Ron Wood's Dubai/Meydan Racing Guide - 21 February

Race 1 (1.30pm GMT) – 1m handicap (turf)

1. (8) CONDOR PASA

197-39

4yo b g Orpen - Camuflada (Easing Along)

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott

COMMENT: Won C&D maiden last February; mainly campaigned on dirt since then and ran poorly at Jebel Ali latest, but could bounce back now; hood refitted.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (6) EXPERT CHOICE

661-87

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

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Jim Crowley

COMMENT: Won 7f Abu Dhabi handicap in December; raced wide without cover before fading in 7f handicap here next time; however, no obvious excuses when only midfield in C&D handicap latest.⭐⭐

3. (2) MAPLEWOOD

81468-

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

Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

COMMENT: Won this race last year; unplaced in two 7f dirt handicaps this term; could bounce back now, albeit 70-day absence is a bit off-putting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. (7) MOUNT TAMBORA

745-60

5yo gr g Dark Angel - Tebee (Selkirk)

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Sole win gained in 1m2f maiden here last January; has run poorly on dirt at Jebel Ali last two starts, most recently visored, but may return to form now back on turf; headgear off.

⭐⭐⭐

5. (10) MUSTAJAAB

578-00

5yo b g Tasleet - Likeable (Dalakhani)

Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: Tends to start slowly; well beaten in two 7f handicaps here this winter but was drawn wide both times and most recently ran into traffic in the straight; drawn a bit wide again and he has stamina to prove, but well weighted on his peak British form.

⭐⭐

6. NON-RUNNER

7. (13) ERASMO

07-777

7yo b g Oasis Dream - Sant Elena (Efisio)

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi

COMMENT: Last win gained in 1m Group 3 in France in 2021; didn’t run badly when looking stretched by 9.5f here three starts back (furthest trip he’s tried) and not helped by wide draws at Abu Dhabi last two starts; however, again drawn wide.

⭐⭐⭐

8. (1) INVINCIBLY

0314/0

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

Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Oscar Chavez

COMMENT: Front-running winner of 1m1f handicap here in 2023; drawn to attack again, but needs a big return to form having weakened quickly on comeback from two-year absence at Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

⭐⭐

9. (3) TAHDEED

/74-56

7yo b g Tamarkuz - There She Is (Medaglia d’Oro)

Trainer: Ahmed Al Mehairbi; Jockey: Jules Mobian

COMMENT: Won C&D maiden in 2022; best form is on dirt but he hasn’t been doing enough on that surface this winter; easy to pass over.

⭐

10. (5) HONEST DESIRE

/09-05

4yo b g Frankel - Umniyah (Shamardal)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery

COMMENT: Back in some form when 33-1 fifth in C&D handicap latest, but needs to build on that.

⭐⭐⭐

11. (12) MYTHICAL DANCER

/00/8-

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

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: 7f turf winner in Britain in 2021; lightly raced and struggled in UAE, although each start came after a long absence, the last two of them on dirt; may do better now back on grass, but has been off for another 77 days and is drawn wide.

⭐⭐

12. (11) EL BOSNIA

/112-0

8yo b g Caradak - Ebalviyra (Anabaa)

Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek

COMMENT: Spanish-trained runner who won two 7f claimers in France last year; well beaten in C&D handicap on recent UAE debut.

⭐

13. (9) STAMFORD STREET

/825-0

4yo b g Shalaa - Piler Lann (Le Havre)

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez

COMMENT: Scandinavian runner; well beaten in 5f Jebel Ali race on recent UAE debut; return to turf may help, but the trip looks a bit far for him; probably not good enough.

⭐

14. (14) MOONSHINER

156-83

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

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Richard Mullen

COMMENT: Three wins around this trip on dirt in Uruguay; best UAE run came when third in 1m Jebel Ali handicap latest, but he’s far from sure to build on that now back on turf from wide draw.

⭐⭐

15. SUDDEN AMBUSH

27-560

5yo b h Cracksman - Al Mahmeyah (Teofilo)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; (Jockey TBA)

COMMENT: Reserve; useful in Britain (four wins over 1m) and shaped okay over further than this on first two UAE starts, but poor run at Jebel Ali latest; cheekpieces off.

