Ron Wood's Meydan Racing Guide - 14 February
- The AntePoster (H)
- Feb 13
- 25 min read
Race 2: Lincoln Corsair Race - Turf, 1 mile 2 furlongs [1405 GMT]
1. (10) NATURAL WORLD
68/86-
6yo b g Frankel (GB) - Skiffle (GB) (Dubawi (IRE))
Trainer: Mohamed Ibrahim; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi
COMMENT: Formerly useful and these conditions will suit, but no promise in two starts since back from a two-year absence this winter, even allowing for being in unsuitable races.
⭐
2. (5) SENSE OF WISDOM
3/50-5
6yo b g Shamardal (USA) - Tajriba (IRE) (Teofilo (IRE))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Lightly raced; beaten just over 1l into fifth in 9.5f handicap and may even have won with clear run here latest; that was an ordinary, muddling race, but he has to be taken seriously; this slightly longer trip should suit.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. (13) WESSALL
254-45
6yo blk/grey g Dark Angel (IRE) - Alwarga (USA) (Street Sense (USA))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ben Coen
COMMENT: Has been running okay in defeat at Abu Dhabi (turf) and Jebel Ali (dirt) this term; wide draw not ideal but he’s been given a chance by the handicapper. ⭐⭐⭐
4. (15) KADOVAR
/39-46
5yo b h Dark Angel (IRE) - Bulrushes (GB) (Byron (GB))
Trainer: Georges Mikhalides; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
COMMENT: Trained in Qatar where he won over 1m last March; might have been finding 7f too short in more recent starts; interesting contender, although drawn wide. ⭐⭐⭐
5. (2) DECIDUOUS
566-53
6yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Black Cherry (GB) (Mount Nelson (GB))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Won 1m4f handicap here off the same mark last February; more recently, some encouragement at this venue before getting too far back when third at Abu Dhabi (behind two of these rivals); however, this drop in trip is against him. ⭐⭐
6. (14) KATHAB
15/2/3/3/1
5yo br g Kingman (GB) - Deep Inside (FR) (Redoute’s Choice (AUS))
Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Abdul Aziz Al Balushi
COMMENT: Two wins over 1m in Britain in 2023; mainly struggled in UAE but encouraging second to Venetian Style in 1m4f Abu Dhabi handicap latest; may build on that, although drawn wide.
⭐⭐⭐
7. (3) POSTER PAINT
4578-4
6yo b g Postponed (IRE) - Colour Play (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Chantal Sutherland
COMMENT: Runner-up over C&D and won going 1m1f here in handicap company around this time last year; close fourth in similar race latest; chance ⭐⭐⭐
8. (4) VALDIVIA
841-45
4yo b c Demarchelier (GB) - Secret Quality (USA) (Elusive Quality (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Creditable run on turf here two starts back; bit disappointing on dirt latest, but may do better now returned to the grass.
⭐⭐⭐
9. (6) COSMIC DESERT
775-34
6yo b g New Approach (IRE) - Blossomtime (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi
COMMENT: Raced mainly on dirt in UAE including a win at Jebel Ali last year and has been running okay lately; the pick of his form, though, is on turf so he’s interesting now switching surfaces, even if Connor Beasley prefers Valdivia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. (9) GARETH
542-67
7yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Giofra (GB) (Dansili (GB))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Khalid Al Balushi
COMMENT: Won 9.5f handicap here two years ago, but harshly handicapped at the moment.
⭐
11. (1) STORMY WAVES
/50-90
4yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Broderie Anglaise (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani
COMMENT: Useful 1m winner in Britain in 2023, but no promise in three UAE starts; stable second string on jockeys behind Deciduous.
⭐
12. (12) LEGEND OF CANNES
0006-1
5yo b g Cairo Prince (USA) - Goodness Gray (USA) (Pulpit (USA))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Narrowly won 9.5f handicap here latest, which was just his third start for his current stable; up 4lb and drawn a little wide.
⭐⭐⭐
13. (8) COMET CHASER
42-
4yo ch g New Bay (GB) - Janabiya (GB) (Nathaniel (IRE))
Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Fair form in defeat in two 1m4f/1m2f AW novices for George Scott in Britain last year; should have more to give.
⭐⭐⭐
14. (11) SHAMRAN
2417-0
4yo b c Kingman (GB) - Floret (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))
Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek
COMMENT: Won 1m turf novice in Britain last year but no promise in 9.5f handicap here on recent stable debut
⭐
15. (7) VENETIAN STYLE
338-71
4yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Madonna Dell’orto (GB) (Montjeu (IRE))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott
COMMENT: Lightly raced; was upped to 1m4f and well positioned in muddling race when winning Abu Dhabi handicap latest; now 11lb higher in a better race and down in trip.
