 Dubai Expert - Ed Marnane |
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| Ed Marnane was the editor of Al Adiyat, a weekly racing paper in Dubai for 11 years. He has covered the Dubai World Cup as the TV commentator for the Dubai Carnival International Show since 1999. Ed was also a jockey's agent while in Dubai. He is currently assisting his brother with training horses in Ireland. Ed has extensive knowledge of international racing and has been to every Hong Kong International Race since 2001. | |
Overseas Expert Column for Dubai World Cup Day (Ed Marnane)
S1-1 UAE Derby
After saddling MASTER OF HOUNDS to a narrow defeat in last year's renewal, Aidan O'Brien has sound claims of gaining compensation with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero WROTE, one of two runners representing the Irish trainer. WROTE, to be ridden by Ryan Moore, adds a touch of class to the race. The lack of a recent run and ability to handle the underfoot conditions on his tapeta debut are obvious negatives but he remains the horse to beat despite a tricky barrier.
Mike de Kock and Godolphin have dominated the race, first run in 2000, with the pair winning all previous renewals. As expected the duo, responsible for four of the 14 runners, are strongly represented. MICKDAAM, winner of the Listed Al Bastakiya, was run over the same course and distance, bids to give de Kock a sixth success. He has thrived since joining the South African and switched to tapeta. These are his optimum conditions and with further improvement he should be a leading player.
UAE 2000 Guineas winner KINGLET, nearly a dozen lengths behind MICKDAAM in the aforementioned Al Bastakiya, bids to give Godolphin back-to-back wins and a eighth victory overall. He needs to raise his game to turn the tables.
Stable companion FALLS OF LORA impressed when winning the UAE Oaks on her Meydan debut, slamming her five rivals under Mickael Barzalona, who maintains the partnership. This is a much tougher test and she needs to step up markedly to emulate last year's winner KHAWLAH, the only filly to land the UAE Derby.
Godolphin's final runner HELMET, trained by Peter Snowden, is an interesting runner. He was in cracking form last year, winning six times, culminating with a Group 1 victory in the Caulfield Guineas. He arrives in Dubai with his reputation under a cloud, having run poorly twice this year, the latest being four weeks ago in the Australian Guineas.
Of the others RED DUKE, a useful juvenile in Britain, looks vulnerable over this trip, on his return. ENTIFAADHA won't lack for fitness after just being denied in the Meydan Classic on turf. He should be sharper for the run and if he translates that form to tapeta he can't be discounted.
SELECTIONS: WROTE, MICKDAAM, FALLS OF LORA & HELMET
S1-2 Al Quoz Sprint
A classy renewal with the Hong Kong pair – JOY AND FUN and EAGLE REGIMENT – setting a strong standard. The former, successful in the 2010 renewal, arrives in Dubai in tip-top shape, defeating leading Dubai Golden Shaheen hopeful LUCKY NINE in the Chairman's Sprint Prize, where EAGLE REGIMENT, who was found to be lame afterwards, over four lengths back in ninth. JOY AND FUN has obvious claims and should give a good account from a decent draw in stall six. The unexposed EAGLE REGIMENT, a 1000m straight course specialist, needs to bounce back but given his optimum conditions is well capable of and shouldn't be overlooked.
Irish hopes are led by Mick Halford's INVINCIBLE ASH, fourth in last year's renewal, joined by 2010 Nunthorpe Stakes winner SOLE POWER, and last month's course and distance winner NOCTURNAL AFFAIR, representing David Marnane. Halford's mare emerged from a spell in the doldrums when prevailing in a three-way photo from SOLE POWER and NOCTURNAL AFFAIR in the Meydan Sprint, the traditional prep race. SOLE POWER will find it tough from his gate, whilst NOCTURNAL AFFAIR wasn't suited by the steady gallop last time. From a decent draw combined with a strong end-to-end gallop he could be involved.
Group 1 winners PROHIBIT, MARGOT DID and REGALLY READY were comfortably held on Meydan Sprint running and make no appeal.
WAR ARTIST, runner-up in the straight 1000m turf course here last year following home J J THE JET PLANE, caught the eye behind INVINCIBLE ASH on his return for new trainer Mike De Kock, shaping as needed the race. With normal improvement the veteran could roll back the years and is one to consider.
