Dubai World Cup Night - full racecard analysis by Ron Wood

• Race 1 not covered (purebred Arabian race)

• Race times are UK summer time (BST)

• Figures in BRACKETS before horse's name denote post position (draw)

• Figures BELOW horse's name are last five finishing positions, starting from left

RACE 2 (1410) - DUBAI GOLD CUP (G3, 2 miles, turf)

1. (5) AL NAYYIR 

5215-5

7yo b g Dubawi - Bright Beacon (Manduro) 

Trainer: Tom Clover; Jockey: Luke Morris 

COMMENT:  Has won here and finished 66-1 second in this race last year; close to form when fifth in Saudi Arabia on reappearance (behind two of these rivals but was conceding weight); may be better for that run; thereabouts.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (6) CONTINUOUS 

3009-3

5yo b h Heart’s Cry - Fluff (Galileo) 

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle 

COMMENT:  Had only two starts over staying trips, winning the 2023 Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster and most recently third in 1m7f Group 2 handicap in Saudi Arabia; was 2l behind Epic Poet then but was conceding 5lb and emerges superior at the weights; had been off for 76 days so should be fitter now; has a round action, so would probably prefer slow conditions, but still among the main contenders going for a trainer who has won the last two runnings of this race.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (8) DOUBLE MAJOR 

1151-2

5yo b g Daiwa Major - Dancequest (Dansili) 

Trainer: Christophe Ferland; Jockey: Maxime Guyon 

COMMENT:  Out-and-out galloper who tries to run the finish out of his rivals; won last two runnings of Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak over just shy of this trip in France; should be better for recent spin at Chantilly; however, usually races on slow conditions and he might struggle to get his rivals out of their comfort zone on quick ground.

⭐⭐⭐

4. (4) DUBAI FUTURE 

5204/1

9yo b g Dubawi - Anjaz (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT:  Missed 2024; tanked round from start to finish when winning 1m6f Group 3 here on comeback in February, but that was a test of speed and this greater stamina ask will probably find him out; has never tried this far.

⭐⭐⭐

5. (2) EPIC POET 

14-132

6yo b g Lope De Vega - Sagaciously (Lawman) 

Trainer: David O’Meara; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT:  Not fully exposed as a stayer - has never tried quite this far - but won conditions race over 1m6f here in January and most recently denied clear run when second in 1m7f Group 2 handicap in Saudi Arabia (hard to say if he’d have won with more room, but he was probably second best and he was getting weight); needs to run better than ever but should have more to give.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (10) PASSION AND GLORY 

148-52

9yo b g Cape Cross - Potent Embrace (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Oisin Murphy 

COMMENT:  Fifth in this race in 2022, well beaten in the last two runnings; most recently second in 1m4f Group 2 here; seemingly not up to this.

⭐⭐

7. (1) STRAIGHT 

8210-5

5yo b h Zarak - Seductive (Henrythenavigator) 

Trainer: Marian Falk Weibmeier; Jockey: Thore Hammer Hansen 

COMMENT:  Better than ever since joining this trainer last year, notably runner-up to Rebel’s Romance (leading G1 contender later on this card) in 1m4f German Group 1 before winning 1m4f Italian Group 2; keeping-on fifth in 10.5f Group 2 in Saudi Arabia on reappearance; has never tried this far and isn’t exactly bred to stay, but it might suit him; potentially has more to give.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (3) TRAWLERMAN 

1/323-

7yo b g Golden Horn - Tidespring (Monsun) 

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden; Jockey: William Buick 

COMMENT:  One place behind Al Nayyir when third in this last year; only two starts since, twice running well in defeat in big staying races at Ascot, albeit most recently unable to repeat his 2023 Long Distance Cup success; another who might ideally prefer some ease underfoot, but ought to be on the scene again.

⭐⭐⭐

9. (7) TERM OF ENDEARMENT 

0/117-

6yo b m Sea The Moon - Miss You Too (Montjeu) 

Trainer: William Haggas; Jockey: Tom Marquand 

COMMENT:  Ex-Henry de Bromhead; three Group-race wins up to 1m6f against her own sex in Europe; too headstrong on testing ground when below form in France when last seen in October; sold for 1,300,000gns in December; potentially has more to give for new trainer now up to this trip for first time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. (9) TRAFALGAR SQUARE 

7212-0

4yo b g Kendargent - See You Always (Siyouni) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT:  Smart up to 1m7f in France before sold for 1,150,000euros in October; pulled way too hard in Saudi Arabia on reappearance; needs to behave himself and run better than ever; outsider.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Continuous, 5/1 Epic Poet, 11/2 Trawlerman, 6/1 Double Major, 7/1 Al Nayyir, Term Of Endearment, 8/1 Dubai Future, Straight, 33/1 Passion And Glory, 50/1 Trafalgar Square

RON WOOD’S VIEW: There’s no standout and STRAIGHT was being overlooked in the early markets at double-figure prices. He arguably has the best form of all from last year, pushing Rebel’s Romance close in a 1m4f Group 1 in Germany. That was his first start for his current trainer. The winner then won the Breeders’ Cup Turf and is a leading contender for the Sheema Classic on this card. Straight warmed up for this with a nice keeping-on effort in a 10.5f Group 2 in Saudi Arabia. He has never tried this far but he made his debut over 1m1f - quite far for a 2yo - and German horses often stay well. It’s possible there’s still plenty more to come from him and he’s already second in on official figures behind Trawlerman. Another of interest is Term Of Endearment.