⭐⭐

16. NON-RUNNER

17. NON-RUNNER

18. NON-RUNNER

---

BETTING FORECAST: 6/1 Condor Pasa, Maplewood, 7/1 Expert Choice, Moonshiner, Mount Tambora, 9/1 Honest Desire, Tahdeed, 10/1 Mustajaab, 12/1 Invincibly, 14/1 Erasmo, Mythical Dancer, 20/1 Silent Speech, 25/1 El Bosnia, Stamford Street

RON WOOD’S VIEW: An awful affair to kick things off (but it does get better later on). None of these appeal but one of them has to win it and seeing as MAPLEWOOD managed to land this race last year, maybe he can repeat the trick, even if his 70-day absence is disconcerting.

---

Race 2 (2.05pm GMT) – 1m 1.5f, 3yo Listed Al Bastakiya (dirt)

1. (16) DON VACCARO

711-77

3yo b c Alcorano - Flora Fiona (Kodiak Kowboy)

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs

COMMENT: Two 7f-7.5f dirt wins in Uruguay last year including Group 3; hasn’t had the pace for two 7f-1m starts here, most recently midfield in UAE 2,000 Guineas; maybe added blinkers and the longer trip will help, but drawn widest.

⭐⭐

2. (7) NAM PHRIK

112-48

3yo b c Hofburg - Breezy Hot (Put It Back)

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Jim Crowley

COMMENT: Winner up to 1m1f and second in 1m2f dirt Group 3 in Uruguay last year; stayed on from well back for encouraging fourth in 7f race on first go here; didn’t build on that when midfield in 1m UAE 2,000 Guineas, but should do better now back up in trip again.⭐⭐⭐

3. (6) EXCULPATION

431-45

3yo b c Blame - Collections Choice (Bernardini)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro

COMMENT: Won four-runner 1m Jebel Ali maiden in December, but he’s just modest; well held over C&D latest; headgear off.

⭐⭐

4. (3) FAAL KHAIR

141

3yo b c Tapiture - Arched (Arch)

Trainer: Ahmed Atieg; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

COMMENT: $130,000 buy last April; winner up to 1m2f in Saudi Arabia; comes here for the stamina test rather than staying at home for Saturday’s Saudi Derby (1m); take seriously.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (4) GALACTIC STAR

13

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

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen

COMMENT: Won 6f Jebel Ali race on debut; most recently faded behind Moon Blade and Poet Orten over 1m here; has improvement in him, but this trip looks too far for now.⭐⭐

6. (1) HEART OF HONOR

21-12

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

Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne

COMMENT: Three starts over 1m here, winning the first two before finishing second in Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas; lacks early pace but keeps on well, so has been shaping as though a greater stamina test would suit; leading claims.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (8) HIGH SEASON

201-0

3yo b c New Bay - Dark Promise (Shamardal)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Sandro Paiva

COMMENT: 7f turf novice winner in Britain last year; showed good speed to lead early in 1m Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas on first go here, but faded badly in the straight; may be better for that run and his pace could carry him a long way, but stamina an obvious concern.

⭐⭐

8. NON-RUNNER:

9. (13) LITTLE FOOT

4

3yo b g Into Mischief - Szolnok (Elusive Quality)

Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott

COMMENT: Encouraging debut behind two of these rivals over C&D, getting badly outpaced down the back straight before staying on to finish closer than had looked likely, albeit still beaten a fair way; should improve, and Sam Hitchcott is a good jockey to keep him up to his work if he comes under pressure early again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

10. (12) MOON BLADE

81

3yo b c Central Banker - Adira (Quality Road)

Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Much improved on second start for off-the-pace win in 1m event here latest, reeling in the more forwardly ridden Poet Orten; could progress again for this even longer trip.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. (2) NIMBLE BOY

112-20

3yo db/br c Upstart - Funfortheholidays (Harlan’s Holiday)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: Ex-Russian; encouraging second in 7f race on first go here; disappointing in 1m UAE 2,000 Guineas next time (never travelled), but it’s too early to write him off.

