Saeed bin Suroor is excited about seeing his steady star Benbatl create his return from a year on the sidelines in the Shadwell Joel Stakes.
The five-year-old won three occasions at Group 1 level – operating out an excellent winner of the Dubai Turf in Meydan in late March before landing the Grosser Dallmayr Preis in Germany in July along with the Ladbrokes Stakes in Australia in October.
Benbatl hasn’t yet been viewed since chasing home Winx when the wonder-mare maintained an historic fourth triumph after in precisely exactly the month, but has been reported to be for his Group Two reunite on the Rowley Mile.
“It’s his very first start of the year. However he is in good condition, and we’re excited about watching him run,” explained Newmarket coach bin Suroor.
“His job was great, and he constantly shows his class in the mornings. His last bit of work about the Watered Gallop on Racecourse side was very great, and now we are content.
“A mile is a fantastic excursion for his very first rush, and we are going to see how we go. I believe he will require this race, but I am hoping to get a good run.
“I wish to see the way he works and he comes out of this race before making any programs, however, choices are available for him at Group One level.”
Benbatl faces a far from straightforward task on his comeback, using the John Gosden-trained King Of Comedy setting a standard with the shape of this season.
The boy of Kingman appeared every inch a colt in the building once winning at Sandown in the spring – which Circus Maximus if a second in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June vaguely denyed him.
He was last seen finishing a close-up fourth in the Juddmonte International at York, and relations are hoping that he can get the most out of getting his landscapes lowered a shade.
Hugo Lascelles, racing manager to King Of Comedy’s owner-breeder Lady Bamford, stated:”We hope it is a good prospect for him. He is working with him moving to the race and John is pleased.
“He set up a good performance at York, along with the rigid mile at Newmarket should suit him well.
“We are fine, but you can find one or two good horses up against him, so it won’t be a walkover, that’s for sure.
“He hasn’t won a Group race so we’ll take one step at a time, but if all goes well on Friday we hope he will then head back to Ascot for the QEII.”
The unbeaten UAE Jewel is a winner – prior to after weekend in the Proper Newmarket Stakes on Guineas up making a debut from the Wood Ditton in the Craven meeting in April.
The bill of roger Varian checks the water Group Two level onto his return to activity.
Varian said:”It looks like a strong renewal of the Joel Stakes, however the time of the race matches well for UAE Jewel, and it ought to be a good starting point to receive his career back on track.
“I had been in 2 minds about running over this mile excursion or waiting for something above a mile and a quarter – and then that he wouldn’t want too much rain, since he is a fast-ground horse.
“He needed a drawback when we were preparing him for the Prix du Jockey Club back into the spring, however, is ready for a run now.”
Zaaki has won three of the five starts for Sir Michael Stoute this year and bids to add to his tally – while Joyful Electricity (Andrew Balding), Pogo (Charlie Hills) and Anna Nerium (Richard Hannon) complete the line-up.