---

RACE 3 (1445) - GODOLPHIN MILE (G2, 1 mile, dirt)

1. CAGLIOSTRO - NON-RUNNER 

2. (5) FORT PAYNE 

666-71

7yo b h Rio De La Plata - Lady Verde (Meshaheer) 

Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle 

COMMENT:  Versatile; likes the Dubai air; 25-1 winner of 7f turf Group 3 here last March and most recently 33-1 winner of C&D Group 3 Burj Nahaar; however, while he travelled well then (had to wait for room and then dig in to get the better of Oasis Boy), was drawn 2, which seemed to help; this is a much stronger contest.

⭐⭐

3. (12) KAZU PETRIN 

312-69

5yo b h Rulership - Les Etoile (Fasliyev) 

Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe; Jockey: Cristian Demuro 

COMMENT:  Off-the-pace runner who was second in 1m dirt Grade 3 in Japan in November; will need the leaders to go too hard.

⭐⭐⭐

4. (1) KING GOLD 

960-18

8yo gr h Anodin - Miss Gandelia (Kingsalsa) 

Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT:  Won 6.5f turf Group 1 in France in 2023; more recently, narrow 66-1 win in C&D Group 3 Firebreak in January (runner-up Laurel River was below form), before being well beaten in 1m2f Group 2; cut back in trip is in his favour and he’s drawn to save ground, but probably not good enough.

⭐⭐

5. (14) LITTLE VIC 

5343-1

6yo b c Practical Joke - Rock And Glory (Rock Hard Ten) 

Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila; Jockey: John Velazquez 

COMMENT:  Two Grade 3 wins in the US including over this trip at Gulfstream latest; drawn wider than ideal but has plenty of speed; contender.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (6) MENDELSSOHN BAY 

41-673

4yo b g Mendelssohn - Reiki Baby (Curlin) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT:  Hasn’t progressed as expected this season; needs to do plenty more than when third in C&D Group 3 latest, although was drawn much wider than the first two (Fort Payne and Oasis Boy).

⭐⭐

7. MESHTRI - NON-RUNNER 

8. (10) MUFASA 

61101-

5yo b h Practical Joke - Miscanti (Scat Daddy) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT:  Won 1m1f Group 3 in Chile in 2023; more recently, two 7f Grade 3 wins in the US including defeating the top-class White Abarrio (had troubled start) at Gulfstream in December; this trip looks a bit further than he really wants these days and he’s drawn wide, plus has to prove himself in new surroundings; however, has joined a leading barn and can evidently run a bit.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (13) NO LUNCH 

70-111

4yo gr c Dubawi - Lunch Lady (Shamardal) 

Trainer: Christophe Ferland; Jockey: Maxime Guyon 

COMMENT:  Reached smart level in winning last three starts over this trip on the AW in France and has a good pedigree for this track; however, will do well to win at the first attempt on dirt from a tough draw.

⭐⭐

10. (7) OASIS BOY 

91-852

4yo ch c Asiatic Boy - Olinka (Giant's Causeway) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Christophe Soumillon 

COMMENT:  Drawn 1 when 66-1 second to Fort Payne (drawn 2) in C&D Group 3 Burj Nahaar latest; this is tougher.

⭐⭐

11. (9) PEPTIDE NILE 

1325-4

7yo b h King Kamehameha - Queen Olive (Manhattan Cafe) 

Trainer: Hidenori Take; Jockey: Yusuke Fujioka 

COMMENT:  Won 1m dirt Grade 1 February Stakes in Japan last year; fourth in the same race this time around; contender.

⭐⭐⭐

12. (4) QAREEB 

32-414

7yo ch h Speightstown - Flip Flop (Zieten) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT:  Unplaced 25-1 shot in this race last year, although had excuses; good as ever this term, finishing second in C&D Group 2 and winning Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, before well-beaten fourth in 1m2f Group 2 (suffered cut heel); this requires a big career best.

⭐

13. (8) RAGING TORRENT 

11171-

4yo b c Maximus Mischief - Violent Wave (Violence) 

Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori 

COMMENT:  US runner who most recently won 7f Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in December; stamina to prove but he’ll be too good for most, if not all, of these rivals; trainer has had plenty of success here including 33-1 winner of this race last year.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

14. (11) SADAATY 

/6-121

6yo ch g Munnings - Market Lover (Latent Heat) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT:  Progressive at Jebel Ali, two smart wins there this season; runner-up to Qareeb in Group 3 there in between those victories; however, this demands a lot more; eye-shields first time.

⭐⭐

15. (3) STEAL SUNSHINE 

453-62

6yo b h Constitution - Warm Sunshine (Unbridled’s Song) 

Trainer: Robert Di Bona; Jockey: Christophe Lemaire 

COMMENT:  Off-the-pace US runner; won Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile last year; second to a good horse in the same race this time around; should pack a strong finish from ground-saving draw, just needs the leaders to go hard.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

16. (2) SWORD POINT 

49-180

6yo ch g American Pharoah - Jazz Song (Fastnet Rock) 

Trainer: Fu Chuen Lor; Jockey: James McDonald 

COMMENT:  Has won both starts on ‘dirt’ in Hong Kong over just further than this trip, putting up smart handicap performances; this asks way more of him, but has a handy draw.

