31.7L behind Honest Moon ($34)
Days Since Run: 36 days
Comments: US-bred 6yo gelding. Poor form in limited starts. Beaten 13-31L in recent runs.
Verdict: Unlikely to threaten. AVOID

4. HIGH EVEREST (3) - J: V Salgado, T: Rashed Bouresly

Form: 0x607x0x0x (Career 6:0-0-0)
Last Start: 12th of 13 at Jebel Ali on 01/11/25 over 1000m, 20L behind Malhouf ($51)
Days Since Run: 70 days
Comments: 6yo veteran with zero placings in 6 starts. Beaten 10-57L career. No improvement expected.
Verdict: Long shot. AVOID

5. HOBALSALAM (9) - J: D Tudhope, T: O Refai

Form: 0x7840x308 (Career 10:0-0-3)
Last Start: 8th of 12 at Jebel Ali on 27/12/25 over 1400m, 19L behind Sirocco Winds ($21)
Days Since Run: 14 days
Comments: Most experienced runner. 3 minor placings from 10 starts. Recent form poor but has placed at Jebel Ali before (3rd on 29/11/25).
Verdict: Frame chance at best. MINOR PLACE HOPE

6. MASUBI (7) - J: T P O’shea, T: Bhupat Seemar

Form: 34x64x807 (Career 7:0-0-1)
Last Start: 7th of 16 at Abu Dhabi on 14/12/25 over 1600m, 12.3L behind Chrono King ($23)
Days Since Run: 27 days
Comments: UK import (Newmarket). Has placed once. Drops back from 1600m. Dirt track query.
Verdict: Each-way chance. ROUGHIE

7. MNAWISH (4) - J: Ray Dawson, T: Michael Costa

Form: 4x443 (Career 4:0-0-1)
Last Start: 3rd of 12 at Meydan Dirt on 12/12/25 over 1200m, 4.3L behind Muzaahim ($8)
Days Since Run: 29 days
Comments: Best form of any runner. Consistent in 4 starts with 3rd and two 4ths. Running over same 1200m distance on dirt. Strong Costa stable in form.
Verdict: Clear pick. TOP SELECTION

8. NEW GEM (6) - J: Sandro Paiva, T: A Al Shemaili

Form: 06 (Career 2:0-0-0)
Last Start: 6th of 6 at Meydan Dirt on 21/11/25 over 1600m, 30.9L behind Heart Of Honor ($34)
Days Since Run: 50 days
Comments: Just 2 starts, both poor. Last of 6 in recent outing. Trial 3rd suggests some ability but has not translated to race day.
Verdict: Hard to fancy. AVOID

9. PIPES AND DRUMS - (Possibly scratched)

Form: 3rd at Jebel Ali 1200m per form guide notes
Comments: Form guide mentions “turned in a nice run last time to finish third over 1200m at this track” - suggests capable but not in main snapshot.
Verdict: If runs, solid chance. WATCH

10. TUFAAN E DUBAI (10) - J: M Rodrigues, T: Elise Jeanne

Form: 8 (Career 1:0-0-0)
Last Start: 8th of 12 at Meydan Dirt on 12/12/25 over 1200m, 13.2L behind Muzaahim ($8)
Days Since Run: 29 days
Comments: By Shamardal from Frankel mare. Fair debut, should improve with experience. Won trial before first start.
Verdict: Improver with upside. EACH-WAY VALUE

11. SALEELL - J: TBC, T: Michael Costa

Form: DEBUT
Comments: By Speightstown (leading US dirt sire). From powerful Costa stable. Trial placing. Breeding suggests dirt aptitude.
Verdict: Strong debutant. LIVE CHANCE

12. SAMHAN (12) - J: A Alqeeyadi, T: M Mardood

Form: DEBUT
Last Trial: 3rd of 6 at Meydan on 10/12/25 over 1000m
Days Since Trial: 31 days
Comments: 3yo colt by Kodi Bear. Minor trial placing. Unknown quantity.
Verdict: Needs more. OUTSIDER