⭐⭐⭐

12. (9) ON THE WAY

226

3yo db/br c Honor A. P. - Black Diamond Girl (Hard Spun)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani

COMMENT: Runner-up in 6f-7f Jebel Ali events on first two starts (including behind Galactic Star on debut), but faded in 1m race here behind some of these rivals latest.

⭐

13. (10) POET ORTEN

434-2

3yo db/br c Zelzal - High Live (Dunkerque)

Trainer: Ingrid Koplikova; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek

COMMENT: Formerly trained in France where he went close in 1m2f turf race; showed up well in 1m event on first start here, just reeled in late by Moon Blade; had been off for 99 days, so may build on that.

⭐⭐⭐

14. (15) RAFID

223-5

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

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: 0-4 but useful up to 1m when trained in the US; showed up well before fading in the straight when fifth in 1m UAE 2,000 Guineas on first go here (behind two of these rivals); had been off for 97 days, so should build on that, although drawn wide; dam won C&D UAE Oaks in 2018.

⭐⭐⭐

15. (5) ROYAL FAVOUR

2-23

3yo ch c Hard Spun - Cascanueces (Smart Strike)

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: William Buick

COMMENT: Placed on both starts here over 1m, although behind Heart Of Honor each time; dam won 1m2f Group 1 in Peru, so this trip may help him.

⭐⭐⭐

16. (14) UNDEFEATED

34-31

3yo ch c Vekoma - Super Divine (Divine Park)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery

COMMENT: Twice well behind Heart Of Honor over 1m here before improving with front-running win in C&D conditions race; now in a more competitive heat from wider draw than last time.

⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 9/4 Heart Of Honor, 8/1 Moon Blade, 10/1 Faal Khair, Little Foot, Royal Favour, 12/1 Nam Phrik, Nimble Boy, Poet Orten, Undefeated, 14/1 Honest Moon, Rafid, 20/1 Don Vaccaro, 25/1 Galactic Star, High Season, 33/1 Exculpation, 50/1 On The Way

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Heart Of Honor sets the standard and should be suited by this step up in trip, but he doesn’t tend to be the quickest into stride and he’s drawn 1, so he’ll likely have to work his way through runners - and this is a full, packed field. Instead, a chance is taken on Saudi Arabian-raider FAAL KHAIR, who’ll be well suited by this stamina test and whose new jockey (Mickael Barzalona) is good on the dirt round here. This horse could have stayed at home for the Saudi Derby and his form might prove good enough, as the local level hasn’t been strong this season in the UAE. Little Foot and Moon Blade could progress enough to have a say as well.

---

Race 3 (2.40 GMT) – 1m1f handicap (turf)

1. (2) TAMRAT

542-61

4yo b g Invincible Spirit - Hazel Bay (Iffraaj)

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Ex-Irish; didn’t get clear run in 9.5f handicap here on UAE debut, then won 1m Abu Dhabi handicap; up 5lb but stays in the same class bracket; probably has more to give.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (3) MAX MAYHEM

4458-6

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

Trainer: Hilal Kobeissi; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

COMMENT: Needs to do more than in two 1m4f handicaps here this season, but may have made his move too soon in muddling event latest; well weighted on his best British form and the drop in trip is worth a try.

⭐⭐⭐

3. (10) ROCK WALK

/2779-

4yo ch c T.H. Approval - Go To Heaven (Sulamani)

Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: Well beaten in 1m4f handicap here on turf debut two months ago.

⭐

4. (4) STRAIGHT AND LEVEL

/23-42

5yo b g Kantharos - Fly Swift (City Zip)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery

COMMENT: Winner on turf when trained in the US; has run well in defeat in three 7f-1m dirt starts here this winter; stamina for this trip is unknown, but the return to grass may help him; contender.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. NON-RUNNER

6. (5) PADISHAKH

2096-5

5yo db/br g Wootton Bassett - Penny Lane (Lord Of England)

Trainer: David O’Meara; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

COMMENT: Well weighted on the pick of his European form around this trip and didn’t run badly in 1m2f handicap here on reappearance considering he got too far back from a wide draw; one to be interested in.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. (7) SILVER SWORD

22-854

5yo gr g Charm Spirit - Aurora Gray (Rip Van Winkle)

Trainer: Dylan Cunha; Jockey: Jim Crowley

COMMENT: Has run respectably in C&D handicaps on last two starts and this race represents something of a class drop; chance.