⭐⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 11/4 Raging Torrent, 3/1 Mufasa, 6/1 Steal Sunshine, 7/1 Little Vic, Peptide Nile, 12/1 Kazu Petrin, 16/1 Sword Point, 20/1 Fort Payne, King Gold, No Lunch, 25/1 Mendelssohn Bay, 33/1 Oasis Boy, Sadaaty, 66/1 Qareeb

RON WOOD’S VIEW: It looks best to concentrate on the US form of Little Vic, Mufasa, RAGING TORRENT and Steal Sunshine, and there was some value around in the early markets compared to our forecast odds. The pace may not be fast enough to bring the last named into it, though, as while this is often a furiously run race, there doesn’t look to be a load of speed this time around. As such, Little Vic may be able to get a handy spot despite being drawn wide. As for Mufasa, he’s not quite as good as a defeat of White Abarrio suggests and he has to prove himself for a new trainer, but he must still be considered. The most convincing option, however, is Raging Torrent, a last-time-out Grade 1 winner whose trainer has had loads of success in Dubai including sending out the winner of this race last year.

---

RACE 4 (1520) - AL QUOZ SPRINT (G1, 6 furlongs, turf)

1. (10) AUDIENCE 

15140-

6yo b g Iffraaj - Ladyship (Oasis Dream) 

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden; Jockey: Robert Havlin 

COMMENT:  Won 7f Newmarket Group 3 on 2023 reappearance and ran away from his rivals to win 1m Group 1 Lockinge at Newbury on last season’s return; added 7f Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood in the summer; well beaten when dropped to this trip at Ascot on final start of the campaign, but went off fast and hung left, not coping with the bad ground; these quicker conditions are in his favour and he’s worth another try sprinting; interesting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (6) DANON MCKINLEY 

6710-4

4yo b c Maurice - Homecoming Queen (Holy Roman Emperor) 

Trainer: Hideaki Fujiwara; Jockey: Cristian Demuro 

COMMENT:  Out of Homecoming Queen, who won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in 2012; two 7f Graded wins in Japan last year; unclear whether he’s a Group 1 calibre sprinter, but should be taken seriously.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (9) HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE 

25-133

5yo br g Deep Field - My Shabella (Haradasun) 

Trainer: John Size; Jockey: James McDonald 

COMMENT:  From last three starts, won 5f Group 3 before finishing third in 6f-7f Group 1s in Hong Kong; there was a Hong Kong-trained winner of this race last year; another to take seriously.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. (7) ISIVUNGUVUNGU 

/217-3

6yo b g What A Winter - Miss Tweedy (Tiger Ridge) 

Trainer: Graham Motion; Jockey: Christophe Soumillon 

COMMENT:  South Africa’s champion sprinter of 2023 when he won two 5f-6f Grade 1s; now trained in the US; beaten only 2l in Breeders’ Turf Sprint at Del Mar in November, a creditable effort considering he was drawn 9 (first four were drawn 3-1-4-5) and suffered some interference; shaped fine in his prep (challenged wide); another to consider. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (5) MARBAAN 

002-11

5yo b h Oasis Dream - Zahoo (Nayef) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT:  Three lesser Group-race wins over 7f including two here this year; this requires more.

⭐⭐

6. (3) QUINAULT 

1133-3

5yo b g Oasis Dream - Queimada (Dansili) 

Trainer: Stuart Williams; Jockey: Marco Ghiani 

COMMENT:  Three 6f Listed wins in Britain last year; needs to improve on his reappearance third in Qatar and run as well as ever.

⭐⭐

7. (2) REGIONAL 

1/224-

7yo b g Territories - Favulusa (Dansili) 

Trainer: Edward Bethell; Jockey: Callum Rodriguez 

COMMENT:  Won 6f Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup in 2023; only three starts last year but they include a Group 1 runner-up finish at Royal Ascot; off since July, as reportedly had a respiratory infection just before the Nunthorpe in August and was spared an autumn campaign as he wants decent ground; this is a tough ask off just a lay-off, but his preparation is said to have gone well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (4) WIN CARNELIAN 

4062-3

8yo ch h Screen Hero - Cosmo Crystal (Meiner Love) 

Trainer: Yuichi Shikato; Jockey: Kosei Miura 

COMMENT:  Versatile Japanese runner; unplaced in Godolphin Mile on this card in 2023 (wide trip); unplaced behind Danon McKinley in 7f Grade 2 in October; placed in 6f Grade 3s at home last two starts; needs to run as well as ever.

⭐⭐⭐

9. (1) BELIEVING 

13223-

5yo b m Mehmas - Misfortunate (Kodiac) 

Trainer: George Boughey; Jockey: William Buick 

COMMENT:  Form figures at the top level read 30944223; might have won at least one of those with a fairer crack at things; withdrawn from November’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint after rearing over in the stalls; sold for 3,000,000gns in December but still with original trainer; Ryan Moore has gone to Australia rather than riding her (and others on this card), but she has a form chance.

