Lemaire takes Ahlaain ride

David Simcock’s Ahlaain is to benefit from the skills of Frenchman Christophe Lemaire in the saddle for Saturday’s UAE Derby.

It is a long way from a Brighton maiden last summer to a Group Two worth some £770,000 to the winner but the three-year-old son of Bernstein has been given three prior runs on the Meydan track.

In his two most recent efforts, both under William Buick, he has finished fairly well-beaten seconds to Introvert and then to weekend rival Reem in Listed races.

Simcock’s wife Jennie, who took him for a gentle circuit of the course on Tuesday, said: “William is riding Utley in the race, so we have got Christophe Lemaire.

“Being at the Dubai Carnival has done him a lot of good as he was still very immature but he has grown up with every run.

“I don’t know if he’ll be good enough but we’re very pleased with him.”

Simcock said Ahlaain would probably have a break after Saturday and return later in the British season.