Super Saturday at Meydan, Dubai - full racecard analysis by Ron Wood
- The AntePoster (H)
- Feb 28
- 24 min read
Race 1 not covered (purebred Arabian race)
Figures in BRACKETS before horse's name denote draw
RACE 2 - 14:05 JUMEIRAH 1000 GUINEAS (listed, 1m, turf)
1. (3) COULD SHE BE MAGIC
408-03
3yo b f Time Test - Bradfield Magic (Holy Roman Emperor)
Trainer: Qais Al Busaidi; Jockey: Mohamed Ibrahim
COMMENT: Moderate; never tried this far; making up the numbers. ⭐
2. (5) LA SENORA
55
3yo b f Connect - Giant Screen (Candy Ride)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Creditable debut behind Mountain Breeze (and others) in 7f conditions race here, albeit beaten more than 11l, but failed to build on that at Abu Dhabi next time (behind Could She Be Magic). ⭐
3. (6) LHAKPA
1162-3
3yo b f Siyouni - Enchanting Skies (Sea The Stars)
Trainer: Yann Barberot; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Well below useful French form when third behind Mountain Breeze (and Octans) in 7f conditions race here on reappearance. ⭐
4. (2) MOUNTAIN BREEZE
4228-1
3yo ch f Lope De Vega - Lava Flow (Dalakhani)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Useful 2yo who had a few of these rivals behind her when clear winner of 7f conditions race on reappearance; this extra furlong should be fine; the last two winners of the 7f race, Mawj and Cinderella’s Dream (same connections as this filly), won this race and were later successful at the top level. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. (1) OCTANS
1511-2
3yo b f The Grey Gatsby - Oasis Moon (Oasis Dream)
Trainer: Guillermo Arizkorreta; Jockey: Vaclav Janacek
COMMENT: Four wins up to 7f in Spain; remote second to Mountain Breeze in 7f race here on reappearance despite being headstrong; this extra furlong is no help to her. ⭐
6. (4) REINE DU CIEL
8312-0
3yo b f Ten Sovereigns - Suhayl Moon (Invincible Spirit)
Trainer: Ingrid Koplikova; Jockey: Maikel Bravo
COMMENT: Nothing out of the ordinary up to 7f in Europe before struggling in 5f handicap against older male rivals here on reappearance.
⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 1/16 Mountain Breeze, 12/1 Lhakpa, 20/1 Octans, 33/1 Reine Du Cie, 66/1 La Senora, 100/1 Could She Be Magic
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A simple task awaits MOUNTAIN BREEZE, who won the 7f prep for this race by just over 6l, with a few of these rivals behind her.
RACE 3 - 14:50: BURJ NAHAAR (G3, 1m, dirt)
1. (4) ANCIENT ROME
2374-7
6yo dk b/br g War Front - Gagnoa (Sadler’s Wells)
Trainer: Charles Hills; Jockey: Callum Shepherd
COMMENT: Smart on turf at his best but well beaten here on reappearance in January and now tries dirt, which he doesn’t have a good pedigree for. ⭐
2. (7) CAGLIOSTRO
1430-3
5yo b h Upstart - A Rosefor Isabelle (Hard Spun)
Trainer: Hamad Al Jehani; Jockey: James Doyle
COMMENT: Ex-US; close third in C&D Group 3 Firebreak Stakes on UAE debut in January; player. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. (10) CASTLEWARDEN
3/11-3
5yo b h Into Mischief - Calm Water (Empire Maker)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Brother to connections’ Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, who won this last year (in blinkers); had only five starts; two minor 6f-7.5f wins in blinkers in the US; encouraging third in 7f handicap here on recent UAE debut without the headgear, taking keen hold out wide before fading, his first run in 260 days; much more needed and has further to go, but should be fitter now and blinkers are refitted. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. (2) FORT PAYNE
1666-7
7yo b h Rio De La Plata - Lady Verde (Meshaheer)
Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT: Won weak, messy 7f turf Group 3 here last March, but well beaten only previous try over C&D; struggled on reappearance (7f, turf). ⭐
5. (12) LOCAL DYNASTY
153-25
5yo b g Dubawi - Really Special (Shamardal)
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Three starts on dirt here this winter, the pick of them when front-running second in 1m2f handicap; held in 9.5f Group 1 latest, but this drop in trip is worth a try. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. (3) MADE IN DUBAI
087-26