⭐⭐⭐

8. (11) EMPEROR’S STAR

515/63

4yo b g Sea The Stars - Warless (War Command)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick

COMMENT: Improved close third in 9.5f handicap here latest, making up ground having been dropped out from a wide draw before flattening out near the line; probably still has a bit more to give and this slight cut back in trip looks a good move.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (14) MAGNUM OPUS

52-035

4yo b g Invincible Spirit - Menuetto (Dubawi)

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs

COMMENT: Close third behind Delorean in 9.5f handicap here two starts back; run at Jebel Ali latest can be ignored; gets a headgear switch; drawn wide.

⭐⭐⭐

10. (8) MOVIE MAKER

410-79

4yo gr g Invincible Spirit - Isabella Linton (New Approach)

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Charlie Bennett

COMMENT: More needed than he managed over C&D latest, even with this being a class drop.

⭐⭐

11. (1) DELOREAN

638-13

6yo b g Time Test - Dawn Of Empire (Empire Maker)

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley

COMMENT: Travelled strongly en route to winning 9.5f handicap here two starts back; third behind Tamrat in 1m Abu Dhabi handicap latest; needs to progress some more, but may do now back at this venue from inside draw.

⭐⭐⭐

12. (12) FOLK FESTIVAL

11

4yo b g Blue Point - Siamsaiocht (Teofilo)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro

COMMENT: Has won both starts over 1m, most recently a handicap here when he quickened up from unpromising position, having got behind from a wide draw; No Retreat, runner-up to him both times, won here last week; has another wide draw and an extra furlong this time, but the dam won over 1m2f; looks smart.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

13. (6) ELJENOB

45432-

6yo b g Dabirsim - Mambomiss (Mastercraftsman)

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: Placed on dirt and turf elsewhere this term, but has been off for 76 days and now needs his best yet.

⭐⭐

14. (9) FIRST VIEW

0/02-4

8yo b g Exceed And Excel - Love Charm (Singspiel)

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Royston Ffrench

COMMENT: Runner-up in C&D handicap last March and not far behind two of these rivals on first run since then over 9.5f here this January; chance.

⭐⭐⭐

15. (RESERVE) REBAATT

118-08

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

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey TBD

COMMENT: Reserve; two 1m2f turf wins in Britain last year; midfield in 1m Abu Dhabi handicap latest (behind some of these rivals); might build on that now back up in trip, with blinkers added, but others look stronger.

⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 3/1 Folk Festival, 11/2 Emperor’s Star, 7/1 Tamrat, 8/1 Padishakh, 10/1 Delorean, First View, Silver Sword, Straight And Level, 12/1 Magnum Opus, 14/1 Max Mayhem, 16/1 Movie Maker, 20/1 Eljenob, 33/1 First Constitution, 50/1 Rock Walk

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Plenty of these need considering but FOLK FESTIVAL has looked a smart sort in the making in winning his first two starts and the form is already working out. Padishakh is second pick.

---

Race 4 (3.15pm (GMT) – 9.5f Group 3 UAE Oaks (dirt)

1. (8) ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU

1/83

3yo b f Honest Mischief - Woodflower (Woodman)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro

COMMENT: Made all through fast splits in 7f maiden here on debut; excuses next time; most recently faded badly behind two of these rivals after going too fast in 1m race; they’ll need to harness her speed if she’s to have any hope of seeing this out; trainer has twice had the winner of this race.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (6) MISTYSEA

2155-5

3yo b f Goken - Misty Solitude (Sea The Stars)

Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Royston Ffrench

COMMENT: Runner-up over 1m1f in France last year, so has more stamina than most in this field; behind some of these in 1m race here recently and probably isn’t really one for dirt, but she might be better for that outing and ought to be more in her comfort zone pace-wise over this longer trip.

⭐⭐⭐

3. (5) PARISIAN BEAUTY

49-8

3yo b f Kameko - Last Tango Inparis (Aqlaam)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen

COMMENT: Well beaten in three 7f dirt/turf races; bred to stay but still hard to fancy.

