CHAVEZ PINS HOPES ON NEWCOMER

Ex-Kranji jockey is thrilled with unbeaten Argentinian-bred Atif in new Dubai season

- Michael Lee

Oscar Chavez is looking forward to his first steer on newcomer Atif in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile (1,600m) at Meydan on Nov 22.

The former Kranji-based jockey is back for a third season in Dubai after two successful seasons in 2022-ZS and 2023-24, highlighted by his win in one of the nine races on Dubai World Cup night in 2023, the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (2,000m) for purebred arabians aboard Hayyan.

No doubt the marquee win is a career high on his CV, but it would be eclipsed by a win in any of the other six thoroughbred features.

The Panamanian-born hoop did not meet with the same luck at the world's single richest day of thoroughbred racing in March, finishing down the course in three rides, including a last place on his Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic (1,900m) winner Military Law.

While it is too early to make any predictions five months out, Chavez would like to think that Atif could be the one to succeed where Military Law, Daramethos and Qareeb have failed.