6yo b g More Than Ready - Goose Martini (Bernardini)
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: An off-the-pace handicapper who won’t be winning this; unplaced in C&D Group 3 latest. ⭐
7. (16) MENDELSSOHN BAY
141-67
4yo dk b/br g Mendelssohn - Reiki Baby (Curlin)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Won C&D Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas last term and a decent 9.5f event here this season, but has lost his way more recently (‘tied up’ two starts back); makes no appeal from widest gate. ⭐
8. (11) MERSAAL
5/5-21
7yo b g Ghostzapper - Baby J (J Be K)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Four 6f-1m Jebel Ali wins including better than ever in handicap latest; this is tougher, and he’s drawn a little wide, but he’s out of a Grade 3 winner in the US and is worth his place in the line-up. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. (13) MUBAKKER
5/27/4
9yo gr/r g Speightstown - Ready To Act (More Than Ready)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Jim Crowley
COMMENT: Runner-up in this race in 2022; also second in 6f Group 3 here in 2023; later missed 714 days; shaped okay when fourth in 7f handicap on comeback in January and could build on that, but drawn wide; hood added. ⭐⭐⭐
10. (8) NEW KINGDOM
3188/8
6yo ch g Dubawi - Provenance (Galileo)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Was smart turf handicapper for Charlie Appleby before being sold for 300,000AED in March 2024; didn’t make the track in 2024; midfield in Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile on recent comeback; this is another tough ask, but may be better for that run and he’s by the track’s leading sire. ⭐⭐
11. (1) OASIS BOY
891-35
4yo ch c Asiatic Boy - Olinka (Giant’s Causeway)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Oscar Chavez
COMMENT: Won ordinary 7f race here on reappearance and ran okay when not helped by wide trip under those conditions in handicap latest; did win a 1m Group 2 in Argentina in 2023; however, probably not up to this, even from inside draw. ⭐⭐
12. (14) RAWY
76-564
6yo gr/r h Frosted - Graceful Rage (Tiznow)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Smart performance to win 6f handicap here in January 2023, but hasn’t matched that form since; has also won over 7f here, but didn’t stay in two previous tries over this far, albeit in 2022, and has a tough draw. ⭐
13. (15) SALEYMM
12/3/4
7yo b g Dubawi - Talmada (Cape Cross)
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Was smart in Britain; shaped well when third in 6f dirt race here on UAE debut in December 2023; off for 14 months afterwards, but showed up well in 7f turf handicap on recent comeback; however, draw no help. ⭐⭐
14. (5) SOUND MONEY
19/4-9
7yo b h Flatter - Vegas Trip (Aldebaran)
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
COMMENT: Ex-US runner who won 6f Group 3 on this card on UAE debut two years ago, but hasn’t stood much racing since and well beaten in C&D Group 3 on latest comeback and stable debut. ⭐⭐
15. (6) STREET MOOD
014-19
6yo b h Street Boss - Tizacity (Tizway)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Three-time C&D handicap winner, but not a Group horse; midfield in this race two years ago.
⭐
16. (9) T O SAINT DENIS
/0209-
6yo b h Kitasan Black - Pole Position (Pivotal)
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Inconsistent Japanese-trained runner who was front-running second in 8.5f US Grade 2 last May; that form gives him a shout; weakened in Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in December, although did finish ahead of Cagliostro.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Cagliostro, 6/1 Castlewarden, 7/1 Mersaal, T O Saint Denis, 8/1 Mubakker, 9/1 Local Dynasty, 10/1 Saleymm, 14/1 Sound Money, 16/1 Ancient Rome, 20/1 Mendelssohn Bay, New Kingdom, Oasis Boy, Street Mood, 25/1 Fort Payne, Made In Dubai, 33/1 Rawy
RON WOOD’S VIEW: Imperial Emperor was the standout in this field at the entry stage, but his connections opted for the 1m2f race instead and in his absence this is wide open. Cagliostro, CASTLEWARDEN, Local Dynasty, Mersaal and T O Saint Denis appeal most. Maybe Castlewarden can progress enough to repeat his brother’s success in this race from 12 months ago.
