Hamdan Duo Back For More

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum will be hoping for a similar result to 12 months ago in Saturday's Dubai Tennis Championships Stakes at Newbury tomorrow.

The famous blue-and-white silks filled the first three places in the Group Three event, registered as the John Porter Stakes, a year ago.

The ill-fated Mubtaker led home Munsef and Maraahel and the latter pair are set to renew rivalry once more.

'It's a year on and obviously they are both a year older and it is the first run of the year for them both,' said Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan.

Maraahel was last seen finishing fifth behind Collier Hill in the Hong Kong Vase in December having won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the season.

Munsef chased home Shirocco in the Jockey Club Stakes following last year's renewal, but did not quite show the same level of form later in the season and has since been gelded.

'The ground will be quicker this year,' continued Gold. 'Maraahel had a bit of a break after he ran in Hong Kong and seems to have come back in good form, and Munsef is having his first run since being gelded so we will just have to see how he gets on.

'We will have another go this year with them both and see what happens.

'Maraahel is very consistent and Munsef keeps coming up with the goods as well, so we'll see.'

In opposition to the two Shadwell Stud representatives will be Sergeant Cecil, who is due to make his seasonal reappearance over a mile and a half, a trip short of his best.

Admiral's Cruise, Akarem, Bulwark, The Whistling Teal, Mighty and Green Room complete the nine-runner field.

(C) PA Sport