⭐⭐⭐

10. (8) PURO MAGIC 

1108-9

4yo b f Asia Express - Medjerda (Deep Impact) 

Trainer: Shogo Yasuda; Jockey: Oisin Murphy 

COMMENT:  Japanese filly; front runner; two 6f Grade 3 wins in Japan last year; behind Win Carnelian in Japanese Grade 3 latest, but went off favourite; chance with Oisin Murphy taking over.

⭐⭐⭐

11. (11) WEST ACRE 

21-211

3yo b g Mehmas - Lady Aria (Kodiac) 

Trainer: George Scott; Jockey: Callum Shepherd 

COMMENT:  The sole 3yo; narrowly beaten over C&D on reappearance, but the track record was almost lowered in that race and he had Golden Shaheen contender Dark Saffron well behind; has since won two lesser Group races over 5f, quickening exceptionally well to lower the track record two starts back; this trip is a slight question mark and he’s drawn on the outer, but there looks an even spread of pace in the race; this is his toughest assignment yet but he’s seriously talented.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Howdeepisyourlove, West Acre, 6/1 Believing, 9/1 Audience, 10/1 Isivunguvungu, Regional, 12/1 Danon McKinley, Puro Magic, Win Carnelian, 14/1 Marbaan, Quinault

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A good, competitive race - pretty much all of these have claims of sorts. Anyone who’s been watching the carnival to this point will know West Acre is a machine, but he faces a load of new faces now and the pick is ISIVUNGUVUNGU, who has been overlooked in the market, hence a chance is taken. He was champion sprinter in South Africa in 2023 and has shown enough since switching to the US, going for a respected trainer, to think he can be a force now. Audience is also of interest but seems priced about right.

---

RACE 5 (1600) - UAE DERBY (G2, 9.5 furlongs, dirt) 

1. (3) ADMIRE DAYTONA 

2-14

3yo b c Drefong - Ice Pastel (Shackleford) 

Trainer: Yukihiro Kato; Jockey: Christophe Lemaire 

COMMENT: Five starts in 1m dirt races in Japan, winning a maiden on fourth go before fourth in Listed Hyacinth Stakes, one place behind Don In The Mood; not exactly bred to stay.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (1) DON IN THE MOOD 

6-13

3yo b c Asia Express - Hagino Wish (Agnes Tachyon) 

Trainer: Teiichi Konno; Jockey: Ryusei Sakai 

COMMENT: Four dirt starts in Japan, winning two minor races over 1m1f before finishing third in 1m Listed Hyacinth Stakes; this trip should suit him and he has the speed to race handily from inside draw; the last three runnings of this race have been won by a Japanese-trained runner.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (4) DRAGON 

2-15

3yo b c Mind Your Biscuits - Noble Coronet (Deep Impact) 

Trainer: Mikio Matsunaga; Jockey: Yutaka Take 

COMMENT: Nominated for US Triple Crown; three starts in Japan; won 1m1f maiden by 9l when switched to dirt on second go; outpaced throughout and finished behind two of these rival in 1m Listed Hyacinth Stakes next time; this trip is in his favour, but still needs to be much sharper now.

⭐⭐

4. (5) FLOOD ZONE

2-11

3yo b c Frosted - Curls For Girls (Curlin) 

Trainer: Brad Cox; Jockey: Florent Geroux 

COMMENT: Nominated for US Triple Crown; three starts in the US, winning 6.5f Gulfstream Park maiden on second go and following up in 1m Grade 3 Gotham at Aqueduct (first start for this trainer); the time of that latest race was useful enough and he would have been a leading contender for Grade 2 Wood Memorial this weekend had he stayed at home; stamina to prove but it’s quite a testing course that he won over last time and the sire won a Group 2 over this C&D; dam’s side offers some stamina as well; good claims.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (9) GALACTIC STAR 

1311

3yo ch g Improbable - Stella’s Dream (Pioneerof The Nile) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Improved to deny Heart Of Honor in C&D Listed Al Bastakiya Stakes; open to further progress, and blinkers are added, but this requires plenty more.

⭐⭐

6. (6) HEART OF HONOR

2-122 

3yo br c Honor A.P. - Ruby Love (Scat Daddy) 

Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne 

COMMENT: Has had a good time of things here this season, winning twice over 1m and runner-up in Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas; however, has lacked early pace and that was his undoing from inside draw even when upped to this trip latest, just failing to reel in Galactic Star in Listed race; needs to be sharper in added blinkers.

⭐⭐

7. (8) RAFID 

23-501

3yo b c Into Mischief - Rayya (Tiz Wonderful) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: John Velazquez 

COMMENT: Ex-US; well beaten in C&D Listed event, before winning 7f Jebel Ali conditions race; he’s useful but probably not good enough and stamina seems a big issue.

⭐

8. (7) SHIN FOREVER 

462-52

3yo b c Complexity - Praising (Pulpit) 

Trainer: Hideyuki Mori; Jockey: Akira Sugawara 

COMMENT: Nominated for US Triple Crown; suited by switch to dirt when front-running second in 1m Group 3 Saudi Derby, but was outstayed so hard to think he’ll see this out best.