RACE 4 - 15:25 NAD AL SHEBA TURF SPRINT (G3, 5f, turf)
1. (1) BOMBAY BAZAAR
8593-2
4yo b g Kodiac - Shamlahar (Shamardal)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Andrew Slattery
COMMENT: Improved to finish placed in both starts up this straight track this season, not far behind Cover Up and Rasas; now much better off at the weights with the latter; place claims again. ⭐⭐
2. (3) COVER UP
011-30
5yo b g Exceed And Excel - Hushing (Pivotal)
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Won Listed race and third behind West Acre (also just behind Ponntos) from two starts over C&D this term; seemingly didn’t take to Jebel Ali when well beaten latest, although an endoscopic exam revealed the gelding to have a degree of mucus which may have affected performance; ought to bounce back. ⭐⭐
3. (7) DANYAH
/393-6
8yo b g Invincible Spirit - Cuis Ghaire (Galileo)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Jim Crowley
COMMENT: Won 6f Group 1 Al Quoz here two years ago, but not the same force now and has never raced over this short. ⭐⭐
4. (12) DESPERATE HERO
064-69
5yo gr g Captain Gerrard - El Che (Winker Watson)
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Reached smart level over 5f in Europe last year, but struggled in both UAE starts; dirt run is easy to ignore, but should have done better over C&D latest; cheekpieces off. ⭐⭐
5. (13) JAKAJARO
4920-6
4yo b g Too Darn Hot - Summer Flower (Oasis Dream)
Trainer: Robert Cowell; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Progressed to smart level in Ireland last year but below form over C&D on first UAE start (had to be re-shod beforehand); had been off for four months but trainer said he arrived “fairly fit”; loads to find with West Acre. ⭐
6. (10) KYLIAN
6121-1
4yo b g Invincible Spirit - Hikmaa (Roderic O’Connor)
Trainer: Archie Watson; Jockey: Luke Morris
COMMENT: Improved on the AW in Britain lately, winning three 5f Class 2 handicaps; does have good turf form as well (Listed winner as a 2yo), but isn’t sure to match his best, especially in a new climate, and in any case still has more to do against West Acre. ⭐⭐
7. (9) PONNTOS
574-22
7yo b h Power - Blessing Box (Bahamian Bounty)
Trainer: Miroslav Nieslanik; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
COMMENT: Fourth behind Frost At Dawn in this race last year; needed first run back here in December (behind Cover Up), but no match for West Acre next time; good run at Jebel Ali latest. ⭐⭐
8. (4) POWER MODE
185-01
4yo ch g Speightstown - Beyond Our Reach (Danehill Dancer)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Ex-Irish; built on eyecatching Abu Dhabi run when clear winner of 6f handicap here latest, but plenty more needed at this level. ⭐⭐
9. (15) RASAS
35-133
4yo ch c World Of Trouble - Free Space (Aldebaran)
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Versatile type who has been running to a useful level, including over C&D, but has too much to find at this level. ⭐
10. (6) TAWALLA
38-111
5yo b g Invincible Spirit - Afdhaad (Nayef)
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Has won last three starts in handicaps, one over C&D and the last two coming over 6f at Abu Dhabi, the most recent being last Saturday; this is a big class jump, but he’s progressing to a smart level. ⭐⭐⭐
11. (14) TOPPER BILL
106-35
7yo b g Intrinsic - Alyaa (Iffraaj)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Useful C&D-winning handicapper, but this requires clear career best; well beaten in this race last year; visor added. ⭐
12. (2) FROST AT DAWN
00349-
4yo gr/r f Frosted - Hawana (War Front)
Trainer: William Knight; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Had favourable track position from low draw, with the rail moved out, and helped by a tailwind, when surprise winner of this last season (33-1); ignore heavy defeat at the Breeders’ Cup in November, but she’s been off since and needs to resume as good as ever; drawn low again, but the rail is at its innermost position this time; she’ll do well to repeat; headgear off. ⭐⭐⭐
13. (5) DARK SAFFRON
213-32
3yo dk b/br g Flameaway - Meadow Saffron (Military)
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Just a useful 3yo; well behind West Acre two starts back. ⭐
14. (11) KING’S CALL
826-47
3yo b g Dandy Man - Play Mate (Showcasing)
Trainer: Dylan Cunha; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Just a useful handicapper; some promise here two starts ago; struggled the following week; has loads to find; blinkers and tongue-tie added. ⭐
15. (8) WEST ACRE
121-21
3yo b g Mehmas - Lady Aria (Kodiac)
Trainer: George Scott; Jockey: Callum Shepherd
COMMENT: Went close over 6f on first go here (time wasn’t far off the course record), then super impressive in lowering the 5f track record in Group 2, quickening up in rare fashion; has an extra 5lb to carry but won’t be beaten if in the same form now. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 4/7 West Acre, 8/1 Frost At Dawn, 9/1 Kylian, 10/1 Tawalla, 12/1 Ponntos, 20/1 Cover Up, 25/1 Bombay Bazaar, Danyah, Desperate Hero, Jakajaro, Power Mode, 50/1 King’s Call, Rasas, 66/1 Dark Saffron, Topper Bill
RON WOOD’S VIEW: Last year’s winner Frost At Dawn is back but it’s doubtful she’ll repeat that sort of level and in any case even more will be needed from her - and the others - if WEST ACRE is in the sort of form he produced to lower the track record (previously held by Frost At Dawn) in a Group 2 in January, even with him being worse at the weights now.