⭐⭐

4. (2) QUEEN AZTECA

12-1

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

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez

COMMENT: Scandinavian-trained filly who outstayed her rivals from off a fast pace to win 1m conditions race (the old UAE 1,000 Guineas) on second go here; she isn’t exactly bred to stay but shapes like she’ll be fine over this trip, especially in such a weak division.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. NON-RUNNER

6. (3) RUBY HAMILTON

37-4

3yo db/br f Audible - Daddy’s Diva (Scat Daddy)

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs

COMMENT: Hasn’t lived up to expectations in three 7f-1m starts here (odds-on when well behind Arigatou Gozaimasu on debut); latest was a bit better, but still plenty more needed.

⭐⭐⭐

7. (4) SALSABIL PRINCESS

24-67

3yo db/br f Honor Code - Slick Trick (Lemon Drop Kid)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: Runner-up in 6f maiden in Kazakhstan on debut last June but has struggled in UAE.

⭐⭐

8. (1) TASWAHEEN

53-2

3yo db/br f Mendelssohn - Sequoia Queen (Forestry)

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley

COMMENT: Behind Queen Azteca when placed in 7f-1m races here on last two starts, beaten 8l latest.

⭐⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 4/11 Queen Azteca, 9/1 Arigatou Gozaimasu, 10/1 Ruby Hamilton, Taswaheen, 20/1 Mistysea, Salsabil Princess, 25/1 Parisian Beauty, 33/1 Reina Rosso

RON WOOD’S VIEW: This is a desperately weak division and QUEEN AZTECA had most of these rivals behind her when staying on to win the old UAE 1,000 Guineas over 1m here last time, so she ought to follow up

---

Race 5 (3.50pm GMT) – 1m1f Group 2 Balanchine Stakes (turf)

1. (1) CINDERELLA’S DREAM

17112-

4yo b f Shamardal - Espadrille (Dubawi)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick

COMMENT: Has a neat change of pace; 5-6 record on turning tracks including 2-2 here (7f-1m) last season and winning US Grade 1 in the summer (9.5f); most recently second in Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar (1m3f) in November and probably would have won with a clear run; sets good standard, although lacks a recent run.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. (3) CHOISYA

4185-1

5yo ch m Night Of Thunder - Fragrancy (Singspiel)

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona

COMMENT: It’s hard to know what she achieved when winning 1m Group 2 Cape Verdi by 5l here on reappearance, as she set a slow pace and her four rivals, including three of these runners, were too headstrong (runner-up won over 6f next time); has more to do against Cinderella’s Dream, but it counts for plenty that she can settle and has a change of pace, and she’s unexposed over this far, with her breeding suggesting stamina won’t be a problem.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (4) EASYWITHME

163-3

4yo b f El Kabeir - Bella Ophelia (Baltic King)

Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez

COMMENT: Won last year’s Norwegian 1,000 Guineas; took keen hold and no match for front-running Choisya when third in 1m Group 2 here on reappearance; up in trip.

⭐

4. (2) ULTIMA

/171-5

5yo ch m Amaron - Ustana (Lomitas)

Trainer: Veronika Jandova; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek

COMMENT: Won 1m3f fillies’ Group 3 in Germany in October; however, pulled hard and well beaten in 1m Group 2 here on reappearance (behind three of these rivals).

⭐

5. (5) ZIGGY’S DREAM

0390-4

4yo b f Inns Of Court - Shifting (Oratorio)

Trainer: Alice Haynes; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Just useful in Europe; took keen hold when fourth behind Choisya (and Easywithme) in Group 2 here latest; that was her first go over 1m and she’s now up again in trip. Hood added.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 1/2 Cinderella’s Dream, 6/4 Choisya, 66/1 bar

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A fascinating clash: Cinderella’s Dream vs CHOISYA. And if the betting forecast is anything like accurate, it might be worth siding with the Crisford runner. It was a joke of a race that Choisya won here on her reappearance, as she was allowed to set a slow pace while her four rivals - including three of these runners - pulled hard, but she still quickened impressively. The suspicion is she won’t be allowed to dominate like that this time (at least one of the beaten runners will probably try something different now), but she’s evidently thriving in Dubai whereas Cinderella’s Dream has been off since November, and the selection is unexposed over this trip. She might not be easy to beat.

