Mozahim to extend Costa's lead

Jebel Ali's opening fixture of 2025 tomorrow is headlined by a cracking sprint handicap, the richest race on a competitive seven-race programme to kick start the new year.

- Ed Marnane

Michael Costa, the season's leading trainer, has been the dominant trainer at Jebel Ali this winter and has strong claims of winning the Shadwell sponsored race with the top-weight Mozahim.

Ben Coen's mount, winner of three of his six races at Jebel Ali, comes in good heart having finished a close second to Billy Webster last month, his first start in nine months. He's entitled to step forward for that run and should go close.

Champion trainer Bhupat Seemar, who landed Saturday's Jebel Ali feature with progressive Musical Dancer, saddles the lightly raced Elusive Terry, the mount of Tadhg O'Shea and winner of two of his five races last year.

The form of his second to Morning in the valuable Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup at Sharjah seven weeks ago was given a major boost, thanks to the winner's subsequent third in the Listed Dubawi Stakes before winning a handicap off a 100 at Meydan on Festive Friday. Getting 3.5kg from Mozahim, Elusive Terry is a leading player and the biggest threat to Costa's horse.

Of the rest, Mr Kafoo is one to consider. He made a poor start to the season, disappointing in two runs before bouncing back to form when a close fourth behind Morning at Meydan. He hails from a yard that has enjoyed a fine season and commands respect under Connor Beasley.