RACE 5 – 16:00: SINGSPIEL STAKES (G2, 1m1f, turf)
1. (5) CAIRO
272-62
5yo b h Quality Road - Cuff (Galileo)
Trainer: Alice Haynes; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Twice runner-up in Group races here this season, most recently behind First Conquest. ⭐⭐
2. (2) DOLAYLI
75-899
6yo b g Siyouni - Dolniya (Azamour)
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Was smart in France but has struggled in three UAE starts this winter, particularly poor showing here latest. ⭐⭐
3. (9) ELNAJMM
1955-5
5yo b g Sea The Stars - Muneyra (Dubawi)
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Won maiden over this trip before making a smart 1m handicapper in Britain; encouraging run in 7f handicap here on UAE debut after four months off, keeping on; should build on that, although this will probably require a career best. ⭐⭐
4. (1) FIRST CONQUEST
451-11
4yo b g Teofilo - Patroness (Dubawi)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
COMMENT: 4-6 record including 3-3 in the hood, notably winning both goes here this term, a handicap over this trip and 1m2f Group 3 (came from last and was widest off the turn); however, more to do with his stablemate Nations Pride. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. (3) GALEN
148-46
4yo ch g Gleneagles - Apache Storm (Pivotal)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
COMMENT: Encouraging fourth behind First Conquest in C&D handicap on reappearance, albeit was beaten 4.5l (wide trip and was conceding 7lb to the winner); however, failed to build on that under same conditions next time. ⭐⭐
6. (4) HOLLOWAY BOY
106-23
5yo ch g Ulysses - Sultry (Pivotal)
Trainer: Karl Burke; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: At least as good as ever here this season; most recently third, and might have been second with a clear run, behind star performer Romantic Warrior in C&D Group 1 (albeit one of the main contenders sadly broke down); chance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. (6) NATIONS PRIDE
3210-9
6yo b h Teofilo - Important Time (Oasis Dream)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Two wins over 1m2f here; also third in C&D Group 1 Dubai Turf in 2023; has won at the top level four times elsewhere over 9.5f/1m2f; below form in 1m1f Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf in the US in January and this trip is shorter than ideal, but his best form has him clear of this field; cheekpieces added.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. (7) SEAN
464-02
8yo b h Excelebration - Sharin (Areion)
Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne
COMMENT: Third in this last year when the race was run in February; most recently didn’t get a clear run when second in C&D handicap; needs even more now, though.
⭐⭐⭐
9. (8) STORMY OCEAN
41-753
6yo b g Frankel - As Good As Gold (Oasis Dream)
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Better than ever lately but still held by a few of these rivals.
⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 11/8 Nations Pride, 7/2 First Conquest, Holloway Boy, 8/1 Sean, 12/1 Cairo, 20/1 Elnajmm, 25/1 Galen, Stormy Ocean, 50/1 Dolayli
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A new spot in the calendar for this race, moved from February. There are some question marks over NATIONS PRIDE, as he was below form in the US in January, this trip is a little shorter than ideal for him and he now has headgear fitted. But he’s the best horse in the race and is preferred to Holloway Boy and First Conquest in that order.