---

Race 6 (4.25pm GMT) – 1m2f handicap (dirt)

1. (4) ARABIAN TALE

05-214

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

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Lorenzo Putzulu

COMMENT: Won 9.5f handicap here last March and successful at Jebel Ali this term; contender.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (5) ELRAAED

20-813

5yo ch g Dubawi - Into The Mystic (Galileo)

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: Got behind from the inside draw and met some traffic before keeping on for third in 1m handicap here last week; this trip, which he won over on turf when trained in Britain, will help him.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. (10) BOOK REVIEW

0046-2

8yo ch g Dubawi - Criticism (Machiavellian)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro

COMMENT: Front runner with patchy record, but is a four-time course winner; back-to-form 40-1 second in C&D handicap latest.

⭐⭐⭐

4. (11) TELL ME THUNDER

/7235/

8yo ch h Night Of Thunder - International Love (Manduro)

Trainer: Hemidy Alhamida; Jockey: Maikel Bravo

COMMENT: Ex-Ahmad bin Harmash; lightly raced; ran well in defeat over C&D in late 2022, but absent since; unappealing.

⭐

5. (8) EZAJ

74211-

5yo ch g No Nay Never - Away (Galileo)

Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley

COMMENT: Back-to-back handicap wins over 8.5f/1m3f this term, most recently improving for the longer trip here; 77-day absence is off-putting, but he may have more to offer; the slight cut back in trip should be fine.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. (14) HANS ANDERSEN

08-780

5yo b h Frankel - Shadow Hunter (Arcano)

Trainer: Veronika Jandova; Jockey: Hamed Al Busaidi

COMMENT: Ex-Aidan O’Brien; hint of promise on dirt/stable debut on reappearance in January, but has since run poorly on turf; tumbling down the weights but hard to fancy from wide post.

⭐

7. (6) TRUTH EXPLAINED

/21-33

4yo b c Justify - La Cloche (Ghostzapper)

Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Myrzabek Kappushev

COMMENT: Won 1m2f local Group 1 in Kazakhstan in October; held in two UAE starts for Doug Watson this winter, most recently a distant third in 1m3f event here (behind Inner Wisdom); new stable.

⭐⭐

8. (7) INNER WISDOM

75-32

4yo b g Teofilo - Heartily (Dubawi)

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Lightly raced maiden; remote second in 1m3f conditions race here latest; looks to have improvement in him, so could go well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

9. (12) ALDHAJA

221-00

6yo b h War Front - Aqsaam (Dynaformer)

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

COMMENT: Runner-up to Ezaj in 1m3f handicap here before up late to win 9.5f handicap at this venue; however, has since run poorly on turf despite being a winner on the surface; needs a big bounce back.

⭐⭐

10. (2) DUBAI WELCOME

59-169

8yo gr/ro g Dubawi - Emily Bronte (Machiavellian)

Trainer: Mohammed Al Mahrooqi; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi

COMMENT: Won Jebel Ali handicap in January, but held since; others more convincing.

⭐⭐

11. (9) GUN CREW

235-6

4yo b c Gun Runner - Usrah (Tiznow)

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs

COMMENT: Formerly trained in Kazakhstan; needs to do plenty more than on first go here when behind two of these rivals.

⭐⭐

12. (3) PERFECT BALANCE

725-V0

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

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: Has won here and has a chance on his best form, but needs to bounce back from a desperate run at Abu Dhabi.

⭐⭐

13. (15) NATIONAL BANK

/831/5

7yo b g Dubawi - Nargys (Lawman)

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Sam Hitchcott

COMMENT: Won at Jebel Ali in March 2023; off afterwards until okay comeback at the same venue earlier this month (hung left on the right-handed turn); may still have more to give, but drawn widest; hood added.

⭐⭐

14. (1) CLASSIC CITY

54-1V5

6yo db g Constitution - Justice Served (Successful Appeal)

Trainer: Ernst Oertel; Jockey: Alexandre Da Silva

COMMENT: Won 7f Jebel Ali maiden in January, but held in 1m handicap here last week (behind Elraaed); blinkers off.