Given the success of Australian sprinters on their international trips, ORTENSIA warrants plenty of respect under Craig Williams, a jockey who is no stranger to success at Meydan. Not seen since capturing Group 1 in Perth in November, the six-year-old clearly has fitness concerns. She'll need to be fully primed on her comeback at this level to take the prize Down Under.
SELECTIONS: JOY AND FUN, NOCTURNAL AFFAIR, WAR ARTIST & SOLE POWER
S1-3 Dubai Golden Shaheen
Hong Kong's hopes of winning the prize have been dealt a blow after LUCKY NINE, winner of the Hong Kong Sprint, was handed stall 12. It doesn't make things straightforward for the admirable gelding, winner of nine of his 23 lifetime starts. He should act on the surface, having run well twice, from as many starts, on polytrack, a surface similar to tapeta, at Dundalk before transferring to Caspar Fownes at Sha Tin.
Defending champion ROCKET MAN, from a plum draw in stall one, shouldn't be far away in quest to emulate CALLER ONE, the only horse to win back-to-back renewals in 2002. Although there is a nagging suspicion the six-year-old might not be the force of old. He faded tamely at Sha Tin in December, trailing in a disappointing 12th behind LUCKY NINE.
American sprinters can boast a smart record, winning it no less than nine times since 2000. THE FACTOR and GIANT RYAN carry their hopes. Of the pair, preference is for former, the four-year-old arrives here in good form, winning a Grade 2 at Santa Anita. A former Grade 1 winner at Del Mar on polytrack, the switch to a synthetic track isn't a concern. With only ten races behind him, THE FACTOR is open to further improvement. The speedy GIANT RYAN, winner of a Grade 1 at Belmont Park in October, could be difficult to peg back if allowed an easy time up front.
It's hard to split KRYPTON FACTOR and HITCHENS, the pair have dominated major sprints on tapeta at Meydan this year. KRYPTON FACTOR, winner of the trial from HITCHENS, may uphold the form. He has enjoyed a spectacular revival in fortunes since dropping back to sprinting.
SEPOY, trained by Peter Snowden, arrives from Australia with tall reputation, the winner of ten of his 12 races. He is consistent, tough and ran a solid race in defeat on his first start this year under a big weight. At bigger odds Godolphin's second runner SOUL is worth considering under Frankie Dettori. He created a big impression in a 1200m handicap on turf, defeating subsequent conditions race winner INVINCIBLE ASH.
SELECTIONS: LUCKY NINE, THE FACTOR, KRYPTON FACTOR & SOUL
S1-4 Dubai Duty Free
An all-star international cast has assembled for this showpiece on turf, undoubtedly the best race of the card. AMBITIOUS DRAGON, the top-ranked runner in the line-up, spearheads a powerful Hong Kong challenge along with CALIFORNIA MEMORY and XTENSION, as the trio bid to avenge FAIRY KING PRAWN's narrow defeat in the 2001 renewal. AMBITIOUS DRAGON has been in top form since a luckless defeat in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup, winning twice at Sha Tin afterwards. Both XTENSION and CALIFORNIA MEMORY are held by AMBITIOUS DRAGON on recent form and will need to raise their game to turn the tables.
The pick of the local hopes is DELEGATOR. A smart performer in his younger days, he chased home the mighty SEA THE STARS in the 2000 Guineas, DELEGATOR landed a valuable 1400m handicap here last month. His ability to stay the 1800m trip has to be taken on trust. But he may be found wanting in the closing stages.
Mike de Kock, who has an excellent record in the event, looks to have a solid contender with the progressive MUTAHADEE, a winner twice here earlier in the year. He didn't enjoy much luck in running in the Jebel Hatta, the key prep race, that if granted a clear passage he would have gone close.
Japanese raider DARK SHADOW rarely runs a poor race and warrants plenty of respect. Last year's winner PRESVIS doesn't look the force of old and hasn't really threatened this year in his two appearances at Meydan.
The remaining British challengers – WIGMORE HALL, DUBAWI GOLD and CITYSCAPE ¬– have drawn badly, which tempers enthusiasm.