⭐⭐
16. (16) BERKSHIRE NUGGET
1880-2
4yo b g Expert Eye (GB) - Dubai Discovery (USA) (Hard Spun (USA))
Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Front-running second in 9.5f handicap here latest; has more to do now from wide draw.
⭐⭐⭐
17. (RESERVE) HAMAAMM
/258-0
6yo b m Le Havre (IRE) - Equity Card (FR) (Dubai Destination (USA))
Trainer: Ernst Oertel; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Well beaten in 1m4f handicap here latest; can’t be fancied.
⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 5/1 Sense Of Wisdom, 7/1 Comet Chaser, Legend Of Cannes, 8/1 Kathab, 10/1 Deciduous, Poster Paint, Valdivia, Wessall, 12/1 Berkshire Nugget, Cosmic Desert, Venetian Style, 14/1 Kadovar, 25/1 Gareth, 33/1 Shamran, Stormy Waves, 50/1 Natural World
RON WOOD’S VIEW: An open handicap to kick off the thoroughbred action. Sense Of Wisdom will presumably be popular after a troubled run round here last time, but it may be worth chancing COSMIC DESERT, who should appreciate the switch back from dirt and is on a handy mark. Kadovar, from Qatar, might also be worth a look.
Race 3: Lincoln Nautilus Race - Dirt, 7 furlongs [1440 GMT]
1. (9) AWAB
1-54
3yo dk b/br c Street Sense (USA) - Impossible Tale (USA) (Tale Of Ekati (USA))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Winning debut over C&D and most recently fourth in 1m Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas; not so good on second start, so doesn’t fully convince, but has outstanding claims on those other two performances.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. (2) SIR HARMONY
53-17
3yo ch g Speightster (USA) - Woodland Harmony (USA) (Forestry (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Won 6f Jebel Ali maiden but disappointed there latest; more needed; hood added.
⭐⭐
3. (10) CASINO BAY
57
3yo b c Complexity (USA) - Bares Tripper (USA) (Sky Mesa (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Faded after chasing the pace in 1m race here last week on second start (22-1); needs to improve.
⭐⭐
4. (6) DESERT SHIELD
54-
3yo b c Gunnevera (USA) - Emotional Roar (USA) (Roar Of The Tiger (USA))
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Much too headstrong when well beaten in 1m Jebel Ali maiden on UAE debut in December; has since been gelded and headgear is now removed; could do much better.
⭐⭐
5. (3) DIAMOND DEALER
22-65
3yo ch c Lord Nelson (USA) - Catching Diamonds (USA) (Into Mischief (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Runner-up on first two starts, notably behind Awab over C&D, but looked pretty ordinary when well-beaten fifth in 1m race here last week even allowing for a wide trip.
⭐⭐
6. NON-RUNNER
7. (7) GOLDEN REDEMPTION
2-05
3yo b c Medaglia d’Oro (USA) - Redemption Day (USA) (Quality Road (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Front-running second in 6f race here on debut, but has failed to beat a rival both starts since, most recently at Jebel Ali in blinkers, which are now removed.
⭐⭐
8. (8) MAESTRO DEL MAR
7
3yo b c Grendisar (IRE) - Aldara (USA) (Street Cry (IRE))
Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi
COMMENT: Showed some ability before fading badly in 9.5f race here on recent debut (28-1); might improve, but doesn’t appeal.
⭐⭐
9. (4) MANEA
9
3yo ch c Gun Runner (USA) - Solar Surge (USA) (Bernardini (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu
COMMENT: Showed some pace before fading badly in 1m race here on debut five weeks ago (50-1); open to improvement, but booking of apprentice jockey suggests it’s best to look elsewhere.
⭐⭐
10. (1) NEDAWY
35-004
3yo b c Instagrand (USA) - Upstager (USA) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Seemed to improve a lot when front-running fourth in 1m turf race here and that level of form gives him good claims now; however, don’t bank on him repeating it, back on dirt, even from the inside draw, for low strike-rate stable.
⭐⭐⭐
11. (5) POLITICAL TRUTH
9
3yo gr c Liam’s Map (USA) - Partisan Politics (USA) (More Than Ready (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: 40-1 shot when well beaten over 1m here last week, although got behind from wide draw and wasn’t given a hard ride; has a useful pedigree, so maybe he’ll do much better now; cheekpieces off.
⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 4/7 Awab, 8/1 Nedawy, Sir Harmony, 10/1 Desert Shield, 16/1 Diamond Dealer, Golden Redemption, 20/1 Casino Bay, 25/1 Manea, Political Truth, 33/1 Maestro Del Mar
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A C&D winner and most recently fourth in the UAE 2,000 Guineas, AWAB has outstanding form claims. A not-so-good run on his second start means you want to think twice about taking likely short odds, but none of his rivals are tempting in what is a weak-looking race. Nedawy has a similar level of form from his latest start - but that was out-of-the-blue improvement on turf and he was earlier well beaten over this C&D.