RACE 6 - 16:35: AL MAKTOUM CLASSIC (G2, 1m2f, dirt)
1. (7) ARTORIUS
1753-4
6yo dk b/br h Arrogate - Paulassilverlining (Ghostzapper)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Patrick Cosgrave
COMMENT: Well-bred ex-US runner; has run okay in two Group races over 1m here since switching to UAE, especially as he didn’t help himself with an awkward start latest; more needed, but stayed 1m1f in the States so this step up in trip may help him; blinkers added. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. (3) CROWN ESTATE
04-154
4yo b g Dubawi - Castle Lady (Shamardal)
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Overcame slow beginning to win 1m handicap here in January on first UAE start; held in Group 3 under same conditions next time; however, surprisingly, was sharp enough to lead early in Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile latest, albeit fading a little to fourth (behind two of these rivals); plenty more needed and stamina unproven, but is going the right way. ⭐⭐⭐
3. (13) DESERT WISDOM
45566-
7yo ch g Dubawi - Tulips (Pivotal)
Trainer: Ahmed Al Shemaili; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Smart up to 9.5f on his day, including winning the Group 3 Burj Nahaar on this card in 2022, but below form this term and has been off since December. ⭐
4. (10) ELYABRI
261-31
4yo b c American Pharoah - Responsibleforlove (Duke Of Marmalade)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Three relatively minor wins here including handicap latest; lots more needed. ⭐
5. (1) FIRST CONSTITUTION
086-50
7yo ch g Constitution - Antic (Kitten’s Joy)
Trainer: Okbah Aashour; Jockey: Royston Ffrench
COMMENT: Third in this race two years ago but not the same force now; blinkers off. ⭐
6. (14) GENEROUS TIPPER
/711-6
4yo b c Street Sense - Stopshoppingdebbie (Curlin)
Trainer: Hamad Al Jehani; Jockey: James Doyle
COMMENT: Lightly raced ex-US runner; winner up to 1m1f in relatively minor company in the States, and Grade 1-placed there as a 2yo; respectable UAE debut when midfield in 9.5f Group 1 here in January (behind Qareeb); may build on that, although drawn wide; blinkers added. ⭐⭐
7. (4) GLOBAL HIT
/311-8
5yo b h To Honor And Serve - Tammy’s Victress (Yankee Victor)
Trainer: Dong Suk Bang; Jockey: Hyesun Kim
COMMENT: Regular winner in South Korea but struggled in 9.5f Group 1 here on UAE debut in January. ⭐
8. (16) GO SOLDIER GO
233-53
5yo ch h Tapiture - Better Again (Thunder Gulch)
Trainer: Fawzi Nass; Jockey: Callum Shepherd
COMMENT: Two 9.5f wins here in 2023, including Listed race, but he’s essentially just a useful handicapper; unlikely to be winning this from the widest post. ⭐
9. (6) GUNS AND GLORY
863-41
4yo b g Gun Runner - Baby Go Far (Elusive Quality)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Two wide-margin wins from the front here, but the latest was gained in a weak event over 1m3f; will find it hard to repeat that now back down in trip in stronger race. ⭐⭐
10. (5) HOMO DEUS
3354-9
6yo b g Intello - Cubiste (Fastnet Rock)
Trainer: Lucie Botti; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
COMMENT: Was smart stayer on testing turf in France; well beaten in 1m6f Group 3 on fast ground on recent UAE debut; there’s a case for saying this deep surface may suit him, albeit he has a grass pedigree, and blinkers are added, but still a surprise if he’s fast enough. ⭐⭐
11. (15) IMPERIAL EMPEROR
3011-2
5yo b g Dubawi - Zhukova (Fastnet Rock)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Smart performances to win first two dirt starts in 1m handicaps here, before second in 9.5f Group 1; extra half-furlong to go now and wide draw no help, but leading form claims. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
12. (9) KABIRKHAN
/118-7
5yo ch h California Chrome - Little Emily (Castledale)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Won first two starts in UAE last season, a C&D handicap and 9.5f Group 1; however, struggled when 15-8 favourite (!) for the Dubai World Cup, didn’t make the track when sent to the US and again struggled on comeback in January (race he’d won the previous year; again sent off favourite; took keen hold); may be fitter now, but needs to bounce back; unconvincing. ⭐⭐⭐
13. (2) KING GOLD
1960-1
8yo b h Anodin - Miss Gandelia (Kingsalsa)
Trainer: Nicolas Caullery; Jockey: Adrie De Vries
COMMENT Won 6.5f turf Group 1 Maurice de Gheest in France in 2023, but most recently stayed on to land 1m dirt Group 3 Firebreak Stakes here on reappearance, reeling in last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (below best); worth a shot at this trip, in case he improves for it, and drawn to save ground, but has to be considered a doubtful stayer. ⭐⭐⭐
14. (12) MAJESTIC PRIDE
04-723
5yo b g Shamardal - Gonbarda (Lando)
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