SELECTIONS: MUTAHADEE, AMBITIOUS DRAGON, DARK SHADOW & XTENSION
S1-5 Dubai Sheema Classic
French representative CIRRUS DES AIGLES, one of the highest rated horses on the planet, stands out in a race France last won in 2004 with POLISH SUMMER. The six-year-old has no fitness worries, as he made his comeback at Chantilly earlier in the month. The race, on polytrack, had intended to be a trial for the World Cup but he failed to act on the surface, ruling out a tilt at the world's richest race. A remarkable consistent and reliable performer, CIRRUS DES AIGLES wasn't suited by the steady pace of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup on his last trip overseas, staying on to finish a never-nearer fifth. Given a strong gallop, the gelding should not be too far away.
Aidan O'Brien-trained ST NICHOLAS ABBEY, winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf in November, adds a touch of class to the race and if his fitness is taken on trust should put up a bold show. Stable companion TREASURE BEACH is a classy performer on his day, winning last year's Irish Derby after narrowly failing to land the English equivalent at Epsom. He merits respect under new rider Jamie Spencer.
Godolphin, responsible for three of the ten runners, has stated their intent of retaining the prize after the ill-fated REWILDING took last year's running. The unexposed SONGCRAFT, unbeaten in four starts, tasted defeat for the first time when third behind MIKHAIL GLINKA in the Dubai City of Gold. He has stronger claims than his stable companions CAVALRYMAN and SHIMRAAN.
BEATEN UP, trained by William Haggas, is the dark horse of the race. He is progressing nicely, running out a smooth winner of Group 3 at Newbury when signing off last year, extending his unbeaten record to three.
SELECTIONS: CIRRUS DES AIGLES, ST NICHOLAS ABBEY, SONGCRAFT & BEATEN UP
S1-6 Dubai World Cup
SO YOU THINK, a multiple winner at Group 1 level in Europe and Australia, will be popular in a fiercely competitive renewal and should mount a bold bid to land the event for Aidan O'Brien. The five-year-old, not seen since finishing a creditable sixth on his dirt debut in the Breeders' Cup Classic in November, is sure to be primed for this massive prize. There is no shortage of dangers, understandable with $10m up for grabs.
Twelve months ago VICTOIRE PISA led home TRANSCEND, giving Japan a famous 1-2. The runner-up is joined by SMART FALCON, along with EISHIN FLASH, giving Japan bright prospect of retaining the prize. SMART FALCON comes here in top form, having last tasted defeat in September 2010, a remarkably statistic. TRANSCEND is clearly proven on the surface and is closely matched with SMART FALCON when they clashed in November, so can be expected to give a good account.
Since the World Cup has been switched to tapeta from dirt, American runners have struggled, failing to add to their impressive record in the race. This year they have a strong contender with GAME ON DUDE, who holds SO YOU THINK on Breeders' Cup Classic form. A confirmed front-runner, the Bob Baffert-trained five-year-old could be dangerous if allowed an easy time in front, though his draw [14] is no help.
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic heroine ROYAL DELTA represents Bill Mott, who won the inaugural Dubai World Cup with CIGAR. She'll find it tougher up against the boys and the surface is an unknown factor, as she bids to become the first filly to win the event.
Saeed bin Suroor, the most successful trainer with five wins, is two-handed with MENDIP and PRINCE BISHOP. The pair are guaranteed to handle the conditions but don't appeal and minor placings look their best hope.
Of the others, CAPPONI, impressive winner of the Maktoum Challenge R3, rates a threat, given his progress since being switched to tapeta. MASTER OF HOUNDS, runner-up in last year's UAE Derby, is a lively outsider for Mike de Kock and worth considering at decent odds.