Race 4: Lincoln Aviator Race - Turf, 5 furlongs [1515 GMT]
1. (15) CELTIC VOYAGER
/07-78
8yo ch g Vercingetorix (SAF) - Cat’s Paw (SAF) (Black Minnaloushe (USA))
Trainer: Mohammad Mardood; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Won 6f handicap here off 5lb higher two years ago; not the same force now, but last two runs weren’t bad, most recently from wide draw at Abu Dhabi, and the handicapper has given him a chance so he’s effectively class dropping.
⭐⭐⭐
2. (13) MARKAKOL
028-40
4yo b g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Mrs Gallagher (GB) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu
COMMENT: Fourth over C&D in a better race two starts back (behind Al Muzn); well beaten at Abu Dhabi latest but over 6f and he raced wide around that tight turning circuit from a tough draw (took keen hold); should do better again now.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. (11) OCEAN RUNNER
49/3-5
4yo b g Blue Point (IRE) - Most Beautiful (GB) (Canford Cliffs (IRE))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Ex-Charlie Appleby; lightly raced; has shaped okay in two starts at Jebel Ali since returning from a long absence this winter; potential improver now back on turf.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. (9) SOULOFCHESS
434-50
5yo gr h Gutaifan (IRE) - Anadolu (IRE) (Statue Of Liberty (USA))
Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez
COMMENT: Regular winner in Scandinavia (dirt and turf); struggled in two starts at Jebel Ali; may do better on turf, but others more appealing.
⭐⭐
5. (5) ENCHANTED LIFE
/198-8
4yo b f Kodiac (GB) - Shobobb (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Won two novices for Charlie Appleby in Britain including 5f turf event last year; well beaten on both starts for this stable, but the first of them came in a C&D Listed race off a five-month break and the latest was on dirt at Jebel Ali; might do much better now; cheekpieces off.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. (8) MATLOOB
0/39-7
4yo gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Shang Shang Shang (USA) (Shanghai Bobby (USA))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ben Coen
COMMENT: 5f AW winner in Britain in 2023; close third in 7f dirt race here on UAE debut in December, having been off for more than a year; hasn’t built on that in two goes since, although has had some excuses; keen-going sort who ought to act on turf, and the drop back in trip looks a good move; blinkers refitted.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. (1) MILLION DORO
03-523
4yo b g Bolt D’Oro (USA) - Waves Of Blue (USA) (Quality Road (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Raced only on dirt, showing fair ability without managing to win; down to 5f for the first time and isn’t bred for turf; also newly visored; couldn’t possibly be a confident pick, but he’s not ruled out either.
⭐⭐⭐
8. (12) AL MUZN
240-22
5yo b g Oasis Dream (GB) - Queen’s Pearl (IRE) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Trainer: Salman Al Sabri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: No-excuses second over C&D two starts back and went close at Jebel Ali latest; thereabouts again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. (2) LAGUNA BOY
04160-
4yo ch g Sioux Nation (USA) - Mary McPhee (GB) (Makfi (GB))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Fair 7f AW winner for Stuart Williams in Britain; faced with a new test after four months off, but goes for the champion trainer and does have a useful sprinting pedigree.
⭐⭐
10. (16) REINE DU CIEL
18312-
3yo b f Ten Sovereigns (IRE) - Suhayl Moon (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Trainer: Ingrid Koplikova; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek
COMMENT: Two minor 5f-6f wins in France before second in 7f contest in Czechia; has been off for five months; hard to weigh up.
⭐⭐
11. (7) GREAT NEWS
08/66-
7yo gr g Shamardal (USA) - Nahoodh (IRE) (Clodovil (IRE))
Trainer: Ahmed Al Shemaili; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi
COMMENT: 7f turf winner in Britain in 2021; struggled in two 6f/5f dirt starts in UAE since returning from a long absence, most recently finishing lame; off for three months; hard to fancy.
⭐
12. (10) SPLIT THE PROFIT
25-907
4yo b g Profitable (IRE) - Anne Of Kiev (IRE) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Trainer: Salman Al Sabri; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi
COMMENT: Hasn’t gone on from close second in 5f Jebel Ali maiden on November’s UAE debut including tried over C&D.
⭐
13. (6) HOBALSALAM
330-7
4yo b g Mitole (USA) - Hidden Reward (USA) (Graydar (USA))
Trainer: Mohammad Mardood; Jockey: Adel Alqeeyadi
COMMENT: Four starts, all on dirt; minor encouragement at Jebel Ali on recent stable debut after a year off, but doesn’t convince; not bred for turf.
