Jebel Ali Racecourse is set to host one of its most anticipated meetings this Saturday, featuring a total of seven races. As the penultimate event of 2025, the day is highlighted by two lucrative handicaps, each worth AED 120,000, showcasing competitive fields keen to make their mark before the year ends.
Among the key events is Race 3, the Glorious Saturday Stakes, which is a 75–100 handicap spanning seven furlongs on Jebel Ali’s distinct dirt surface. This track is known for its classic composition, utilizing a mixture of local desert sand and recycled engine oil, making it unique in the context of modern horse racing.
The Glorious Saturday Stakes features 12 declared runners, promising a highly competitive contest. Notably, Telemark has captured attention after a strong debut victory in the UAE, where he impressed during the Ford Handicap at Meydan three weeks ago. The four-year-old, trained by the father-and-son duo of Simon and Ed Crisford, previously raced in Britain where he secured four wins from 18 outings.
Telemark is certainly a contender to watch, but he will face formidable competition. Doug Watson, a prominent figure in local racing, has entered both Cats By Five and Nyaar, both known to adapt well to Jebel Ali’s layout. Additionally, The Ice Phoenix, under the stewardship of UAE champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri, is gaining momentum after three outings since changing yards and may pose a significant challenge.
Al Mheiri expressed optimism about The Ice Phoenix’s progression, highlighting the steady improvements seen in training. The competitive nature of the race is reflected in the betting markets, with Telemark as the favorite at 6/5, closely followed by Cats By Five at 4/1 and The Ice Phoenix at 9/2.
The Glorious Saturday Stakes is not just crucial for individual accolades; it serves a strategic purpose in the overall racing season. With only one more meeting on the calendar before transitioning into 2026, the performances in this race will play a major role in shaping momentum for trainers and owners.
The card also includes Race 5, the New Year Fest Stakes, which features six middle-distance runners. Ocean Viking stands out as he makes his UAE debut, having been previously trained by André Fabre, a legendary figure in French racing. Collaborating with Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa, Ocean Viking adds intrigue to this race.
Also in contention are Truth Explained, currently favored in international betting, and Mashkoor, who recently claimed victory at Jebel Ali. With fewer entries in this race, the tactics employed could greatly influence the outcome.
The day’s events will kick off traditionally with a Purebred Arabian race, a nod to the vibrant heritage of Jebel Ali. Overall, Saturday’s meeting promises an engaging mix of established talent and emerging stories, with the potential for smaller details to impact the outcomes significantly.