⭐⭐

9. (2) QUEEN AZTECA 

12-11

3yo b f Sharp Azteca - Princesa Helena (Palace Malice) 

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez 

COMMENT: Came from off the pace to win the old UAE 1,000 Guineas and, most recently, the C&D Group 3 UAE Oaks, but they were poor races, the time of the latest being slower than Galactic Star on the same card; no chance now.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 10/11 Flood Zone, 5/1 Don In The Mood, 8/1 Shin Forever, 9/1 Admire Daytona, Galactic Star, Heart Of Honor, 16/1 Dragon, 33/1 Rafid, 66/1 Queen Azteca

RON WOOD’S VIEW: The last three editions of this race were won by a Japanese-trained runner (they had the first four in 2023), but their challengers this time around look substandard. The leading Japanese dirt 3yo has gone down a different route. Don In The Mood is the pick of the runners from Japan. However, in FLOOD ZONE there’s a US runner who has won a Kentucky Derby trial - in a useful time - at home and he should prove best, quite a confident pick, with the local runners not looking up to much either.

---

RACE 6 (1640) - DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (G1, 6 furlongs, dirt)

1. (2) COLOUR UP 

2-2254

7yo b g Mehmas - Tifariti (Elusive Quality) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT: 100-1 shot when finishing last in this race last season; behind Tuz again four times this term.

⭐

2. (1) DREW’S GOLD 

375/39

5yo b g Violence - Frolic’s Revenge (Vindication) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Grade 1-placed in the US in 2023; missed 2024; has made a mess of the start both goes over C&D this year, behind some of these rivals, having no chance after losing a lot of ground latest; needs to get the start right and for the leaders to go way too hard.

⭐

3. (9) EASTERN WORLD 

99-433

8yo ch g Dubawi - Eastern Joy (Dubai Destination) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Eastern World - Won C&D Group 3 and finished fifth in this race in 2022, but not the same force now; behind Tuz all three starts this term.

⭐

4. JASPER KRONE – NON-RUNNER 

5. (5) KUROJISHI JOE 

2522-5

6yo br h Furioso - Silence Love (Special Week) 

Trainer: Inao Okada; Jockey: Keita Tosaki 

COMMENT: Off-the-pace Japanese runner; pick of form came when second in 6f dirt Grade 3 in Japan in December; needs the leaders to go too hard.

⭐⭐

6. (10) NAKATOMI 

33126-

6yo ch g Firing Line - Applelicious (Flatter) 

Trainer: Wesley Ward; Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo 

COMMENT: Did well for third in this last year considering he lost ground when hampered at the start and was best of those from off the pace (behind Tuz); won 6f US Grade 1 in the summer; unplaced behind Straight No Chaser at the Breeders’ Cup latest but Del Mar, with its short straight, was no use to him; can get involved again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (7) REMAKE 

1410-7

6yo ch h Lani - Sariel (King Kamehameha) 

Trainer: Koichi Shintani; Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori 

COMMENT: Off-the-pace Japanese runner; fifth in this in 2023 and fourth last year (hampered straight; behind Tuz and Nakatomi); most recently struggled in Saudi Arabia in a race he won in 2024; blinkers added.

⭐

8. ROYAL COMMANDO - NON-RUNNER

9. (8) STRAIGHT NO CHASER 

/411-1

6yo dk b h Speightster - Margarita Friday (Johannesburg) 

Trainer: Daniel Blacker; Jockey: John Velazquez 

COMMENT: US runner who has developed into a high-class sprinter in winning last three starts, notably Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar and most recently a Group 2 in Saudi Arabia; has the speed to be well placed from wide-ish draw; strong contender.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. (3) SUPER CHOW 

3136-1

 5yo ch h Lord Nelson - Bonita Mia (Warrior’s Reward) 

 Trainer: Jorge Luis Delgado; Jockey: Chantal Sutherland 

 COMMENT: Three 6f-7f Grade 3 wins in the US and most recently won 6f Gulfstream Listed event; others have stronger form, but he has the speed to show up well.

⭐⭐⭐

11. (4) TUZ 

11-111

 8yo b g Oxbow - Suede Shoe (Pulpit) 

 Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

 COMMENT: Has won last six C&D starts (eight wins here in total) including this race by 6.5l last year and all four outings this term, as good as ever with 5l demolition of American Stage latest; no horse has ever won all the Listed and Group-race dirt sprints in a single season at Meydan, which he’s attempting to do now; hard to beat if he shows up in form again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

12. (6) AMERICAN STAGE 

111-2

 3yo b c Into Mischief - Bonita Mia (Warrior’s Reward) 

 Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi; Jockey: Oisin Murphy 

 COMMENT: Quickly progressed into a good sprinter in Japan, but he’s only a 3yo and couldn’t live with Tuz in C&D Group 3 latest, his wide draw then not the issue; has 5l to find but may do better now, as it was only a prep.

⭐⭐

13. (11) DARK SAFFRON 

3-3251

 3yo dk b g Flameaway - Meadow Saffron (Military) 

 Trainer: Sultan Ali; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

 COMMENT: 3yo; two front-running C&D wins against his own age group, smart performance latest, but won’t boss these rivals from the outside gate.