⭐⭐
14. NON-RUNNER
15. (14) TAJDIF
80092-
5yo b g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Safeenah (GB) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Trainer: Maitha Alsuwaidi; Jockey: Jules Mobian
COMMENT: Maiden; off for two months since front-running second in 7f Abu Dhabi handicap; never raced over this short.
⭐⭐
16. (3) BLEWBURTON
337-50
3yo ch g Saxon Warrior (JPN) - Olga Da Polga (IRE) (Casamento (IRE))
Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Andrew Slattery
COMMENT: Won 5f maiden in Britain last year but didn’t progress; well beaten over 1m here latest; drop back in trip may help, likewise newly fitted blinkers, but doesn’t convince.
⭐
17. (4) IRONSIDE
004-80
7yo b g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Sagami (USA) (Street Cry (IRE))
Trainer: Qaiss Aboud; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Moderate maiden who hasn’t raced over this short in more than a year.
⭐
18. (RESERVE) JEWEL GENIE LAMP
09078-
5yo ch m Drosselmeyer (USA) - Magic Lamp (BRZ) (Royal Academy (USA))
Trainer: Qaiss Aboud; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Reserve; no real worthwhile form in the UAE, although return to turf and added blinkers may help.
⭐
19. (RESERVE) ADDICTED TO CHAOS
2002-6
6yo ch g Super Saver (USA) - Its A Date (USA) (Dominus (USA))
Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Reserve; usually races on dirt; bits and pieces of form; probably best avoided now.
⭐
20. (RESERVE) BATRAAN
/500-7
7yo ch g Camacho (GB) - Testimony (GB) (Lawman (FR))
Trainer: Ahmed Al Neyadi; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Reserve; turf winner in Britain in 2021; raced only on dirt and struggled in UAE; surface switch a help.
⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 9/2 Al Muzn, 5/1 Matloob, Ocean Runner, 8/1 Laguna Boy, 9/1 Million Doro, 10/1 Celtic Voyager, Reine Du Ciel, 12/1 Enchanted Life, 14/1 Markakol, Blewburton, Tajdif, 25/1 Hobalsalam, Soulofchess, Ironside, 33/1 Great News, Split The Profit
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A shortage of convincing options but a few of interest, none more so than OCEAN RUNNER, who still has potential and should be suited by the return to turf. Al Muzn is the solid form horse, with Markakol, Enchanted Life and Matloob others who appeal.
Race 5: Lincoln Presidential Race - Dirt, 1 mile [1550 GMT]
1. (1) ELRAAED
720-81
5yo ch g Dubawi (IRE) - Into The Mystic (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ben Coen
COMMENT: Has placed on this track and won 1m Jebel Ali handicap in refitted blinkers and tongue-tie latest; probably has more to offer, but can get behind so the inside draw might not be ideal.
⭐⭐⭐
2. (5) MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO
/12-73
6yo gr g National Defense (GB) - Sans Equivoque (GER) (Stormy River (FR))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Versatile; running well this season, albeit beaten favourite at Jebel Ali latest; down in trip but that’s not necessarily a negative; chance.
⭐⭐⭐
3. (4) MAGIC PETITION
542-53
5yo ch g Good Magic (USA) - Petition The Lady (USA) (Petionville (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi
COMMENT: Sole win came over 6f here two years ago; didn’t see out 7f when third here latest, so hard to think he’ll get the 1m; visor off.
⭐⭐
4. (8) ATIF
/856-0
4yo b g Bodemeister (USA) - Emotif (ARG) (Giant’s Causeway (USA))
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Two 7f-1m dirt wins in Argentina in 2023 but yet to find his feet in the UAE.
⭐⭐
5. (11) EXCEL POWER
8489-0
7yo b g Slade Power (IRE) - Rhythm Excel (GB) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Formerly smart on the AW around this trip in Britain; always behind on recent UAE debut on this track but that was 7f, he took a lot of kickback and yet he did travel okay; can build on that now he’s had a run and goes back up in trip.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. (12) NYAAR
041-57
5yo ch h Munnings (USA) - Huntress Helena (USA) (Hear No Evil (USA))
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Two front-running wins over 1m/7f here, the latest in December; hasn’t been able to dominate in two runs since then, completely blowing the start latest, but is showing enough to think he remains in some form; wide draw not ideal.