COMMENT: Headstrong but switched to dirt for new stable this season and most recently encouraging keeping-on third behind Qareeb in Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile; this trip should suit judged on impression of that latest outing and his pedigree, so he’s a potential improver. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
15. (11) OLZHAKHAN
2/11-8
7yo dk b/br h Oxbow - Revenue (Exchange Rate)
Trainer: Ali Al Badwawi; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Winner up to 1m4f in Kazakhstan; always behind in 7f handicap here on UAE debut; however, may be better for that run and this trip is more suitable; visor added. ⭐⭐
16. (8) QAREEB
032-41
7yo ch h Speightstown - Flip Flop (Zieten)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Remote second to subsequent World Cup winner Laurel River in the 1m Group 3 Burj Nahaar on this card last year; as good as ever this term, most recently winning Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, although his fourth in a 9.5f Group 1 here two starts back (behind Imperial Emperor) suggests he’ll come up short. ⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 2/1 Imperial Emperor, 7/1 Artorius, Kabirkhan, King Gold, 8/1 Majestic Pride, Qareeb, 12/1 Crown Estate, 14/1 Generous Tipper, 20/1 Guns And Glory, 25/1 Olzhakhan, 33/1 Desert Wisdom, Elyabri, Global Hit, Homo Deus, 50/1 First Constitution, Go Soldier Go
RON WOOD’S VIEW: The form horse is Imperial Emperor but he has an extra half-furlong to go now and a wide draw from which to get it. There’s also Kabirkhan, a major contender on last season’s level, but he might be gone at the game. The most tempting option is MAJESTIC PRIDE. His headstrong nature prevented him from fulfilling his potential on turf, but he’s finding his feet on dirt and may build on his recent third behind Qareeb in the Jebel Ali Mile over this longer trip. Artorius is another to consider.
RACE 7 - 5:10: DUBAI CITY OF GOLD (G2, 1m4f, turf)
1. (4) AL MADHAR
143/9-
8yo b g Siyouni - Phiz (Galileo)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Fourth in this race in 2022 but missed 2023 before finishing tailed off in this contest in 2024, and absent again since.
⭐
2. (5) HIGHWAY ROBBER
13121-
5yo ch g Hard Spun - Yabba (Lemon Drop Kid)
Trainer: Charles Hills; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Smart in the US, most recently winning 1m4f Keeneland Grade 3 in October by a nose from Bold Act, who won this race last year; doesn’t really tempt, though, for new trainer. ⭐⭐⭐
3. (6) ONESMOOTHOPERATOR
105-73
7yo dk b/br g Dialed In - Sueno D’oro (Medaglia D’oro)
Trainer: Brian Ellison; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Won 1m4f Group 3 Geelong Cup in Australia in October and third in 1m6f Group 3 here last week, but this requires clear career best. ⭐
4. (1) PASSION AND GLORY
3148-5
9yo b g Cape Cross - Potent Embrace (Street Cry)
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor; Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
COMMENT: Smart at his best but well below form in Bahrain latest; others more likely. ⭐⭐
5. (2) SEE HECTOR
437-26
6yo ch h Counterattack - Scouting (New Approach)
Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne
COMMENT: Three 1m Group 3 wins in Europe; encouraging second in 1m1f handicap on first go here in January, but failed to build on that next time; needs to run as well as ever, up in trip. ⭐⭐
6. (3) SILVER KNOTT
11133-
5yo b g Lope De Vega - God Given (Nathaniel)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: Was frustrating before improving for added stamina test with three straight 1m3f-1m4f Grade 2 wins in the US last year, although beaten in Grade 1s on last two starts; perhaps not one to buy into completely. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. (7) ARABIAN CROWN
111/1-
4yo b c Dubawi - Dubai Rose (Dubai Destination)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: James Doyle
COMMENT: Favourite for the Derby after winning 1m2f Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (good to soft) last April, but has been absent since; quick turf is a question mark, and Buick prefers Silver Knott, but this colt is still an exciting prospect. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 11/8 Silver Knott, 2/1 Arabian Crown, 7/2 Highway Robber, 20/1 Onesmoothoperator, Passion And Glory, 20/1 See Hector, 33/1 Al Madhar
RON WOOD’S VIEW: There’s a case for the ex-US-trained Highway Robber on a line through last year’s winner of this race, but the Charlie Appleby runners are probably the horses to concentrate on. William Buick has picked Silver Knott, which suggests ARABIAN CROWN will need the run - and quick ground is also a concern for the latter. But Silver Knott might not be as good as his profile suggests, as he was well placed - and well positioned in using his speed for shorter distances - to win some weak Graded races in the US last year. Arabian Crown, for all the question marks, strikes as having more quality.
