Suny Du Loup for Abu Dhabi Prep

Racing in the UAE steps up a gear at Abu Dhabi today with the running of the HH The President Cup Prep, the first Listed race for Arabians of the new season.

- Ed Marnane

This year's race is a strong renewal; eight of the 13 runners are rated above 110 and Suny Du Loup, rated 118, gets the vote to follow up his recent win in a minor event at the track.

Trained by Hamad Al Marar, he overcame an awkward draw to record his third win at Abu Dhabi on his first start in seven months. The six-year-old French-bred Arabian is entitled to be sharper for the run and is the horse to beat.

Smart Arabian First Class, a useful performer who can boast Group 1 form in Europe, returns to Doug Watson after a stint in the UK with James Owen. He made one start for the Newmarket-based handler, finishing a poor eighth in the Group 1 Qatar Arabian World Cup last month. He looked unhappy on the soft ground at Longchamp and trailed in a long way behind the brilliant Al Ghadeer.

First Class will enjoy the quicker ground at Abu Dhabi and won't lack for fitness. He warrants respect dropping in class over a track he enjoyed his biggest success when winning the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown two years ago.

Majed Al Jahoori-trained Ajrad Athbah, rated 119, has to be high on any shortlist. He made an encouraging comeback when narrowly beaten by Suny Du Loup at this track last month, staying on nicely in the closing stages. He should strip fitter for the run and holds sound claims of going one place better over a track he rarely runs a poor race.