⭐⭐⭐
7. (2) ROAD BLOC
0083-9
7yo b g Street Sense (USA) - Jan’s Perfect Star (USA) (Imperialism (USA))
Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Oscar Chavez
COMMENT: Usually races over shorter trips and is on the downgrade, but maybe he’ll appreciate an easier pace at this longer distance now and he’s drawn to save ground. ⭐⭐
8. (6) CUPID’S DREAM
3/33-7
4yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Valentine’s Day (IRE) (Galileo (IRE))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Lightly raced; headstrong; has shaped better than the result in two 1m2f/1m starts here; faded after being matched at 1.01 on Betfair on the first occasion and most recently moved into a fast pace out wide from a tough draw, before fading again; could do with being more professional, but the ability is there; drops in class.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. (15) MAGSOOD
/557-0
4yo b g Too Darn Hot (GB) - Tantshi (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Useful around this trip on turf in Britain; too headstrong when down the field on recent UAE debut; now tries dirt, which could suit given his nature and his pedigree, but has a tough draw.
⭐⭐
10. (10) MILITARY ARTIST
1057-V
4yo ch g Munnings (USA) - Separate Forest (USA) (Forestry (USA))
Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Won over C&D last term; below form this season but could bounce back; pulled up early in voided race latest.
⭐⭐⭐
11. (16) GAMEKEEPER
12-4V0
4yo b c Blue Point (IRE) - Gamilati (GB) (Bernardini (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Twice first past the post in 7f-1m handicaps here this season (one of those was voided due to a stalls issue; four rivals pulled up), but well beaten latest and has a tough draw.
⭐⭐
12. (3) NASTASE
/59/0/
7yo b g Sixties Icon (GB) - Rough Courte (IRE) (Pivotal (GB))
Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Jules Mobian
COMMENT: Out of sorts in Qatar when last seen two years ago; ignore.
⭐
13. NON-RUNNER
14. (7) CLASSIC CITY
554-1V
6yo b g Constitution (USA) - Justice Served (USA) (Successful Appeal (USA))
Trainer: Ernst Oertel; Jockey: Alexandre Da Silva
COMMENT: Stayed on to win 7f Jebel Ali maiden in January, but held in voided 1m handicap here latest.
⭐⭐
15. (13) TOLMOUNT
31000-
8yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Fintry (IRE) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani
COMMENT: Struggled badly since front-running win in C&D handicap in November; bled from the nose latest; bossing this field from a wide gate will be tough.
⭐
16. (14) CARPE MOMENTUM
/603-0
8yo b g Carpe Diem (USA) - Istanford (USA) (Istan (USA))
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott
COMMENT: Won 1m Jebel Ali maiden two years ago; well beaten there latest; that was only 7f and he’d been off for two months, but still doesn’t appeal from wide draw.
⭐
17. (9) SIKORSKY
4/42-6
6yo b h Dubawi (IRE) - Hoyam (GB) (Royal Applause (GB))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Maiden, but only three starts for current yard and made encouraging reappearance over 7f here two weeks ago, racing wide and lacking the pace but keeping on; should build on that now he’s had a run and goes back up in trip.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 9/2 Cupid’s Dream, Elraaed, 6/1 Sikorsky, 8/1 Military Artist, Mount Kosciuszko, Nyaar, 12/1 Magic Petition, 14/1 Classic City, Excel Power, Gamekeeper, 16/1 Magsood, 25/1 Atif, Carpe Momentum, Road Bloc, Tolmount, 100/1 Nastase
RON WOOD’S VIEW: Three of these are of quite a bit of interest, the main one being CUPID’S DREAM. He has the raw ability to hammer this field if he does things right. The other two are Excel Power and Sikorsky.
Race 6: Lincoln Aviator Presidential Race - Turf, 7 furlongs [1625 GMT]
1. (5) EMBESTO
5535-6
5yo ch h Roaring Lion (USA) - Dibajj (FR) (Iffraaj (GB))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Was smart miler in Britain, a Group 3 winner in 2023; made respectable UAE debut at Jebel Ali following six-month break; should build on that now he’s had a run and returns to turf, but drop in trip doesn’t seem ideal.
⭐⭐
2. (7) NATIVE APPROACH
2151-5
4yo b g Too Darn Hot (GB) - Sperry (IRE) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Quickened to win modestly run C&D Listed race on reappearance in December, but that form doesn’t amount to much; too headstrong out the back when only fifth in steadily run Group 2 latest (8-11 favourite, which was terribly short on form; just behind Andreas Vesalius); not well weighted on bare reading of his form and Buick’s deserted him for Creative Story.
⭐⭐⭐
3. (4) ELNAJMM
11955/
5yo b g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Muneyra (GB) (Dubawi (IRE))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Smart 1m handicapper for William Haggas in Britain, but down in trip and down connections’ pecking order on jockey bookings for UAE debut after four months off.
⭐⭐
4. (10) EL NASSEEB
1/1-2
4yo ch c Profitable (IRE) - Jafetica (GB) (New Approach (IRE))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Lightly raced and useful on dirt, winning here twice; has turf pedigree so could have more to offer now switching surfaces.