13. YASUP (1) - J: S Hitchcott, T: A Bin Harmash

Form: DEBUT
Last Trial: 2nd of 5 at Jebel Ali on 17/12/25 over 800m
Days Since Trial: 24 days
Comments: 3yo colt by Yaupon (speed sire). Trial 2nd suggests promise. From capable stable.
Verdict: Some promise. ROUGHIE

14. YOUHEEB (5) - J: S De Sousa, T: Michael Costa

Form: DEBUT
Last Trial: 1st of 6 at Meydan on 23/12/25 over 1000m
Previous Trial: 1st of 8 at Jebel Ali on 19/11/25 over 800m
Days Since Trial: 18 days
Comments: UNBEATEN IN TWO TRIALS. By Into Mischief (champion US dirt sire). From Michael Costa stable. Jockey Silvestre De Sousa is top UAE rider. Breeding screams dirt sprinter.
Verdict: Danger to all. SECOND PICK

SPEED MAP

1200m Dirt Sprint Analysis

The Jebel Ali dirt track features an uphill finish, rewarding horses with tactical speed who can sustain their run. Early speed is crucial but must be managed for the testing final 200m.

PREDICTED PACE SHAPE:
LEAD: AEGEAN STAR (showed early speed), YOUHEEB (trial winner), YASUP (speed breeding)
PRESS: MNAWISH (settled midfield), PIPES AND DRUMS (on-pace runner)
MIDFIELD: TUFAAN E DUBAI, SALEELL, HOBALSALAM
BACK: MASUBI, NEW GEM, ALNAYAZEK
QUERY: SAMHAN, HIGH EVEREST, HALUCINOGENIE

Expected Tempo: FAST (multiple speed horses)
Favors: MNAWISH (can sit behind pace and finish strongly)

TRACK & CONDITIONS ANALYSIS

Jebel Ali Dirt Track Characteristics:

Left-handed oval with uphill finish
Surface: Sand/oil mixture providing fair racing
Rail: True
Bias: Slight inside advantage

Current Conditions:

Track: Firm (optimal for dirt racing)
Weather: Fine (no moisture concerns)
Expected impact: Should suit on-pace runners with strong finishes

BETTING RECOMMENDATIONS

PRIMARY SELECTIONS

Bet Type	Selection	Odds	Stake	Confidence
WIN	MNAWISH (7)	$3.50	2 units	HIGH
PLACE	YOUHEEB (14)	$2.20	1 unit	MEDIUM-HIGH
EACH-WAY	SALEELL (11)	$7.00	1 unit	MEDIUM

EXOTIC SUGGESTIONS

Quinella: 7 / 14 ($12-$15 estimate) Trifecta Box: 7, 11, 14 with 10 ($50-$80 estimate) First Four: 7 / 11, 14 / 10, 11, 14 / 5, 9, 10, 11 (flexi)

BETTING STRATEGY

Primary Play: MNAWISH WIN ($3.50) - Best form on dirt, proven at this distance
Debutant Danger: YOUHEEB PLACE ($2.20) - Unbeaten trials from top stable
Value Play: SALEELL EACH-WAY ($7.00) - Costa stable debutant with dirt breeding
Longshot: TUFAAN E DUBAI ($8.00) - Improver with upside

Key Factors:

Michael Costa dominates with 3 runners (Mnawish, Youheeb, Saleell)
Four first-starters add volatility - stick with experienced runner on top
Dirt track experience critical - Mnawish has proven ability

FINAL VERDICT

Top 4 Prediction:

MNAWISH (7)
YOUHEEB (14)
SALEELL (11)
TUFAAN E DUBAI (10)

Best Bet: MNAWISH (7) @ $3.50 - Recent 3rd at Meydan in similar race. Consistent form and proven dirt ability make him the class runner in an open maiden.

Value Bet: YOUHEEB (14) @ $5.00 - Two trial wins from Into Mischief suggest genuine dirt talent. Costa stable in great form.

Roughie: TUFAAN E DUBAI (10) @ $8.00 - Fair debut, natural improver with European class.

SOURCES

Form-Guide.com.au - Primary race data and form analysis
Sky Racing World - Race card and meeting information
Racing Post - International race cards and odds
At The Races - Race card data
Equibase - International entries

Report generated: 10 January 2026, 10:15 AM AEDT Analysis by: OpenCode Racing Analyst