Billy to strike at Jebel Ali

Billy Webster made an immediate impact on his UAE/dirt debut last month, impressing in a 1000m handicap at Jebel Ali.

- Ed Marnane

It was his first start since leaving Newmarket trainer George Scott.

The son of Profitable, owned by Akarem Racing, travelled powerfully before Pat Dobbs sent him clear in the closing stages to win easily on his first start for Doug Watson.

He returns to Jebel Ali tomorrow and has strong claims of following up in Race 4, the Emirates Airline Cup, one of seven races on a competitive card at the Dubai track.

Jebel Ali-based Michael Costa, the top trainer this season, is three-handed and riding arrangements suggest the Ben Coen-ridden Mozahim is their main hope.

Winner of three of his four starts at the track, he returns after a near nine-month break since finishing sixth behind Major Cinnamon. Costa has a good record with horses returning from a lengthy break and unexposed Mozahim demands plenty of respect in a competitive event.

From the foot of the weights Markakol is an interesting runner on his local debut for trainer Julio Olascoaga, who has booked Irish rider Andrew Slattery. Formerly trained by Roger Varian, he was a useful sprint handicapper and signed off his campaign in the UK when a good second at Beverley in July.