⭐⭐⭐
5. (8) SALEYMM
012/3/
7yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Talmada (USA) (Cape Cross (IRE))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ben Coen
COMMENT: Was smart over this trip in Britain; off for over a year before promising run in 6f dirt Listed race here in December 2023; absent again since, but is well handicapped on his best.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. (3) VERCORS
01971-
4yo b g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Mondelice (GB) (Montjeu (IRE))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Useful around this trip in France, including winning conditions race in November, before being sold for 115,000euros later the same month; this is a tough spot for his UAE debut and he looks harshly handicapped.
⭐⭐
7. (6) ANDREAS VESALIUS
017-24
6yo gr g Caravaggio (USA) - Vitello (GB) (Raven’s Pass (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: In good form, finishing close second in a handicap before fourth in Group 2 over C&D, but a bit more needed.
⭐⭐
8. (1) AL SALT
9046-4
8yo b g Mukhadram (GB) - Estedaama (IRE) (Marju (IRE))
Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: C&D winner but no-excuses fourth in handicap latest, when behind Andreas Vesalius.
⭐
9. (2) CREATIVE STORY
223-1
4yo b g Too Darn Hot (GB) - Volume (GB) (Mount Nelson (GB))
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Lightly raced; closely related to same connections’ Group 1 winner Quorto; quickened up to win over C&D on handicap debut in January following 238-day absence, overcoming a wide gate; needs to progress again to defy 8lb rise, but likely has more to give and has a handier draw this time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. (9) SWING FOR ME
20427-
5yo br h Wootton Bassett (GB) - Sing For Me (FR) (Johannesburg (USA))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek
COMMENT: Multiple wins in France; more recently based in Spain; probably not up to this.
⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 8/11 Creative Story, 11/2 Native Approach, 8/1 Saleymm, 10/1 El Nasseeb, 12/1 Embesto, 16/1 Andreas Vesalius, 20/1 Elnajmm, Vercors, 33/1 Al Salt, Swing For Me
RON WOOD’S VIEW: Creative Story is the obvious one off a tidy win over C&D on his reappearance. He’s bred to do better still, although he is up in the weights and up in class, and maybe SALEYMM can turn him over. The selection hasn’t stood much racing in recent times but he’s well weighted on his best and his last run was promising, albeit that was at the end of 2023.
Race 7: Lincoln Race - Dirt, 1 mile 3 furlongs [1700]
1. (10) DESERT SNAKE
316-86
5yo b g Anodin (IRE) - Little Illusion (GB) (Dansili (GB))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Fair sort on turf; has to prove himself on dirt, but is 7lb lower on this surface and his stamina could take him a long way in a poor race.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. (5) DUBAI VISION
0/7-40
7yo b g Medaglia D’Oro (USA) - Velvety (USA) (Bernardini (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Sole win gained in 1m2f dirt handicap at Sharjah two years ago; player on the pick of his form, but tailed off on turf latest.
⭐⭐
3. (14) NEW COMEDY
077-07
6yo b g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Tearless (GB) (Street Cry (IRE))
Trainer: Ahmed Al Shemaili; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi
COMMENT: Useful on turf at his best but struggling this season and there’s no evidence that he’s a dirt horse.
⭐
4. (3) NOVA ROMA
4900/9
8yo b g Golden Horn (GB) - Ragsah (IRE) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Well held at Jebel Ali on recent return from a mammoth absence; might handle this track and trip, but unappealing.
⭐⭐
5. (4) KIBO MISAKI
132-38
4yo b f Girvin (USA) - Our Rockin Ruby (USA) (Rock Hard Ten (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani
COMMENT: Won 1m1f Jebel Ali maiden in November, but well beaten in C&D conditions race latest.
⭐⭐
6. (6) GHOST OF THE MAMBO
223-72
8yo b g Ghostzapper (USA) - Much Obliged (USA) (Kingmambo (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Three wins at Jebel Ali and runner-up there latest over shorter trips; handles this track as well; this distance is a slight question mark, but he has a chance.
⭐⭐⭐
7. (1) HAVANDI
11-0
4yo b g Le Havre (IRE) - Ajaxana (GER) (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE))
Trainer: Nina Lensvik; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Won first two starts on dirt up to this trip in Sweden; well beaten in 1m4f turf handicap on UAE debut; this may be a more suitable test, but he still doesn’t appeal.
⭐⭐
8. (9) FALL OF ROME
92-030
6yo b g Frankel (GB) - Calare (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery
COMMENT: Patchy record; runner-up in 9.5f handicap here in December; most recently taken out of his comfort zone over 7f; this trip looks like being too far for him, but this is a bad race.
⭐⭐⭐
9. (2) MASHKOOR
210-67
5yo gr/r g Cupid (USA) - Anysaturdayinmay (USA) (Any Given Saturday (USA))
Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Won 1m1f Jebel Ali maiden last season but limited encouragement there this term.
⭐⭐
10. (11) ALWAREETH
53-759
6yo gr/r g Arrogate (USA) - Nicole H (USA) (Mr Greeley (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Jose Santiago
COMMENT: Slow off-the-pace runner who managed to win Jebel Ali handicap earlier this season but was well beaten over C&D latest.
⭐⭐
11. (7) PERSIAN EMPIRE
7009-0
7yo b g Shamardal (USA) - Important Time (IRE) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Trainer: Abubakar Daud; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu
COMMENT: Only win gained in 7f turf race here two years ago; no worthwhile form for ages; this new trip and return to dirt probably isn’t the answer.
⭐
12. (12) NORATO
238-55
3yo gr c Kentuckian (USA) - Catherine Deneuve (BRZ) (First American (USA))
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Lightly raced; second in 7f dirt race in Uruguay last July; hasn’t progressed in UAE, but this step up in trip and return to dirt is worth a try.
⭐⭐
13. (16) MEQDAM
0/90-2
9yo ch g Dubawi (IRE) - Scatter Dice (IRE) (Manduro (GER))
Trainer: Kareem Ramadan; Jockey: Sandro Paiva
COMMENT: Won C&D handicap and 2m Al Ain handicap a while back; back in some form with nose second to Mouser in 1m2f Sharjah handicap latest, but that was a weak race; drawn wide.
⭐⭐⭐
14. (15) MOUSER
8907-1
9yo gr/r g Kitten’s Joy (USA) - Cozzy Street (USA) (Street Cry (IRE))
Trainer: Mohamed Ibrahim; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi
COMMENT: Edged out Meqdam for surprise win in 1m2f Sharjah handicap latest, but that doesn’t look like form to buy into; drawn wide.
⭐⭐⭐
15. (8) FROSTY WIND
967-60
5yo b h West Coast (USA) - Striking Damsel (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN))
Trainer: Elise Jeanne; Jockey: Alexandre Da Silva
COMMENT: Maiden who hasn’t shown the ability to think he can win this.
⭐
16. (13) DANEYAN
067-98
10yo gr h Shamardal (USA) - Dayita (FR) (Dansili (GB))
Trainer: Ahmed Al Neyadi; Jockey: Khalid Al Balushi
COMMENT: Fourth in this race last year; struggled since; unappealing.
⭐
17. (RESERVE) CHIEF SCRIBE
8589-0
6yo b g Frankel (GB) - Criticism (GB) (Machiavellian (USA))
Trainer: Elise Jeanne; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Reserve; long-standing maiden with no worthwhile form; this would be a new trip; also declared over 6f at Jebel Ali on Saturday, so work that out.
⭐
18. (RESERVE) EL FARAS
6404-9
9yo b g Camelot (GB) - Commendable (GB) (Pivotal (GB))
Trainer: Okbah Aashour; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: No worthwhile form in UAE; ignore.
⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Ghost Of The Mambo, 6/1 Fall Of Rome, Meqdam, Mouser, 10/1 Desert Snake, Havandi, 12/1 Dubai Vision, Norato, 14/1 Nova Roma, 16/1 Alwareeth, Mashkoor, 20/1 Kibo Misaki, New Comedy, 33/1 Daneyan, 50/1 Persian Empire, 66/1 Frosty Wind
RON WOOD’S VIEW: It’s hard to find a selection in this - it’s a terrible race. DESERT SNAKE is the token pick. The dirt surface is the big unknown for him but he stays and he’s dropping in class.
Race 8: Lincoln Navigator Race - Turf, 7 furlongs
1. (13) TAMBORRADA
765-90
7yo b g Dubawi (IRE) - Elle Shade (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott
COMMENT: 66-1 second in weak, muddling C&D Group 3 last season; most recently unplaced in a handicap and is drawn wide, but down in class.
⭐⭐
2. (2) DEEP HOPE
417-04
6yo b g Siyouni (FR) - Addictive (USA) (Twirling Candy (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery
COMMENT: Nine-time AW winner in France and has twice shaped better than the result on dirt here; quick turf is a question mark for him, but he’s in form and well drawn.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. (7) FALCON OF ARABIA
5325-3
4yo ch c Speightstown (USA) - Lawn Party (USA) (Medaglia d’Oro (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: 7f dirt winner; useful third in 6f race here when switched to turf latest; may build on that.
⭐⭐⭐
4. (10) LAHFATY
21143-
4yo ch f Mitole (USA) - Magic Belle (USA) (Gold Case (USA))
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ben Coen
COMMENT: Raced only on dirt, a three-time winner, and still improving; not really bred for turf but dam won on grass as well as dirt; could be competitive.