⭐⭐

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BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Tuz, 15/8 Straight No Chaser, 11/2 Nakatomi, 10/1 Super Chow, 14/1 American Stage, 20/1 Kurojishi Joe, 33/1 Dark Saffron, Remake, 50/1 Drew’s Gold, 100/1 Colour Up, Eastern World

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A fascinating clash between reigning champ Tuz and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser. Tuz should be favourite on account of home advantage, but it might be worth considering NAKATOMI as well. Although beaten a fair way in this race last year, he did well to finish as close as third after a troubled start and he subsequently won a Saratoga Grade 1. He had no chance with a rival who benefited from a track bias at Keeneland next time, and Del Mar was no use to his off-the-pace style when he was behind Straight No Chaser at the Breeders’ Cup. This course is better for him - and maybe not so good for Straight No Chaser - and this could be his day.

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RACE 7 (1715) - DUBAI TURF (G1, 1 mile 1 furlong, turf)

1. (11) FACTEUR CHEVAL 

632-37

6yo b g Ribchester - Jawlaat (Shamardal) 

Trainer: Jerome Reynier; Jockey: Maxime Guyon 

COMMENT: Short-head win in this race last year; dirt experiment didn’t work in two starts this year, albeit shaped reasonably well on the first occasion; should give it another good go.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (1) GHOSTWRITER 

44335-

4yo b c Invincible Spirit - Moorside (Champs Elysees) 

Trainer: Clive Cox; Jockey: Rossa Ryan 

COMMENT: Ran creditably in defeat in five Group 1s in Europe last year, but needs to improve.

⭐

3. (6) GOEMON 

1-1131

6yo gr h Dark Angel - Spangled (Starspangledbanner) 

Trainer: Haider Shaheen; Jockey: Alberto Sanna 

COMMENT: Smart, regular winner in Bahrain and ran well over inadequate 6.8f in Saudi Arabia two starts back, but not up to this; unplaced both previous starts here.

⭐

4. (10) HOLLOWAY BOY 

06-232

5yo ch g Ulysses - Sultry (Pivotal) 

Trainer: Karl Burke; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: Running well in defeat here this year, but held by a couple of these rivals.

⭐

5. (7) MALJOOM 

3286-2

6yo b h Caravaggio - Nictate (Teofilo) 

Trainer: William Haggas; Jockey: Tom Marquand 

COMMENT: Has run well in defeat in 1m Group 1s in Britain but often starts slowly, as when beaten in Lingfield Listed race on reappearance; needs to run as well as ever.

⭐⭐

6. (8) MEISHO TABARU 

1010-0

4yo b c Gold Ship - Meisho Tsubakuro (French Deputy) 

Trainer: Mamoru Ishibashi; Jockey: Yutaka Take 

COMMENT: Hit-and-miss profile; two lesser 1m1f-1m3f Graded wins in Japan last year; no evidence he’s up to this.

⭐

7. (3) NATIONS PRIDE 

210-91

6yo b h Teofilo - Important Time (Oasis Dream) 

Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick 

COMMENT: Four top-level wins elsewhere over 9.5f/1m2f; however, this trip is a bit short for him and he’ll have to do way more than when fending off Holloway Boy in C&D Group 2 latest.

⭐⭐

8. (9) ROMANTIC WARRIOR 

111-12

7yo b g Acclamation - Folk Melody (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Danny Shum; Jockey: James McDonald 

COMMENT: Hong Kong-trained superstar with ten top-level wins including one over C&D in January; most recently would have made it 11 when switched to dirt in the Saudi Cup, but he made a premature move out wide on the turn, initially looking set to win remarkably comfortably before just being denied by leading Dubai World Cup contender Forever Young; the only way he loses this race is if the Saudi event took too much out of him, but he’s had six weeks and should be fine; this was always the following aim.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (2) SOUL RUSH 

3213-3

7yo b h Rulership - Eternal Bouquet (Manhattan Cafe) 

Trainer: Yasutoshi Ikee; Jockey: Cristian Demuro 

COMMENT: High-class Japanese runner; won Grade 1 Mile Championship in November, although was only third behind Romantic Warrior in another 1m Grade 1 in Japan a few months earlier; nice prep in a 1m1f Japanese Grade 2 that has been a good pointer for this race over the years.

⭐⭐⭐

10. (4) BREDE WEG 

1/14-4

 5yo b m Lord Kanaloa - Inner Urge (Deep Impact) 

 Trainer: Keisuke Miyata; Jockey: Christophe Lemaire 

 COMMENT: Lightly raced Japanese mare; won 1m3f fillies’ Grade 1 in Japan in 2023; found 1m too short when fourth behind Soul Rush in November, likewise when shaping nicely in her prep for this; has more to give.

⭐⭐⭐

11. (5) LIBERTY ISLAND 

2/302-

 5yo b m Duramente - Yankee Rose (All American) 

 Trainer: Mitsumasa Nakauchida; Jockey: Yuga Kawada 

 COMMENT: High-class Japanese mare with four Grade 1 wins up to 1m4f at home; third in 1m4f Sheema Classic on this card last year and might have won had the race unfolded more suitably; however, most recently second to Romantic Warrior in 1m2f Group 1 Hong Kong Cup and will do well to reverse form over this shorter trip, for all that she has a turn of foot. ⭐⭐⭐

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BETTING FORECAST: 4/7 Romantic Warrior, 8/1 Liberty Island, Soul Rush, 10/1 Brede Weg, Facteur Cheval, 16/1 Nations Pride, 25/1 Ghostwriter, Maljoom, 33/1 Meisho Tabaru, 50/1 Goemon, Holloway Boy

RON WOOD’S VIEW: This features last year’s winner Facteur Cheval, but he had little to spare then and this demands more. The only way ROMANTIC WARRIOR loses is if his run on the dirt in Saudi Arabia has taken too much out of him. He’s a brilliant horse. Soul Rush and Liberty Island, good Japanese runners but who both have already been beaten by the Hong Kong superstar, can follow him home.

