Alfaisaleyah should be peaking this time around

RACE 1 (1,600m)

(3) FAWAZ EALIAT NAJID failed to show his talent on his first three starts, but he is perhaps better judged on his third-placed finish over 1,400m when last seen in February. Place candidate.

(6) MUHANNA ATHBAH is an unraced Mahabb gelding who is out of an unraced mare. An interesting runner for shrewd connections.

(1) BIN MU’AZZAZ is a recalcitrant type who has shown signs of ability but does not appear to want to win. Disappointing at Taif this summer but will find this easier.

(8) SAARI K R showed limited ability in four outings and probably does not deserve his mark of 63.

RACE 2 (1,600m)

(5) FAWAAYED showed promising performances to finish in the runners-up berth on both starts. The horse who beat her last time is now rated 82. Shaping up as a major player.

(10) RIANA is a long-standing maiden who finished ninth of 14 in a conditions race last time. Winless from 18 attempts.

(8) NOOF ALBARAQ is winless from nine starts but has shown enough ability to warrant consideration in a weak maiden.

(3) DHALAM faded to finish fifth of 11 over this trip at Taif on debut. Showed some early pace that day and might well be up on the lead again.

RACE 3 (1,200m)

(15) NEOM is an unraced Requinto filly out of a local-bred mare who won once from 11 starts. Interesting debutant for leading connections.

(6) DURRAT ALAELYA’A shaped well on her first two outings at Taif, which included finishing fourth in a 1,400m Cup contest. Did not appear to stay over 1,600m on debut here and now cuts back in trip.

(7) JERAT BAHR improved drastically on her two-year-old runs when second of 18 over course and distance a fortnight ago. Cannot be dismissed on that evidence.

(16) SHAQRA ALHAWEEH was a precocious juvenile last season who has not trained on. The horse to beat on back form but her recent exploits have not been as good.

RACE 4 (1,200m)

(7) SAWAAS is a front-running colt with strong claims based on his two placed efforts here last season. Could be difficult to pass if fit.

(14) NASEEM ALNAFEL is a clear non-stayer over 1,800m/2,000m so far this season and could be open to a lot improvement at this trip.

(5) JOHAR BLAADI is the horse to beat on official ratings but this is his 13th outing and his best form has come at Taif. Not impossible to oppose.

(2) ALNISHAAR is winless from 11 starts but has shown enough ability to win a race of this nature. Place candidate if he can overcome a wide gate.

RACE 5 (1,200m)

(1) ALFAISALEYAH is a speedy five-time winner who has twice won over this course and distance. Should be fit after three runs this term and looks well handicapped.

(10) MAHROOT is a course-and-distance Open winner in November 2024. Has not hit the same heights since but now down to a tasty mark.

(5) MSAYEH is a six-time winner who finished third of 19 in this grade over 1,400m two weeks ago. Place candidate now dropped in trip.

(12) SHAYEKH finally got off the mark at the 18th attempt in a 0-90 handicap over 1,400m two weeks ago. Do not discount.

RACE 6 (1,400m)

(13) THU ALWASHAH is an unraced Flameaway colt out of a US-bred mare who failed to win from four attempts. Cost a whopping US$400,000 (S$518,000) in April this year.

(3) ALMUHIB is a speedy colt who placed on both of his starts at Taif this summer. Clearly capable of winning a maiden and drawn to attack.

(19) GHINWA showed promise when fifth of 10 over course and distance a fortnight ago. Not without place claims if she has improved.

(20) MARWO flew home from an unpromising position to finish second of 10 over course and distance two weeks ago. Player on the evidence.

RACE 7 (1,400m)

(7) CHOCALHO is an Irish import who boasts the highest official rating in this field. Talented but yet to have proven form on this surface.

(3) ANOOD ALRIYADH is a seven-race maiden whose best effort came in a 1,200m conditions race in December. Should improve for her recent seasonal reappearance.

(5) BEADAYA took a big step forward when fourth of 18 over 1,200m here earlier in October. Must show it was no fluke.

(15) NAZHRAH THAAQBAH is a nine-race maiden whose best effort came when fourth of 20 over 1,600m in November 2024. Place candidate.

Comments courtesy of Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia