Ron Wood on Meydan - 14 March

• Race 1 not covered (purebred Arabian race)

• Figures in BRACKETS before horse's name denote draw

RACE 2 (2:05 GMT) – 1 mile (handicap, dirt)

1. (9) AL ARBED 

-75643 5yo gr g Dark Angel - Apphia (High Chaparral) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: No-excuses third in 7f handicap here last week; now has stamina to prove. ⭐⭐⭐ 

2. (6) LEGEND OF CANNES 

06-106

5yo b g Cairo Prince - Goodness Gray (Pulpit) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Inconsistent and both wins gained on turf, the most recent over 9.5f in January; however, his best bit of form actually came on this dirt course (9.5f); might find the trip too short, so he hardly convinces, but possible contender if on a good day. ⭐⭐⭐

3. (14) TAHDEED 

74-563

7yo dk b g Tamarkuz - There She Is (Medaglia D’oro) 

Trainer: Ahmed Al Mehairbi; Jockey: Jules Mobian 

COMMENT: Has won over C&D and finished fair third on turf latest, but probably won’t win this from gate 14. ⭐⭐

4. (11) MAPLEWOOD 

1468-0

6yo b g Oasis Dream - Besotted (Dutch Art) 

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT: Has gone close on this dirt course, but off for 70 days before well beaten on turf (the surface for both his wins) most recently; unappealing. ⭐⭐

5. (12) MILITARY ARTIST 

57-V00

4yo ch g Munnings - Separate Forest (Forestry) 

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Won over C&D last January; out of sorts this season, but stumbled at the start over just 6f recently; could bounce back, albeit wide draw seems unhelpful; blinkers off. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (15) INVINCIBLY 

314/00

7yo b g Invincible Spirit - Recite (Forty Niner) 

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi 

COMMENT: Well beaten in two runs on turf since back from a long absence this term and there’s no evidence he’s a dirt horse; drawn widest. ⭐

7. (8) SUDDEN AMBUSH 

7-5607

5yo b h Cracksman - Al Mahmeyah (Teofilo) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

COMMENT: Tailed off at Jebel Ali two starts back but shaped better than it looked when midfield in 1m turf handicap here latest (lost momentum when denied clear run in the straight); it’s a bit doubtful he’s going to make it as a dirt horse, but he isn’t ruled out. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (4) MOONSHINER 

56-839

3yo dk b c Kodiak Kowboy - Maca Inc (Include) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Well beaten from wide draw on turf latest but placed on dirt at Jebel Ali the time before and was a triple winner on dirt in Uruguay; booking of 7lb claimer is off-putting, but it’s possible he could run well. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

9. SHUF DUBAI NON-RUNNER

10. (1) MAPUTO 

4-1567

6yo b g Shamardal - Tashelka (Mujahid) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Needs to bounce back from poor Jebel Ali run but was earlier running well enough including a win at that same venue; effective on this track; take seriously from the inside draw for champion jockey and trainer combination. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. (2) MISS WINTOWN 

06-70

5yo b m Mo Town - Winslet (Five Star Day) 

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Jim Crowley 

COMMENT: Multiple dirt wins in Scandinavia but has struggled in three 6f-7f handicaps here this season. ⭐

12. (7) TRIP TO ROME 

370-V0

5yo b g Holy Roman Emperor - Marthamydear (Tapizar) 

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Hasn’t gone on from his third in 7f handicap here in November; well beaten under those same conditions latest, although was drawn widest. ⭐

13. (10) MYTHICAL DANCER 

0/8-00

6yo b g Shamardal - La Arenosa (Exceed And Excel) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu 

COMMENT: With the champion trainer but yet to produce any worthwhile form in UAE. ⭐

14. (5) BERKSHIRE NUGGET 

880-20

4yo b g Expert Eye - Dubai Discovery (Hard Spun) 

Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Has a patchy record and his one run on dirt was poor. ⭐

15. REDAN NON-RUNNER

---

BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Maputo, 9/2 Al Arbed, 8/1 Legend Of Cannes, 9/1 Military Artist, Moonshiner, Sudden Ambush, 12/1 Maplewood, Tahdeed, 16/1 Shuf Dubai, 20/1 Berkshire Nugget, Redan, Trip To Rome, 25/1 Miss Wintown, Mythical Dancer, 66/1 Invincibly

RON WOOD’S VIEW: No solid options in this but MAPUTO goes for leading connections, has form on this track and has the inside draw, so maybe he’s the answer. Military Artist, Moonshiner and Sudden Ambush make minor appeal.

---

RACE 3 (2:50 GMT) – 7 furlongs (handicap, turf)

1. (8) EXPERT CHOICE 

61-871

4yo b g Expert Eye - Pigota (Invincible Spirit) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Jim Crowley 

COMMENT:  Won 7f Abu Dhabi handicap in December and most recently landed 1m handicap here (runner-up won next time); up slightly in class but ought to be thereabouts again. ⭐⭐⭐

2. (11) MOLAQAB 

/284-7

5yo b g Zoustar - Saniyaat (Galileo) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT:  Runner-up in C&D handicap last January and an eyecatcher when midfield on return from 316-day absence this January; however, has been off for another two months since which is disconcerting, and it seems like Monfrid is connections’ first string on jockeys. ⭐⭐⭐

3. (1) STORY OF LIGHT 

6-5450

8yo b g Dark Angel - Beautiful Ending (Exceed And Excel) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi 

COMMENT:  Veteran who needs to do much more than he managed latest, and Connor Beasley prefers King’s Fountain, but this one does have form over C&D and is drawn to save ground. ⭐⭐⭐

4. (5) EYE ON THE PRIZE 

120-56

5yo dk b g Il Campione - Aqui Lulu (Lucky Roberto) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT:  Eyecatcher when fifth in C&D handicap two starts back (just behind Story Of Light); didn’t build on that at Abu Dhabi latest, but capable of getting involved. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (4) THE ICE PHOENIX 

614-86

4yo gr c Phoenix Of Spain - Bratislava (Dr Fong) 

Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Khaled Alalos 

COMMENT:  Useful 1m handicapper in Britain before being sold for 215,000gns in October; however, has faded in two 9.5f/1m starts here this season. ⭐⭐

6. (3) JUMAIRA BAY 

0274-7

8yo b g Siyouni - Desert Sunrise (Green Desert) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT:  Twice placed in C&D handicaps last season and ran well on dirt in November; didn’t run badly over just 6f off 77-day absence latest; now dropping in class and stepping back up in trip from a handy draw.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (12) KING’S FOUNTAIN 

-V3441

4yo b g Too Darn Hot - Lixirova (Slickly) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT:  In form on dirt and turf, most recently winning Jebel Ali maiden, but this will ask more of him from a wide draw.

⭐⭐

8. (13) MONFRID 

/150-4

4yo b g Zoustar - Golden Stunner (Dream Ahead) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT:  Lightly raced; fair 7f turf winner in Britain last year; eyecatcher on recent UAE debut in 6f dirt race at Jebel Ali, keeping on well after getting behind; should build on that, so he’s of interest despite an awkward draw.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (10) OLYMPIC CANDLE 

22-965

4yo b g Profitable - Delphinidae (Sepoy) 

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Charlie Bennett 

COMMENT:  Unplaced in three starts here this season but has been running okay in higher classes than this; has a chance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. (16) EL BOSNIA 

12-021

8yo b g Caradak - Ebalviyra (Anabaa) 

Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek 

COMMENT:  Runner-up in 1m handicap, before winning 6f handicap here last week, staying on from off a strong pace, but now up in class from widest draw.

⭐⭐

11. (15) ARABIC ART 

2/59

4yo b g Dark Angel - Wanderwell (New Approach) 

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT:  Lightly raced; eyecatcher over 6f here on comeback from an absence in January, but uneasy in the market when failing to build on that in 1m handicap latest; has wide draw to deal with. ⭐⭐

12. (6) ATIF 

856-00

4yo b g Bodemeister - Emotif (Giant’s Causeway) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Sandro Paiva 

COMMENT:  Two 7f-1m dirt wins in Argentina in 2023 but can’t be recommended on what he’s shown in UAE. ⭐

13. (9) EXCEL POWER 

489-00

7yo b g Slade Power - Rhythm Excel (Exceed And Excel) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

COMMENT:  Good 1m handicapper in Britain at his best; on the downgrade, but his two well-beaten UAE runs came on dirt and he did show a hint of promise on first occasion; this trip might be too short and he needs a big bounce back to form, but return to turf should help. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

14. (7) INNER CITY 

54/516

4yo b g Dubawi - Urban Fox (Foxwedge) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT:  Lightly raced; fair 7f turf form in Britain in 2023; missed 2024; won 6f Jebel Ali maiden this season; didn’t run badly in handicap under those same conditions latest and looks ready for this step back up in trip; chance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

15. (14) CONDOR PASA 

97-396

4yo b g Orpen - Camuflada (Easing Along) 

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT:  Won 1m maiden here last season; back in some form under those same conditions latest, when he raced a bit wide and made a premature move; drawn wide, but Adrie de Vries getting back aboard should help; chance. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

16. (2) MOUNT TAMBORA 

45-600

5yo gr g Dark Angel - Tebee (Selkirk) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi 

COMMENT:  Won 1m2f maiden here last season; has lost his way more recently. ⭐                                        

Reserve. THUNDER D’ORO NON-RUNNER

Reserve. HONEST DESIRE NON-RUNNER

Reserve. MUSTAJAAB NON-RUNNER

Reserve. RIBHI NON-RUNNER

---

BETTING FORECAST: 11/2 Monfrid, 6/1 Expert Choice, 7/1 Molaqab, 9/1 Inner City, Olympic Candle, 10/1 Condor Pasa, Eye On The Prize, Jumaira Bay, 12/1 Arabic Art, El Bosnia, King’s Fountain, 16/1 Story Of Light, 20/1 Excel Power, The Ice Phoenix, 33/1 Mount Tambora, 50/1 Atif

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Loads with chances and MONFRID, following a promising UAE debut at Jebel Ali, appeals most despite having a tricky draw. Eye On The Prize, Jumaira Bay, Olympic Candle, Excel Power, Inner City and Condor Pasa are others to look at.

---

RACE 4 (3:25 GMT) – 1 mile 2 furlongs (handicap, dirt)

1. (14) CLASSIC CITY 

4-1V51

6yo dk b g Constitution - Justice Served (Successful Appeal) 

Trainer: Ernst Oertel; Jockey: Alexandre Da Silva 

COMMENT: Had a kind, ground-saving trip from gate 1 en route to storming success in C&D handicap latest; now has a wide stall to deal with, but he’s actually down slightly in class despite going up in the weights.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (5) RUSSIPANT FAL 

26-000

6yo b h Russian Cross - Pantherii (Forest Wildcat) 

Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Royston Ffrench 

COMMENT: French runner; well beaten in three turf starts here this season; hint of promise penultimate go, but struggled last week and this switch to dirt probably isn’t the answer, albeit dropping in class.

⭐

3. (9) NATURAL WORLD

/86-38

6yo b g Frankel - Skiffle (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Mohamed Ibrahim; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Has run okay on turf last two starts but probably isn’t going to make a dirt horse.

⭐

4. (7) LION’S MANE 

614-00

6yo b g Shamardal - Pleione (Sadler’s Wells) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Two 1m3f/9.5f handicap wins here, but lost his way since the latest success on reappearance (form worked out); visor refitted.

⭐⭐

5. (8) ALSAYEF 

272-41

4yo ch g Union Rags - Litigating (Point Given) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Won maiden over just shy of this trip in added blinkers at Jebel Ali latest; faces a tougher assignment now.

⭐⭐⭐

6. (4) INNER WISDOM

75-325

4yo b g Teofilo - Heartily (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Lightly raced maiden; didn’t have a lot of room to build up momentum when fifth behind Classic City (and Dubai Welcome) in C&D handicap latest; still has room for improvement.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (2) DUBAI WELCOME 

-16947

8yo gr g Dubawi - Emily Bronte (Machiavellian) 

Trainer: Mohammed Al Mahrooqi; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Winner at Jebel Ali in January and creditable fourth in C&D handicap two starts back; could get a piece of the prize.

⭐⭐⭐

8. (12) ELZAAMI NON-RUNNER

4-22

4yo b g Kantharos - Private Citizen (Proud Citizen) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: TBD 

COMMENT: 

9. (3) GUN CREW 

235-60

4yo b c Gun Runner - Usrah (Tiznow) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT: Formerly trained in Kazakhstan; struggled in two starts here; it’s early days so he might do better, but couldn’t be supported with any confidence; tongue-tie added. ⭐⭐

10. (13) ALDHAJA 

21-000

6yo b h War Front - Aqsaam (Dynaformer) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: Won 9.5f handicap here in December but has badly lost his way, finishing well beaten over C&D latest; drawn wide.

⭐⭐

11. (6) HAVANDI 

11-02

4yo b g Le Havre - Ajaxana (Rock Of Gibraltar) 

Trainer: Nina Lensvik; Jockey: Jim Crowley 

COMMENT: 2-2 in dirt races up to 1m3f in Sweden; well beaten on turf first go here, but much better when front-running second to Mashkoor in 1m3f handicap latest; that was a weak race but he should have more to give.

⭐⭐⭐

12. (10) MASHKOOR 

10-671

5yo gr g Cupid - Anysaturdayinmay (Any Given Saturday) 

Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Reeled in Havandi to win 1m3f handicap here latest; more needed to follow up.

⭐⭐⭐

13. (15) PERFECT BALANCE 

25-V00

7yo b g Invincible Spirit - Winter Queen (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Has won here but yet to find his form this season, finishing well beaten over C&D latest, and drawn wide.

⭐

14. KIBO MISAKI NON-RUNNER

15. (1) FALL OF ROME 

2-0306

6yo b g Frankel - Calare (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Campaigned over a range of trips and probably found 1m3f too far here latest; however, was runner-up to Aldhaja in a 9.5f handicap at this venue in December and is drawn to go the shortest route under the champion jockey.

⭐⭐⭐

16. (11) HAMAAMM 

258-05

6yo b m Le Havre - Equity Card (Dubai Destination) 

Trainer: Ernst Oertel; Jockey: Sandro Paiva 

COMMENT: Patchy form since returning from a long absence; this test probably won’t bring out the best in her.

⭐

17. (12) KINGSLEY PRIDE

69311-

5yo br g Roaring Lion - Whirly Bird (Nashwan) 

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: TBD 

COMMENT: Two modest wins over a bit further on turf for Charlie Johnston in Britain, the latest coming in a seller in September, after which he went for £23,000; unappealing for now.

⭐

18. ALWAREETH 

3-7599

6yo gr g Arrogate - Nicole H (Mr Greeley) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: TBD 

COMMENT: Slow coach who needs the leaders to go too fast and to fall into his lap.

⭐

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BETTING FORECAST: 5/2 Classic City, 7/1 Havandi, Inner Wisdom, Mashkoor, 9/1 Alsayef, 10/1 Dubai Welcome, Fall Of Rome, 12/1, Gun Crew, 14/1 Lion’s Mane, 20/1 Aldhaja, 20/1 Kingsley Pride, 25/1 Natural World, 33/1 Hamaamm, Kibo Misaki, Perfect Balance, Russipant Fal

RON WOOD’S VIEW: CLASSIC CITY has a tougher draw to overcome than when winning over C&D last time, but that was a useful performance and he’s actually dropping in class, so he’s taken to follow up. Inner Wisdom, behind Classic City in that latest race, is second pick.

---

RACE 5 (4:00 GMT) – 1 mile 4 furlongs (handicap, turf)

1. (9) MAX MAYHEM 

458-63

7yo b g New Bay - Maybe Grace (Hawk Wing) 

Trainer: Hilal Kobeissi; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Well weighted on his British best and his finding his feet out here; made premature move before fading in C&D handicap two starts back, but finished only just behind the more patiently ridden Thundering and that was a higher class of race than this; most recently ran well for third in a decent 1m1f handicap here; his new jockey Adrie de Vries will take his time and could make the difference.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (4) PRINC ROUZ

1/1-66

6yo bay or brown h Cherny Prince - Babura (Bor) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu 

COMMENT: Local Group 1 winner over 1m4f on dirt in Russia; has come up short in two dirt starts in UAE; switch to turf probably isn’t the answer.

⭐⭐

3. (6) ARABIAN TALE 

-21434

6yo b g Dubawi - Monday Show (Maria’s Mon) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Tricky but useful; three dirt/turf wins over shorter trips; maybe this switch back to grass and step up in trip will help him.

⭐⭐⭐

4. (2) THUNDERING 

328-14

6yo b g Night Of Thunder - Cosmea (Compton Place) 

Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek 

COMMENT: Won C&D handicap on UAE debut in January; most recently fourth under the same conditions in a higher class bracket than this; player.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (1) COSMIC DESERT 

5-3441

6yo b g New Approach - Blossomtime (Shamardal) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi 

COMMENT: Didn’t get clear run behind two of these rivals two starts back; won 1m1f handicap here last week; now up in class and trip, but the added distance could suit (he’s just a galloper), he’s drawn to save ground and he’s still handily weighted on his British best; Connor Beasley prefers Valdivia, though.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (14) KATHAB 

63-922

5yo br g Kingman - Deep Inside (Redoute’s Choice) 

Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Jim Crowley 

COMMENT: Runner-up in 1m4f Abu Dhabi handicap before short-head second to Valdivia in messy 1m2f handicap here; chance, although not ideally drawn.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (13) WESSALL 

54-459

6yo black/grey g Dark Angel - Alwarga (Street Sense) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Must do more than when behind some of these rivals in 1m2f handicap here latest and has stamina to prove; drawn wide.

⭐⭐

8. (8) VALDIVIA 

41-451

4yo b c Demarchelier - Secret Quality (Elusive Quality) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Short-head win from Kathab in messy 1m2f handicap here latest, although has work to do with Thundering on their C&D meeting from January.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (10) REBAATT 

8-0809

4yo b g Dark Angel - Azwah (Invincible Spirit) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Two wins around 1m2f in Britain last year but hasn’t shown enough in UAE to be of interest; new trip.

⭐⭐

10. (3) DESERT SNAKE 

6-8607

5yo b g Anodin - Little Illusion (Dansili) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Jules Mobian 

COMMENT: Found 1m1f too short behind Cosmic Desert here last week; this test is more suitable, but his form isn’t strong enough.

⭐⭐

11. (11) NEW COMEDY 

77-070

6yo b g Sea The Stars - Tearless (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Ahmed Al Shemaili; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Well weighted on useful C&D form from a while back; on the downgrade now but will appreciate return to turf after heavy defeat on dirt latest.

⭐⭐

12. (12) COMET CHASER 

42-F

4yo ch g New Bay - Janabiya (Nathaniel) 

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Sandro Paiva 

COMMENT: Fair form in defeat in two 1m4f/1m2f AW novices in Britain last year; looked a big player prior to clipping heels and falling in the straight in 1m2f handicap here on recent UAE debut; that was a messy race, but he needs taking seriously.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

13. (7) ONE WORLD 

0770-2

5yo b g Sea The Stars - Time Chaser (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: In a deeper race than when second in 1m4f Abu Dhabi handicap on Sunday.

⭐⭐

14. (5) SHAMRAN 

417-00

4yo b c Kingman - Floret (Galileo) 

Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

COMMENT: Won 1m novice in Britain last year but has struggled in two 9.5f/1m2f handicaps here this term.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Thundering, 4-1 Comet Chaser, 7/1 Cosmic Desert, Kathab, Max Mayhem, Valdivia, 10/1 Arabian Tale, 20/1 New Comedy, Rebaatt, Wessall, 25/1 Desert Snake, One World, Princ Rouz, 33/1 Shamran

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A few to consider but MAX MAYHEM makes quite a bit of appeal. He ran better than it looked when finishing just behind Thundering, who’s one of the main form players, over C&D two starts back and his latest run, over a shorter trip, was good. The unexposed Comet Chaser is a possible threat.

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RACE 6 (4:35 GMT) – 6 furlongs (handicap, dirt)

1. (9) CATS BY FIVE 

2322-6

4yo dk b c Audible - Catticus (Bluegrass Cat) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT: Ex-US; runner-up in weak 6f dirt Grade 3 at Pimlico last May; raced wide and never competitive in C&D Group 3 on recent UAE debut, but should be better for that run seeing as he’d been off since June, and he now drops in class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (2) STROBE 

24-380

6yo b g Into Mischief - Flashing (A P Indy) 

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Smart on dirt in the US and on the AW in Britain; has disappointed in UAE this season, lacking a finishing punch, but newly fitted tongue-tie and visor could help.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (4) FREEDOM FIGHTER 

206-80

7yo dk b g Violence - Canadian Ballet (City Zip) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Placed in a few C&D Group 3s in days gone by; has had problems and is on the downgrade now, but would walk this on a good day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. (1) FALCON OF ARABIA 

325-30

4yo ch c Speightstown - Lawn Party (Medaglia D’oro) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Sandro Paiva 

COMMENT: Has something of a patchy record but was placed over C&D on first two starts this season; then went off evens favourite for a similar handicap to this, but played up in the stalls and faded in the race (it was a surprise he was allowed to run without being checked over); one good run, one bad run on turf since then; major contender on a good day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (5) PEN PORTRAIT 

1-6921

4yo ch g Night Of Thunder - Beautiful Memory (Invincible Spirit) 

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: Runner-up to Smart System from wide draw in C&D handicap, before winning 7f handicap here last week; up in class and back down in trip, but should be competitive again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (10) LAHFATY 

143-01

4yo ch f Mitole - Magic Belle (Gold Case) 

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: 4-9 record including C&D maiden win and, most recently, 6f Jebel Ali handicap success; however, this is a tough ask for her from the widest post.

⭐⭐

7. (8) DEEP HOPE 

7-0443

6yo b g Siyouni - Addictive (Twirling Candy) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Nine-time AW winner over a bit further in France; shaped better than the result in two 1m/7f dirt handicaps here in January; more recently, placed in two 7f/6f turf handicaps; has the ability to win something like this, but the trip might just be on the sharp side.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (7) SIR HARMONY 

53-171

3yo ch g Speightster - Woodland Harmony (Forestry) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Has won 3yo races at Jebel Ali (6f; stiff finish) and here (7f) this year; however, more needed to defy tough mark against older rivals.

⭐⭐

9. (3) SMART SYSTEM 

95-211

5yo dk b g The Factor - Pinata Cat (Tiznow) 

Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Has won 7f/6f handicaps here on last two starts, but more needed on this class rise.

⭐⭐⭐

10. (6) MIQYAAS 

9-0090

10yo b g Oasis Dream - Fawaayed (Singspiel) 

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Gokhan Yildiz 

COMMENT: Has won over C&D and reached a smart level on turf, but on the downgrade now.

⭐

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BETTING FORECAST: 2/1 Pen Portrait, 5/1 Smart System, 6/1 Deep Hope, 8/1 Cats By Five, Strobe, 10/1 Falcon Of Arabia, Lahfaty, 12/1 Freedom Fighter, Sir Harmony, 50/1 Miqyaas

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A number of these are capable of a decent level on their day so it’s not an easy one to call, but maybe FREEDOM FIGHTER can come back to form and take it. Falcon Of Arabia is the second choice.

---

RACE 7 (5:10 GMT) – 5 furlongs (handicap, turf)

1. (1) SWING FOR ME

0427-8

5yo br h Wootton Bassett - Sing For Me (Johannesburg) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek 

COMMENT: Multiple wins in France, although never over quite this short; more recently based in Spain; unplaced in 7f handicap on first go here, but had been off for five months, and he’s now down in class; chance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (6) AL SHIBLI 

7-0107

6yo b g Shamardal - Rayaheen (Nayef) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Patchy record but Group 3 on the dirt was asking too much of him latest; finished runner-up in a decent handicap over C&D last January; possible player.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (9) BATWAN 

08-780

10yo gr g Kendargent - Matwan (Indian Rocket) 

Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Adrie De Vries 

COMMENT: Has won here and used to be smart but is on the downgrade now, albeit he lost his front shoes latest; blinkers refitted.

⭐⭐

4. (13) EL BAAREQ 

10/03-

7yo ch h Munnings - Driving Mrs B (Factum) 

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: All three wins gained in 6f dirt races; these conditions are fine for him, but unappealing after a year off.

⭐⭐

5. (8) MUKAAFAH 

61080-

4yo b g Blue Point - Tasleya (Frankel) 

Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Jim Crowley 

COMMENT: Lightly raced in Britain, where he was headstrong but won two 6f AW/turf races for Kevin Philippart De Foy; the switch from a hood to a visor suggests connections aren’t worried about his fitness and will just let him roll along on this UAE debut; not totally convincing, but well weighted on his best.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (4) THUNDER OF NIAGARA 

0-3237

7yo b g Night Of Thunder - Cairncross (Cape Cross) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Last win came in a better handicap off a higher mark over C&D two years ago; some reasonable form in defeat this term; wide draw no help at Abu Dhabi latest; chance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (2) JUNGLE MAC 

00-429

4yo b g Bungle Inthejungle - Kerrys Requiem (King’s Best) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Two 6f-1m wins in Britain last year; runner-up in 6f handicap here in February, before too headstrong over 7f latest; this drop in trip might suit and he still looks like having something to give.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (7) MARKAKOL 

28-401

4yo b g Starspangledbanner - Mrs Gallagher (Oasis Dream) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Up in class following C&D handicap win under 7lb claimer latest (hung left).

⭐⭐

9. (10) INDICATE 

-68485

4yo b g Blue Point - Halima Hatun (Algorithms) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

COMMENT: Has been running creditably in defeat this term but more needed.

⭐⭐

10. (11) SOULOFCHESS 

34-500

5yo gr h Gutaifan - Anadolu (Statue Of Liberty) 

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Maikel Bravo 

COMMENT: Plenty more needed than when behind Markakol in C&D handicap latest (33-1).

⭐

11. (12) HARVEST GOLD

61-608 

7yo br g Golden Horn - Silk Words (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Elise Jeanne; Jockey: Alexandre Da Silva 

COMMENT: Placed over 6f here five times but unplaced in handicap under those same conditions last week.

⭐

12. (5) OUT FROM UNDER 

86/900

6yo b h Dubawi - Koora (Pivotal) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Struggled in three dirt starts since back from major absence this year; return to turf is in his favour, but has never raced over this short.

⭐⭐

13. (3) MUTAANY

95-553 

5yo b g Invincible Spirit - Madany (Acclamation) 

Trainer: John Hyde; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Never raced over this short; both wins gained over 6f; third over that trip in a lesser handicap than this at Abu Dhabi latest; blinkers off.

⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 5/2 Jungle Mac, 9/2 Mukaafah, 11/2 Thunder Of Niagara, 7/1 Al Shibli, Swing For Me, 9/1 Markakol, 16/1 Batwan, Indicate, 20/1 El Baareq, 25/1 Mutaany, Out From Under, 33/1 Harvest Gold, 50/1 Soulofchess

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Another competitive handicap and JUNGLE MAC appeals most. He shaped well at Abu Dhabi on his first UAE start and again when second to an improver over 6f here. He was an unplaced favourite latest, but that was 7f and he travelled like still having more to give. This drop in distance, only his second try over the minimum, looks like suiting. Swing For Me is second choice, and Mukaafah is interesting.

---

RACE 8 (5:45 GMT) – 6 furlongs (handicap, dirt)

1. (5) AWAB 

1-544

3yo dk b c Street Sense - Impossible Tale (Tale Of Ekati) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: Four starts over 7f-1m here; two useful performances including a win, and two lesser showings including when 4-6 favourite for a conditions race latest; this drop in trip isn’t an obvious move.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (9) DARK SAFFRON 

13-325

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

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Made all in C&D maiden in November; has since improved on turf, most recently finishing fifth in 5f Group 3; drawn widest, with a speedy rival just to his inside, but has the ability to go well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (6) FEERAAS 

61-343

3yo ch g Earthlight - Imtiyaaz (Starspangledbanner) 

Trainer: Salman Al Sabri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Needs to up his level and probably isn’t really a dirt horse.

⭐

4. (8) ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU

1-832

3yo b f Honest Mischief - Woodflower (Woodman) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

 COMMENT: Showed loads of speed when making all in 7f fillies’ maiden here on debut; most recently front-running second in 9.5f Group 3 UAE Oaks, when she looked all over the winner until wilting late, but that was a desperately weak race for the class; this drop in trip is in her favour.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (3) CASINO BAY 

5774

3yo dk b c Complexity - Bares Tripper (Sky Mesa) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu 

COMMENT: Moderate maiden; needs to improve in newly fitted blinkers.

⭐

6. (2) DIAMOND DEALER 

2-6534

3yo ch c Lord Nelson - Catching Diamonds (Into Mischief) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Suraj Narredu 

COMMENT: Maiden; has shown ability, including finishing runner-up to Awab over 7f here on debut, but isn’t progressing, most recently tried over 9.5f.

⭐⭐

7. (1) ELUSIVE TREVOR 

3yo dk b c Belardo - Bonding (Violence) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Has speedy pedigree that’s a mix of dirt and turf; showed pace before weakening (looked a bit raw) when fourth in 5f trial here in December; he’s the sole newcomer but has been given plenty of time and Tadhg O’Shea rides him over the stable’s other three runners.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (4) GOLDEN REDEMPTION 

2-058

3yo b c Medaglia D’oro - Redemption Day (Quality Road) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Hasn’t progressed from front-running second in C&D event on debut in December.

⭐⭐

9. (7) ODAI 

9-740

3yo b c Sioux Nation - Our Shakila (War Command) 

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott 

COMMENT: Moderate maiden who’s unlikely to be in contention.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 2/1 Dark Saffron, 5/2 Arigatou Gozaimasu, 7/2 Elusive Trevor, 4/1 Awab, 14/1 Golden Redemption, 25/1 Diamond Dealer, 50/1 Casino Bay, Feeraas, 100/1 Odai

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Dark Saffron and Arigatou Gozaimasu are useful, fast runners, but there are reasons for thinking ELUSIVE TREVOR is an above-average newcomer and he’s a tentative choice.

---

RACE 9 (6:20 GMT) – 1 mile (handicap, dirt)

1. (4) ONIGHT 

91-000

5yo b g Oasis Dream - Surcingle (Empire Maker) 

Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Sandro Paiva 

COMMENT: Has badly lost his way since narrow 7f win here in December; unappealing in a switch of headgear for new trainer.

⭐

2. (12) ERUPTIVE 

15-810

5yo b g Kitten’s Joy - Hills Of Beverly (Ghostzapper) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa 

COMMENT: Two wins elsewhere on dirt and turf over 1m this term; struggled in 1m1f turf handicap here last week; unlikely to be winning this from wide gate.

⭐

3. (5) ROAD BLOC 

83-989

7yo b g Street Sense - Jan’s Perfect Star (Imperialism) 

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope 

COMMENT: Has won here but is badly out of sorts and still has to conclusively prove his stamina.

⭐

4. (1) BORDER EDGE 

724-80

6yo ch g Shamardal - Emirates Rewards (Dubawi) 

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea 

COMMENT: Won 7f handicap here last season; only reappeared in February and below form both starts this term, but over 5f-6f; won over 1m when trained in Britain and may now bounce back from the inside stall.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (11) SADEEDD 

1/7-09

8yo b g Stay Thirsty - Patriotic Viva (Whywhywhy) 

Trainer: Ahmed Al Mehairbi; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi 

COMMENT: Won 7f handicap here for a different stable in 2023, but then off for over a year; struggled since returning but may be ready for this trip now; drawn wide again, though. ⭐⭐

6. (15) MILLION DORO 

3-5234

4yo dk b g Bolt D’oro - Waves Of Blue (Quality Road) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley 

COMMENT: Frustrating maiden who has stamina to prove from the widest gate.

⭐⭐

7. (6) LENORMAND 

1/3/00

5yo b g Dubawi - Baisse (High Chaparral) 

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Suraj Narredu 

COMMENT: Missed 2024; struggled in two turf handicaps since returning; switch to dirt probably not the short-term answer for all that he’s by the track’s leading sire; blinkers added; withdrawn ‘lame’ at the start last week.

⭐ 

8. (10) NATIONAL BANK 

831/50

7yo b g Dubawi - Nargys (Lawman) 

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs 

COMMENT: Some encouragement on return from near two-year absence at Jebel Ali in February, but well beaten here latest (1m2f).

⭐⭐

9. (3) PIPES AND DRUMS 

52-766

4yo b g Raven’s Pass - Pimpernel (Invincible Spirit) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani 

COMMENT: Has shown a lot of speed but been unable to sustain it in 6f-7f events last two starts (wrong side of the track at Jebel Ali latest); hard to think he’ll see this out best.

⭐⭐

10. (8) TOLMOUNT 

1000-7

8yo b g Dubawi - Fintry (Shamardal) 

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro 

COMMENT: Struggled since front-running C&D handicap win in November; others preferred.

⭐⭐

11. (13) NASTASE 

9/0/09

7yo b g Sixties Icon - Rough Courte (Pivotal) 

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Gokhan Yildiz 

COMMENT: Well beaten in two starts since back from two-year absence; drawn wide and won’t be winning this.

⭐

12. (7) RABDAAN 

499/6-

4yo ch g Not This Time - Zifena (Zamindar) 

Trainer: Qaiss Aboud; Jockey: Jules Mobian 

COMMENT: Lightly raced, moderate maiden; up in trip after over three months off; unappealing.

⭐

13. (9) NORATO 

8-5543

3yo gr c Kentuckian - Catherine Deneuve (First American) 

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Ray Dawson 

COMMENT: Maiden but has some form and these conditions will be fine for him; outside chance in a poor heat.

⭐⭐

14. (2) DESERT HORIZON 

600

5yo b g Caravaggio - Tandragee (Bernardini) 

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Richard Mullen 

COMMENT: Lightly raced, moderate maiden; hard to fancy even from handy draw.

⭐

15. (14) MARCHING THUNDER 

4/0-09

4yo b g Dubawi - Spinning Cloud (Street Cry) 

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott 

COMMENT: Lightly raced, moderate maiden; hasn’t shown enough this winter since back from more than a year off; drawn wide.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Border Edge, 7/1 Norato, 8/1 Million Doro, Pipe And Drums, Sadeedd, Tolmount, 10/1 Eruptive, National Bank, Onight, 12/1 Road Bloc, 14/1 Lenormand, 25/1 Marching Thunder, 50/1 Desert Horizon, Nastase, Rabdaan

RON WOOD’S VIEW: In a contender for worst race of the season, none make strong appeal, but perhaps BORDER EDGE can come back to life now that he’s returning to a longer trip and has the inside draw.

---