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RACE 8 (1750) - DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (G1, 1 mile 4 furlongs, turf)

1. (7) CALIF 

1436-2

6yo b g Areion - Cherry Danon (Rock Of Gibraltar) 

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Mid-division in 1m1f Dubai Turf on this card last year; won 1m2f German Group 1 in the summer; most recently shaped as though worth a try at this trip when running-on second behind Shin Emperor in 10.5f Group 2 in Saudi Arabia; however, this requires a big career best.

⭐⭐

2. (6) DUREZZA 

/2052-

5yo b h Duramente - More Than Sacred (More Than Ready) 

Trainer: Tomohito Ozeki; Jockey: Christophe Soumillon 

COMMENT: Won 1m7f Grade 1 Japanese St Leger in 2023; behind Calandagan when fifth in Juddmonte International at York last summer; most recently, dead-heated for second with Shin Emperor in 1m4f Grade 1 Japan Cup in November; needs his best yet.

⭐⭐⭐

3. (9) GIAVELLOTTO 

51131-

6yo ch h Mastercraftsman - Gerika (Galileo) 

Trainer: Marco Botti; Jockey: Oisin Murphy 

COMMENT: Fifth in 2m Dubai Gold Cup on this card last year but last two wins gained over this trip, most recently Group 1 Hong Kong Vase in December, picking up well after meeting traffic; this is a better race, however.

⭐⭐⭐

4. (4) REBEL’S ROMANCE 

1311-1

7yo b g Dubawi - Minidress (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick 

COMMENT: Won UAE Derby on this card in 2021; unplaced in this race in 2023 but won it last year; was better placed than most of his rivals then, but that’s often the case as he has tactical gears; seven top-level wins overall, including a second Breeders’ Cup Turf in November; probably hasn’t always had the credit he deserves, a high-class, versatile horse who should run his race again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (2) CALANDAGAN 

11122-

4yo b g Gleneagles - Calayana (Sinndar) 

Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona 

COMMENT: A bit quirky but won 1m4f Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot by 6l last year, before fine second at York in 1m2f Group 1 Juddmonte International, a race that didn’t unfold to suit; most recently second in 1m2f Group 1 Champion Stakes back at Ascot in October; started slowly then, which is a concern, and met traffic, plus the ground may have been softer than he would have liked, so another commendable effort all considered; Mickael Barzalona taking over isn’t a plus, especially as this runner takes a bit of knowing, and the horse has to show he’s still in the game mentally, but leading form claims, with the promise of more to come now back over 1m4f on decent ground for the first time since his Ascot demolition.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (3) DANON DECILE 

1163-1

4yo ch c Epiphaneia - Top Decile (Congrats) 

Trainer: Shogo Yasuda; Jockey: Keita Tosaki 

COMMENT: Won last year’s 1m4f Grade 1 Japanese Derby and most recently landed 1m3f Grade 2 in Japan; contender, although the official handicappers say he has 5lb to find with Calandagan.

⭐⭐⭐

7. (5) DEIRA MILE 

1424-6

4yo b c Camelot - Fastnet Mist (Fastnet Rock) 

Trainer: Owen Burrows; Jockey: Tom Marquand 

COMMENT: Fourth in the Derby and St Leger in Britain last year, but looked one to avoid when below form in Saudi Arabia on reappearance (started slowly; took keen hold); now back in the deep end.

⭐

8. (1) SHIN EMPEROR 

3302-1

4yo ch c Siyouni - Starlet’s Sister (Galileo) 

Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi; Jockey: Ryusei Sakai 

COMMENT: Has run well in defeat at the top level; dead-heated for second with Durezza in 1m4f Grade 1 Japan Cup in November; most recently, front-running winner of 10.5f Group 2 in Saudi Arabia; form claims, without being the most convincing.

⭐⭐⭐

9. (8) CERVINIA 

0114-9

4yo b f Harbinger - Cecchino (King Kamehameha) 

Trainer: Tetsuya Kimura; Jockey: Christophe Lemaire 

COMMENT: Two 1m4f/1m2f Grade 1 wins against her own sex in Japan last year including the Japanese Oaks; however, behind two of these rivals when fourth in November’s Japan Cup and below form in her prep for this.

⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 Calandagan, 5/2 Rebel’s Romance, 7/1 Danon Decile, Shin Emperor, 10/1 Giavellotto, 12/1 Durezza, 20/1 Cervinia, 25/1 Calif, 66/1 Deira Mile

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Last year’s winner Rebel’s Romance and CALANDAGAN look the runners to focus on, with preference for the latter despite concerns that he has some quirks and that his regular jockey has been replaced. This might be tactical, in which case it’d probably advantage Rebel’s Romance in terms of track position, but Calandagan ran away with a Royal Ascot Group 2 the only time he has tried this far (on quick ground) and he subsequently twice finished second in Group 1s over shorter that did not play out ideally for him. If he runs his race, he’ll be quite a force and hard to stop.

