Sept 19 Saudi Arabia (Taif) form analysis

RACE 1 (1,600m)

(12) SIMEEHAAN gained an overdue success when strong at the finish over 1,400m here in August. Should handle this longer distance and could be well handicapped.

(5) ALWAHWAAH shaped with promise in three outings last campaign over shorter distances. Perhaps needed the run on seasonal reappearance and now attracts a leading rider.

(17) FAY ALMOGHTARAH made a promising return to action in August when runner-up in a 1,400m maiden. Could be well treated for leading connections and should not be discounted.

(1) IBN ALATHEER is an unexposed colt who made it third-time lucky when he plundered a 1,400m maiden last month. That form has been let down by the placed horses since but he warrants respect off top weight.

RACE 2 (1,600m)

(16) MISAAEEL is an unexposed filly for leading connections. Shaped well against talented rivals last season and is worth another chance despite recent Cup disappointment.

(2) ALNAJIM ALHAADHR powered through the field to win a 1,400m Cup from off the pace in August. Should relish the step-up in trip and looks like the horse to beat on ratings.

(4) KHABERNI is a strong stayer who has placed on both outings here this season over shorter distances. Should be helped by the step-up in trip but his wide draw is a problem.

(7) NAQESH is a course specialist with both career strikes coming at this venue. Made most of the running to win a 0-75 handicap here last time and could be dangerous off the front.

RACE 3 (1,600m)

(1) HEZAAM drew clear with another runner in a course-and-distance handicap two starts back. Up 1lb in the weights and has clear form claims back in this grade.

(6) NOWH is extremely consistent but rarely gets his head in front. Runner-up in a 0-80 handicap over 2,000m last time and should not be written off down in grade.

(5) IBN HADHBAAN had midfield finishes on all five starts this season but the handicapper is beginning to relent and he has clear place claims.

(3) MAYHAMAH is a seven-time winner with the best back form in the race. Was rated 102 this time last year and now competes off a mark of 74. Dangerous.

RACE 4 (1,400m)

(1) AATAKUM Overcame a rough start to make a winning debut for leading connections over this course and distance. Unlimited upside at this stage of his career.

(6) HZIZ flew home to make an impressive winning start in a trial for this race last month. Joined leading owners and should be well found in the market.

(10) RAEI ALTHAMINAH dominated a course-and-distance maiden from the front last month. Possesses plenty of talent and is drawn to attack.

(9) MUF ALWA'AYED built on a promising debut display to win over course and distance in August. Worth a second look.

RACE 5 (1,400m)

(12) TAQAARIR is a physically imposing filly with a high cruising speed and potent turn of foot. Unbeaten in two starts and is drawn to attack from gate one.

(10) MUTAKAMILAH is a form-setter given her two course victories earlier this season. Boasts tactical speed and should not be far off the pace, but the question is whether she is the second string for connections.

(1) ALSSAHALAH was runner-up on both starts so far and finished behind the talented Aatakum last time. Has plenty of early speed and should make a bold bid from the front.

(9) MAYORKA made a very impressive debut display to win over this course and distance from the front. Drawn to attack and could make a bold bid.

RACE 6 (1,600m)

(7) MHALHAL finished well from off the pace to take second behind Jeddah Beach last time up. Better than his official rating suggests and boasts winning claims.

(6) JEDDAH BEACH was a two-time winner last season who produced a monster career-best display to win the Taif Derby last month. Always been highly regarded and now starting to deliver.

(15) ZEND is an extremely interesting runner off the back of a strong-staying maiden success. Beautiful pedigree and represents leading connections.

(5) JAARIF is a useful colt who finished second behind Mhally in the Saudi 2,000 Guineas in January. Quiet return when eighth in the Taif Derby behind Jeddah Beach but could improve.

RACE 7 (1,600m)

(12) NOWAFAA was placed in the Group 1 King Fahad Cup last season and improved since returning from a spring break. Bids for a hat-trick after back-to-back Cup victories this term.

(3) DEEM is a consistent filly who is strong over this distance. Bolted up in a trial for this event last month and should be on your shortlist.

(6) GHARAMY is a useful juvenile last season, proven by her fourth-placed finish in the Fillies Mile. Returned with a win over 1,400m and should not be discounted.

(5) FALLAT KHEIR is a heavily raced four-time winner who won the Alhada Cup here in August. This trip stretches her stamina but the form book suggests she has leading claims.

RACE 8 (2,000m)

(6) IBN TOULON is a strong stayer who posted a career-best performance when runner-up in a handicap on Saudi Cup day in February. Fair return to the track two weeks ago and should relish this trip.

(3) ALMURTAJIZ is back to form with a bang when he beat Alaham to win the Alshafa Cup over this course and distance in August. Benefited from a great ride that day and a danger to all under those tactics.

(1) ALAHAM is a talented colt who has not finished out of the placings on his last six starts here. Second in Cup company over course and distance before winning a 0-85 handicap last time. Player.

(5) HENRY Q was a useful performer in America prior to joining leading local connections. He won a 1,600m Open at Riyadh from the front in November and could be dangerous if he gets away with cheap sectionals in front.

RACE 9 (2,000m)

(12) TILAL AL KHALEDIAH is one of the best Arabian horses worldwide with 15 wins from 19 starts. Makes his seasonal reappearance and bids to win this race for the second year in a row.

(13) TURKI AL KHALEDIAH II is a reliable 10-time winner who scored over course and distance on his return to the track last week. Clear place claims but unlikely to beat Tilal Al Khalediah.

(16) BINT GHALIAT AL KHALEDIAH is a sharp mare who has won her last two outings at this venue. Clearly in great form and should not be discounted for minor money.

(1) ALHARETH is a reliable stayer who finished second behind Tilal Al Khalediah in this race 12 months ago. Has won twice at lower levels in the interim but likely to fall short this time around.

RACE 10 (1,600m)

(18) WSHMIH ALSRAYA won by a whopping 14¾ lengths on debut at Riyadh in March. Only third behind Gista on her seasonal reappearance but could reverse that form.

(15) RASHEEQAH ALSAYED burst clear to get off the mark at the second attempt when upped to this distance four weeks ago. Drew well and warrants respect.

(13) WATHAB ALMASHAHEER is unbeaten in two starts and has to be considered a major player. Found more for pressure when challenged on debut and could be tough to pass.

(14) GISTA came from way off the pace to take her tally to two wins from two starts earlier this month. Leading rider retains the mount and she looks a danger to all.