⭐⭐

15. (13) AL MAROOM

30796-

7yo b m Awesome Again - Quick Split (Broken Vow)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery

COMMENT: Hardy mare but just 1-23, the win gained in 1m maiden here in 2021, and needs to overcome a wide draw and a 105-day absence; has never tried quite this far.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 3/1 Elraaed, 7-2 Ezaj, 11/2 Inner Wisdom, 7/1 Arabian Tale, 9/1 Book Review, 14/1 Aldhaja, Perfect Balance, 16/1 Gun Crew, National Bank, Truth Explained, 20/1 Dubai Welcome, 25/1 Classic City, 33/1 Al Maroom, 50/1 Hans Andersen, Tell Me Thunder

RON WOOD’S VIEW: Having kept on well over 1m here last week after getting behind and being crowded, ELRAAED of interest over this longer trip, marginally preferred to the hat-trick seeking Ezaj, whose 77-day absence is a little concerning.

---

Race 7 (5.00 pm GMT) – 1m6f Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (turf)

1. (3) DUBAI FUTURE

25204/

9yo b g Dubawi - Anjaz (Street Cry)

Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: C&D winner in 2021 and had the speed to win 1m2f Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy in 2022; leading claims on his best, but has been off for over a year and stable is struggling for winners; doubtful he’ll be at his peak.

⭐⭐

2. (2) GOYA SENORA

262-68

9yo db/br g Anodin - Nina Senora (My Risk)

Trainer: Yann Barberot; Jockey: Clement Lecoeuvre

COMMENT: Smart stayer in France, but unplaced in two 1m6f/1m4f starts here this year.

⭐⭐

3. (6) KEFFAAF

331-31

6yo b g Adlerflug - Aliyfa (Spinning World)

Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: Closely matched with King Of Conquest; just edged out that rival (who was wider with his challenge) to win C&D Group 3 latest; ought to go well again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. (5) KING OF CONQUEST

117-22

6yo b g Lope De Vega - Moi Meme (Teofilo)

Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick

COMMENT: Closely matched with Keffaaf; below peak form in finishing runner-up over C&D both starts this year, just beaten by the Costa runner latest having been forced wider off the turn with his challenge; should be thereabouts again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. (1) ONESMOOTHOPERATOR

4105-7

7yo db/br g Dialed In - Sueno D’oro (Medaglia D’oro)

Trainer: Brian Ellison; Jockey: Connor Beasley

COMMENT: Reportedly lame after finishing behind three of these rivals over C&D latest; probably needs to run at least as well as ever.

⭐⭐

6. (4) CAIUS CHORISTER

4204-8

6yo b m Golden Horn - Corpus Chorister (Soldier Of Fortune)

Trainer: David Menuisier; Jockey: Richard Mullen

COMMENT: Took keen hold and might not have enjoyed the quick ground when well below her smart European form over C&D on reappearance, finishing behind some of these rivals; hood added.

⭐⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 Keffaaf, King Of Conquest, 7/1 Caius Chorister, Dubai Future, 12/1 Goya Senora, 20/1 Onesmoothoperator

RON WOOD’S VIEW: All of these are capable of going well on their day but Keffaaf and KING OF CONQUEST are the recent form horses over this C&D. There’s been little to separate them in their two meetings this year, but Keffaaf saved ground into the straight last time compared to the Godolphin runner, and King Of Conquest has a higher level of form in his back catalogue, so he’s preferred.

---

Race 8 (5.35 pm GMT) – 6f handicap (turf)

1. (5) AL ARBED 46-756

5yo gr/r g Night Of Thunder - Beautiful Memory (Invincible Spirit)

Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Sole win gained in 6f turf event last January but effective on this track as well; just needs to do a bit more than of late to have a shot.

⭐⭐⭐

2. (3) MILITARY ARTIST

057V0

4yo ch g Munnings - Separate Forest (Forestry)

Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

COMMENT: Won over 1m here last season but disappointing this term, well beaten over that same C&D last week; drops to this trip for the first time.

⭐⭐

3. (14) PEN PORTRAIT

601-69

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

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs

COMMENT: Hasn’t gone on from December’s 6f dirt Sharjah win (form hasn’t worked out); this will be tough for him from a wide gate.