⭐⭐⭐
5. (11) NO RETREAT
322-22
4yo b c Siyouni (FR) - Isabel De Urbina (IRE) (Lope de Vega (IRE))
Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Beaten favourite all five starts including two in UAE, the latest a 1m handicap here last week when he travelled well from low draw but was picked off by a smart prospect; this drop in trip looks a good move, although drawn wider this time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. (9) STORY OF LIGHT
86-545
8yo b g Dark Angel (IRE) - Beautiful Ending (GB) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Runner-up in C&D Group 2 three years ago and creditable fourth in handicap under these conditions two starts back; chance.
⭐⭐⭐
7. (5) JUNGLE MAC
100-42
4yo b g Bungle Inthejungle (GB) - Kerrys Requiem (IRE) (King’s Best (USA))
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Two 6f-1m wins in Britain last year; runner-up in 6f handicap here last week; big player.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. (12) AL ARBED
446-75
5yo gr/r g Dark Angel (IRE) - Apphia (IRE) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Won 6f maiden here last season; hasn’t been doing enough this term but suspicion is he’ll get a more patient ride than of late, with Tudhope replacing de Sousa, from wide draw over this longer trip; that might be the key.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. (1) OLYMPIC CANDLE
422-96
4yo b g Profitable (IRE) - Delphinidae (IRE) (Sepoy (AUS))
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Charlie Bennett
COMMENT: Useful up to 1m in Britain; found 6f too short here last week (behind Jungle Mac); should be more competitive now from the inside draw, even if the stable continues to struggle for winners.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. (3) WARSONG
46/2
4yo b g Night Of Thunder (IRE) - Peace Trail (GB) (Kyllachy (GB))
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
COMMENT: Lightly raced; encouraging second in 6f race here on recent return from long absence; the stable’s horses can’t be trusted to run their race at the moment (no Meydan winner for two years), but this horse looks fairly handicapped and is handily drawn, albeit with stamina to prove.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
11. NON-RUNNER
12. NON-RUNNER
13. (6) ILES ET AILES
9/08-6
5yo b g Shamardal (USA) - Wavering (IRE) (Refuse to Bend (IRE))
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: 9.5f AW maiden winner in France in 2023; showed up well in 7f dirt race on recent stable debut after almost a year off; may build on that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
14. (8) SPIRIT OF LEROS
1815-9
3yo b c No Nay Never (USA) - Spiritus Sanctus (IRE) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: No encouragement over C&D on UAE debut/reappearance.
⭐
15. (15) FORCE AND VALOUR
321-66
3yo b c Mehmas (IRE) - Get Up And Dance (GB) (Makfi (GB))
Trainer: George Scott; Jockey: Callum Shepherd
COMMENT: Creditable sixth in 1m Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas on dirt latest, but needs to improve off current mark from wide draw.
⭐⭐
16. (16) ITSATENFROMLEN
140-00
3yo ch c Sergei Prokofiev (CAN) - Perfect Showdance (GB) (Showcasing (GB))
Trainer: Amy Murphy; Jockey: Sandro Paiva
COMMENT: Wide-drawn 3yo who has offered little in UAE this term.
⭐
17. (4) SILENT SPEECH
/0960-
6yo ch g Dubawi (IRE) - Epitome (IRE) (Nashwan (USA))
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Won over 6f here three years ago; struggled at Abu Dhabi on reappearance in November and has been absent since.
⭐
18. NON-RUNNER
19. (13) MUSTAJAAB
7578-0
5yo gr g Tasleet (GB) - Likeable (GB) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Raced wide from a tough draw when well beaten over C&D on recent UAE debut; drawn wide again.
⭐
20. (RESERVE) INVINCIBLY
0314/0
7yo b g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Recite (JPN) (Forty Niner (USA))
Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Not Assigned
COMMENT: Reserve; won 1m1f handicap here in 2023; weakened badly at Abu Dhabi on recent return from two-year absence.
⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 4/1 No Retreat, 5/1 Warsong, 6/1 Jungle Mac, 8/1 Olympic Candle, 10/1 Deep Hope, Falcon Of Arabia, Iles Et Ailes, Lahfaty, 12/1Force And Valour, Story Of Light, 16/1 Al Arbed, 20/1 Tamborrada, 33/1 Mustajaab, Spirit Of Leros, 50/1 Itsatenfromlen, 66/1 Silent Speech
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A competitive handicap to close. No Retreat will probably be popular again, but DEEP HOPE has twice shaped well on dirt here lately and tempts most. Jungle Mac, Al Arbed, Olympic Candle, Warsong and Iles Et Ailes are others to consider.
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