RACE 8 - 17:45: MAHAB AL SHIMAAL (G3, 6f, dirt)
1. (6) AL SHIBLI
37-010
6yo b g Shamardal - Rayaheen (Nayef)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
COMMENT: Best form and last two wins gained in 5f Jebel Ali events; below form under those conditions latest; this requires way more. ⭐
2. (11) CATS BY FIVE
22322-
4yo dk b/br c Audible - Catticus (Bluegrass Cat)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: James Doyle
COMMENT: Ex-US; runner-up in weak 6f dirt Grade 3 at Pimlico last May; off since June; unappealing from wide draw on UAE debut. ⭐⭐
3. (2) COLOUR UP
02-225
7yo b g Mehmas - Tifariti (Elusive Quality)
Trainer: Doug Watson; Jockey: Patrick Dobbs
COMMENT: Behind Tuz over C&D three times this season (and in last year’s Golden Shaheen); held at Jebel Ali latest in a race he won in the previous campaign. ⭐⭐
4. (1) DREW’S GOLD
2375/3
5yo dk b g Violence - Frolic’s Revenge (Vindication)
Trainer: Julio Olascoaga; Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
COMMENT: Grade 1-placed in the US in 2023; missed 2024; encouraging comeback over C&D on UAE debut in January, finishing third behind Tuz and Colour Up after getting behind with a troubled start; with a clean start from the inside draw, he should build on that, although would have made more appeal in the 1m race for which he was also entered. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. (3) EASTERN WORLD
/99-44
8yo ch g Dubawi - Eastern Joy (Dubai Destination)
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Won this race in 2022 but well behind Tuz in two starts over C&D this term. ⭐
6. (9) EL NASSEEB
1/1-23
4yo ch c Profitable - Jafetica (New Approach)
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri; Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
COMMENT: Lightly raced; smart two-time C&D winner; most recently ran creditably on turf; needs to progress some more, especially if Tuz is on his game; visor added. ⭐⭐
7. (8) MA YETAL
1/1-7
4yo b c Flameaway - Delightful Melody (Tapit)
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: Looked good in winning first two starts last season including one here; off for a year, then too headstrong when finishing well behind Tuz on comeback in January, but may do better now; tongue-tie added. ⭐⭐
8. (4) MAJOR CINNAMON
613-18
8yo ch g Tapiture - Champagne Ending (Precise End)
Trainer: Marwan Al Baidhaei; Jockey: Sandro Paiva
COMMENT: C&D winner who produced career best to win 5f Jebel Ali handicap two starts back, but that’s still far removed from this level; well behind Tuz here latest. ⭐
9. (10) MORNING
31-259
5yo ch g Munnings - View (Birdstone)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Richard Mullen
COMMENT: Often makes a mess of the start and takes a while to get organised; finished third in this last year and has won over C&D three times, but struggled behind Tuz two starts back; below form at Jebel Ali latest. ⭐⭐
10. (7) TORIVEGA
361-47
5yo b g Lope De Vega - Viztoria (Oratorio)
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Smart on turf in Ireland but well below form in three UAE starts, even in victory at Jebel Ali (6f, dirt) in December. ⭐
11. (5) TUZ
011-11
8yo dk b g Oxbow - Suede Shoe (Pulpit)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar; Jockey: Tadhg O’Shea
COMMENT: Finished third on this card in 2021 (Burj Nahaar), 2022 (Burj Nahaar) and 2023, latterly behind Sound Money in this race; however, has more recently been running to a high-class level under these conditions; won his last five starts over C&D by close to 30l combined including last season’s Group 1 Golden Shaheen and three races this term, two of them Group 3s; hard to live with in such form. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
12. (12) AMERICAN STAGE
111-
3yo b c Into Mischief - Bonita Mia (Warrior’s Reward)
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: $500,000 yearling; six starts in Japan; began over 1m1f but has won all three from the front since dropped to this trip; two of them came in minor races on dirt, notably setting 2yo track record at Kyoto in November; most recently won stakes race on turf in December off just six days’ rest; this is a tough ask for a 3yo on first UAE start, especially from widest draw, but he’s out of the ordinary and has a top international trainer who has had plenty of success at Meydan; by same sire as last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River.
