Sheikhzayedroad seeks more success at Meydan

Sheikhzayedroad enjoyed a fabulous time in the top staying races last year. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Leading stayer Sheikhzayedroad gets his new campaign under way in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (4.50) at Meydan on Thursday.

The David Simcock-trained eight-year-old excelled himself in the QIPCO British Champions Series last year – signing off with successive wins in the Doncaster Cup and QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Champions Day.

Before that, he had been placed in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and Qatar Goodwood Cup

His first assignment in Dubai is try and become the first dual winner of the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

He faces eight rivals in the1m6f turf contest, which the Mohammed Jaber-owned stayer won on his seasonal debut last year.

Simocock said: “He seems in good form and won this first time out last season so we know he can go well fresh. It does look a strong race this year, though, and he will certainly come on for the run.”

Heading the opposition is Alain de Royer-Dupre’s Vazirabad, winner of nine of his 13 races.