Shea Shea has wide draw to overcome in Al Quoz Sprint

Shea Shea was in a rich vein of form last year when he won the Al Quoz Sprint. He was sent off even money favourite and swept through late to catch Joy And Fun in the final strides.

The seven-year-old was made favourite for the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot but had to settle for second place behind Sole Power. He may have been a bit unlucky that day as the winner was on the opposite side of the track.

Connections decided to stay on for the July Cup at Newmarket and he again ran well, this time finishing fourth to Lethal Force. He was then denied victory in the Nunthorpe by shock winner Jwala.

Sole Power’s Ascot victory was the only time that he has finished in front of Shea Shea in five attempts and the pair renew rivalry again here. Ryan Moore is an interesting booking for the Irish challenger and he is also well drawn in stall 2.

Ahtoug (2^nd), Dux Scholar (3^rd) and Catcall (5^th) were also within three lengths of Shea Shea in the Meydan Sprint and will be hoping that the draw will bring them closer this time.

Charlie Appleby’s Ahtoug has only a head to make up on Mick de Kock’s sprinter and he had looked the likely winner with a furlong to travel. He is drawn alongside the favourite and Mickael Barzalona will be keen to delay his challenge a little longer this time.

The unknown quantity of the race is Hong Kong raider Amber Sky. The five-year-old has only raced five times, all at Sha Tin.

He has rapidly progressed from handicaps to Group 1 company and is clearly very speedy. Five furlongs looks to be his best trip as he was beaten when tried over six in November.

Jeremy Gask’s Medicean Man was only seventh here a year ago but is bang in form with two recent victories at Meydan.