⭐⭐⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 4/6 Tuz, 6/1 American Stage, 7/1 Drew’s Gold, 12/1 El Nasseeb, 14/1 Colour Up, 16/1 Ma Yetal, 20/1 Morning, 25/1 Cats By Five, Torivega, 33/1 Eastern World, 50/1 Al Shibli, 66/1 Major Cinnamon
RON WOOD’S VIEW: The Japanese-trained American Stage is a fascinating contender, but he’s in the deep end now, taking on older rivals for the first time from the widest draw, and TUZ has been unbeatable over this C&D for a year or so. Tuz is an 8yo who is being kept busy and his level will drop off at some point, but his trainer won this race last year with a horse of the same age (stable had the one-two-three 12 months ago). Second pick is Drew’s Gold.
RACE 9 - 18:20: JUMEIRAH 2000 GUINEAS (listed 1m, turf)
1. (9) DAAMISS
1
3yo dk b/br c Mendelssohn - My Way (Unbridled’s Song)
Trainer: Michael Costa; Jockey: Ray Dawson
COMMENT: $200,000 yearling; failed three trials (stalls issues) before being passed to race at the fourth attempt; won ordinary 7f Abu Dhabi maiden on recent debut under rules; this is a tougher race but he has potential. ⭐⭐⭐
2. (4) GLITTERATI
617-43
3yo b c Due Diligence - Glittered (Compton Place)
Trainer: Wasim Alsahn; Jockey: Oisin Murphy
COMMENT: Some useful form in Britain and Qatar up to 7.5f, but this requires more. ⭐
3. (2) HALLASAN
211-21
3yo b g Pinatubo - Fig Roll (Bahamian Bounty)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: James Doyle
COMMENT: Progressed from first UAE start to win C&D trial for this race (same trainer’s runner-up won next time), although stablemate Ruling Court brings in a higher level of form. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. (8) NEDAWY
5-0042
3yo b c Instagrand - Upstager (Distorted Humor)
Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Bernardo Pinheiro
COMMENT: Well-held fourth behind Hallasan in C&D trial for this race two starts back. ⭐
5. (1) ODAI
9-74
3yo b c Sioux Nation - Our Shakila (War Command)
Trainer: Osama Refai; Jockey: Oscar Chavez
COMMENT: Moderate; fourth behind Daamiss (and Whitegate) in 7f Abu Dhabi maiden latest. ⭐
6. (5) RULING COURT
13-
3yo b c Justify - Inchargeofme (High Chaparral)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby; Jockey: William Buick
COMMENT: 2,300,000euros breeze-up buy as a 2yo; two 7f turf starts in Britain last year, winning Sandown maiden impressively on debut (4-9 favourite); ‘only’ third in Group 3 Acomb at York next time (evens favourite), but didn’t have the best position from stall 6 in a race in which the others who finished in the first four were drawn 3-2-1; still smart form that has worked out; outstanding claims. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. (10) SARHAN
7084
3yo b c Bernardini - Cheery (Distorted Humor)
Trainer: Rashed Bouresly; Jockey: Saif Al Balushi
COMMENT: Moderate including being well beaten in the trial for this. ⭐
8. (7) THE FINGAL RAVEN
813-33
3yo b g Mehmas - Chupalla (Helmet)
Trainer: Jamie Osborne; Jockey: Saffie Osborne
COMMENT: Behind Hallasan (from the front and from off the pace) in two 7f-1m starts here this term; given too much to do latest, but plenty more needed now anyway. ⭐⭐
9. (3) WAR SOCKS
57
3yo ch c Kameko - Courteous Crown (Helmet)
Trainer: Niels Petersen; Jockey: Carlos Lopez
COMMENT: Unplaced in two 6f starts here, failing to build on debut promise latest. ⭐
10. (6) WHITEGATE
5-82
3yo gr c Dark Angel - Morsian (Dubawi)
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash; Jockey: Connor Beasley
COMMENT: Most recently runner-up to Daamiss in 7f Abu Dhabi maiden (took keen told); hood and tongue-tie added. ⭐
BETTING FORECAST: 4/7 Ruling Court, 11/4 Hallasan, 8/1 Daamiss, 12/1 The Fingal Raven, 33/1 Glitterati, War Socks, Whitegate, 50/1 Nedawy, 100/1 Odai, Sarhan
RON WOOD’S VIEW: A new title for this race and it has been reduced by a furlong since last year. Hallasan progressed from his first start here to win the trial, defeating a reappearing stablemate, Al Qudra, who then won next time. So, he probably has a fitness edge on the same trainer’s RULING COURT, who will just be starting out for the year. But Ruling Court looks comfortably superior - he could still end up being a G1 horse - so it’ll be disappointing if he’s beaten.
Comments