⭐⭐

4. (11) SADEEDD

21/7-0

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

Trainer: Ahmed Al Mehairbi; Jockey: Jules Mobian

COMMENT: Won 7f handicap here for a different stable in 2023, but then off for over a year; struggled in two starts under different conditions this winter for current trainer; drawn wide.

⭐⭐

5. (6) ACTION POINT

3-9600

4yo b g Blue Point - Khaleesi Wind (Exceed And Excel)

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro

COMMENT: Hasn’t shown enough since moving to the UAE to be of interest, but is tumbling down the weights; blinkers refitted; tongue-tie first time.

⭐⭐

6. (12) BORDER EDGE

1724-8

6yo ch g Shamardal - Emirates Rewards (Dubawi)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave

COMMENT: Won 7f handicap and second in C&D handicap last term; didn’t reappear until the start of this month, when he shaped okay at Jebel Ali (5f), but this won’t be easy from wide post.

⭐⭐

7. (9) BARQ AL EMARAT

9082-1

6yo b g Mehmas - Green Briar (Compton Place)

Trainer: Ismail Mohammed; Jockey: Sandro Paiva

COMMENT: Clear winner of C&D handicap latest from Smart System (who overdid it up front; won next time); fair follow-up claims.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. (10) OUT FROM UNDER

186/90

6yo b h Dubawi - Koora (Pivotal)

Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery

COMMENT: Weakened quickly in two starts, including C&D, since back from an absence this winter.

⭐

9. (8) SKY HAWK

/122-0

4 yo b g Advertise - Regal Hawk (Singspiel)

Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek

COMMENT: Winner in Spain but reportedly bled from the nose when well beaten in 5f turf race here six weeks ago; cheekpieces added.

⭐

10. (7) SMART SYSTEM 095-21

5yo db g The Factor - Pinata Cat (Tiznow)

Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Connor Beasley

COMMENT: Overdid it up front before being reeled in by Barq Al Emarat in C&D handicap two back, then front-running winner of 7f handicap here in added visor; should show up well again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. (1) PIPES AND DRUMS

5452-7

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

Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Xavier Ziani

COMMENT: Lightly raced maiden; promising UAE debut in 7f handicap here three weeks ago; finished only midfield behind Smart System, but having started slowly he chased a fast pace and only weakened from second place late on; had been off for six months; has never raced over this short and he needs a sharper start now to make use of the inside stall, but potentially up to this; cheekpieces and tongue-tie added.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

12. (4) Saarim

905

4yo ch g Street Boss - Lady Racer (Biondetti)

Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Oscar Chavez

COMMENT: First sign of ability when fifth in 6f Jebel Ali maiden last weekend, but more needed.

⭐⭐

13. NON-RUNNER

14. (2) KLIMT STREET

/97/4-

6yo b g Klimt - Spring Street (Street Cry)

Trainer: Salman Al Sabri; Jockey: Qais Al Busaidi

COMMENT: 0-9; encouraging stable debut when fourth in 6f Sharjah handicap in October after an absence, but off again since.

⭐⭐

15. (13) KHAMSIN

753-80

4yo db/b g Flatter - Street Love (Street Boss)

Trainer: Salman Al Sabri; Jockey: Ray Dawson

COMMENT: Third behind Pen Portrait and Addicted To Chaos in 6f Sharjah handicap in December, but well beaten over 7f here latest; drawn wide.

⭐

---

BETTING FORECAST: 3/1 Barq Al Emarat, 7/2 Smart System, 11/2 Al Arbed, 8/1 Pipes And Drums, 12/1 Military Artist, Pen Portrait, Saarim, 16/1 Action Point, Border Edge, Klimt Street, Sadeedd, 25/1 Out From Under, 33/1 Khamsin, Sky Hawk

RON WOOD’S VIEW: A weak affair in which PIPE AND DRUMS makes plenty of appeal after shaping better than the result on his UAE debut. He can’t afford to repeat the sluggish beginning he made then, but he wasn’t a slow starter when trained in Britain and if he can get that part right he potentially has a major chance. Barq Al Emarat and Smart System are in form and closely matched and ought to run well again.

---