---

RACE 9 (1830) - DUBAI WORLD CUP (G1, 1 mile 2 furlongs, dirt)

1. (5) FOREVER YOUNG 

3131-1

4yo b c Real Steel - Forever Darling (Congrats) 

Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi; Jockey: Ryusei Sakai 

COMMENT: Forever Young - Japanese trained, but well travelled; won UAE Derby on this card last year; subsequently third in Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic in the US; most recently won Group 1 Saudi Cup, benefiting from Romantic Warrior (runs in Dubai Turf) making his move too soon but still deserving of credit considering that was just 1m1f around one turn, galloping on relentlessly; sets top-class standard and could advance his form again now back over more of a stamina test.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (7) HIT SHOW 

115-13

5yo gr h Candy Ride - Actress (Tapit) 

Trainer: Brad Cox; Jockey: Florent Geroux 

COMMENT: Five lesser Graded-race wins up to 1m1f in the US; well-beaten third in 1m2f Santa Anita Grade 1 latest.

⭐⭐

3. (6) IL MIRACOLO 

31328-

5yo ch h Gun Runner - Tapit’s World (Tapit) 

Trainer: Antonio Sano; Jockey: John Velazquez 

COMMENT: Two 8.5f Grade 3 wins in the US; off since well beaten in 1m2f Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar in late summer.

⭐⭐

4. (10) IMPERIAL EMPEROR 

011-21

5yo b g Dubawi - Zhukova (Fastnet Rock) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Form figures of 1121 since switching to dirt for new stable here this season; no match for front-running stablemate Walk Of Stars two starts back but won weak C&D Group 2 by 8.5l latest, pouring it on in the straight despite having been caught wide for most of the way; good place claims, but whether he can compete with Forever Young is another matter.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (11) KATONAH 

456-16

6yo ch g Klimt - Ctimene (Consolidator) 

Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Might have been third in November’s Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar had he got a clear run (finished fifth); won 1m1f Santa Anita Grade 2 in January; however, needs to bounce back from poor run at the same venue in 1m2f Grade 1 latest.

⭐⭐

6. (8) MIXTO 

2103-4

5yo ch h Good Magic - Musical Mystery (Concerto) 

Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori 

COMMENT: Won weak running of 1m2f Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar in late summer, then well behind Forever Young at the Breeders' Cup; most recently well-held fourth in Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream in January.

⭐⭐

7. (9) RAMJET 

1143-6

4yo dk b c Majestic Warrior - Nefertiti (Gold Allure) 

Trainer: Shozo Sasaki; Jockey: Kosei Miura 

COMMENT: Japanese runner who has finished behind Forever Young on last three starts.

⭐

8. (2) RATTLE N ROLL 

/31-15

6yo ch h Connect - Jazz Tune (Johannesburg) 

Trainer: Kenneth McPeek; Jockey: William Buick 

COMMENT: Six Graded-race wins in the US, including one at the top level as a 2yo; added Group 3 in Saudi Arabia in January; however, no impression in Saudi Cup latest (behind some of these rivals); this greater stamina test should be more favourable, but he has plenty to find with Forever Young.

⭐⭐

9. (4) USHBA TESORO 

2204-3

8yo b h Orfevre - Millefeui Attach (King Kamehameha) 

Trainer: Noboru Takagi; Jockey: Akira Sugawara 

COMMENT: Late-running type who won this in 2023 and finished runner-up last year; however, most recently 11l behind Forever Young when third in the Saudi Cup, a race in which he was a close second the previous season.

⭐⭐

10. (1) WALK OF STARS 

221-10

 6yo b g Dubawi - Sound Reflection (Street Cry) 

 Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona 

 COMMENT: Runner-up in the Godolphin Mile on this card last year; two front-running wins over 9.5f here this term, including Group 2 in which he had Imperial Emperor behind in second; can probably be excused heavy defeat in Saudi Arabia latest; should give this a good go from the inside gate.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. (3) WILSON TESORO 

2122-4

 6yo b h Kitasan Black - Chesutoke Rose (Uncle Mo) 

 Trainer: Noboru Takagi; Jockey: Yuga Kawada 

 COMMENT: The inferior Tesoro; behind Ushba when fourth in this race last year and when filling the same spot in the Saudi Cup latest, when they were both well beaten by Forever Young.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 1/2 Forever Young, 7/1 Imperial Emperor, 9/1 Walk Of Stars, 14/1 Ushba Tesoro, 20/1 Hit Show, Katonah, Mixto, Rattle N Roll, 25/1 Il Miracolo, 33/1 Wilson Tesoro, 50/1 Ramjet

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Walk Of Stars should give this a good go from the inside gate and his stablemate Imperial Emperor has to be respected as well - they’re decent local runners - but FOREVER YOUNG is the clear form pick, potentially with more still to come. He seemed to advance his already high-class form when winning the Saudi Cup and looks like having more to offer now back up in trip, and he won the UAE Derby here last year, so the track is no issue.

---