SELECTIONS: SO YOU THINK, GAME ON DUDE, MASTER OF HOUNDS & CAPPONI
 UK Expert - Wally Pyrah |
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| With a mark of excellence in the business for over 30 years, Wally Pyrah has been notable to many in UK’s racing industry. He had long been a key editorial member of The Racing Post, UK’s authoritative racing/ sports wagering press, and is integral part of the expert cast in various preview shows - on screen and through the air – to major international racedays on a regular basis, such as the European classics. | |
Overseas Expert Column for Dubai World Cup Day (Wally Pyrah)
S1-1 UAE Derby
Top European trainer Aidan O’Brien will be hoping to go one better after stablemate Master of Hounds missed out in the photo in last season’s UAE Derby. This time he is represented by last season’s Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Daddy Long Legs and fast-improving WROTE – third behind Daddy Long Legs at Newmarket. This son of Epsom Derby and Breeders’ Cup Turf winner High Chaparral, left his UK form well behind when six weeks later demolishing 13 rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs – with rival Lucky Chappy three-and-a-half lengths back in fourth. Barrier 13 could make life tough, but with Ryan Moore in the saddle, he is still capable of proving too good for his rivals.
LUCKY CHAPPY may have finished behind WROTE in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs but is expected to come up with an improved performance. He started his career in Italy – winning two from three – before joining the Team Valor International (Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom’s owners) in the USA under trainer Graham Motion. His latest effort when beaten a nose by the aptly-named Daddy Nose Best in the Group 3 El Camino Real Derby in California is worth a second look. The winner subsequently went on to score in the Group 3 Sunland Derby. The El Camino Real Derby was run over 1800m on the tapeta which is an ideal preparation for Meydan.
French challenger YANG TSE KIANG had the best possible start to the year when winning the Prix du Lieutenant over 1900m, and in the process defeating odds-on favorite Orcus easily by two-and-a-half lengths. YANG TSE KIANG, who is very highly-regarded, had previously filled a similar position behind Loi in the Group 3 Prix de Conde over 1800m at Longchamp. With the winner Loi being aimed at the Epsom Derby in June, Yang Tse Kiang should not be underestimated and could run well at attractive odds.
In a dozen running’s of the UAE Derby only two trainers have stepped up to be presented with the prize. With Saeed bin Suroor (7 winners) not represented in the race, it is left to South African Mike de Kock (5 wins) to keep the sequence going. His MICKDAAM will probably be on most form students short-list after outstaying his rivals – including Kinglet who came 7th and was beaten nearly a dozen lengths – when winning the 1900m Al Bastakiya on Meydan’s Super Saturday three weeks back. His stamina could prove important in the latter stages of the race.
UAE Oaks winner FALLS OF LORA, Japanese challenger GENTEN –a fast finishing second over 1600m on dirt in Tokyo last month, and the O’Brien’s second choice on paper DADDY LONG LEGS are all worth considering.
SELECTIONS: WROTE, LUCKY CHAPPY, YANG TSE KIANG & MICKDAAM
S1-2 Al Quoz Sprint
Group 1 sprinter SOLE POWER could be considered an unlucky loser when beaten a short head by rival Invincible Ash after racing on the slower part of the track in the Meydan Sprint three weeks back. Rivals Nocturnal Affair (3rd), Monsieur Joe (4th), War Artist (7th) Margot Did (8th), Prohibit (9th) and Regally Ready (13th) were all behind and will have to prove that form all wrong to gain their revenge. With that seasonal run sure to bring him to his peak, he is capable of adding to his Group 1 2010 Nunthorpe Stakes success at York in the UK.
REGALLY READY may have disappointed in the Meydan Sprint but there are reasons to expect a hugely improved performance from the US challenger who was considered in need of the run on Super Saturday. Remember this is the best sprinter in North America who won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs in November and who had also blown away his rivals in the Nearctic Stakes in Canada. It could prove a folly to write him off on one bad run.
Hong Kong are represented by two ‘flying machines’ in six-times winner Eagle Regiment –winner of the Group 1 Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup and the super talented JOY AND FUN who won the Al Quoz Sprint two years ago. Derek Cruz’s eight-year-old lost by the narrowest of margins to Lucky Nine in the CXHK Sprint on International Day at Sha Tin but gained his revenge over Caspar Fownes’ gelding in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200m at Sha Tin last month. With the pace expected to be fast and furious expect him to be concerned at the finish.
Having won the Al Naboodah Construction Group over 1000m at Meydan in February, NOCTURNAL AFFAIR was again expected to go close in the Meydan Sprint on Super Saturday. This seven-time winner may have made his effort too early on that occasion – flattening out over the last 100m having come with a potential winning run. Expect jockey Ryan Moore to be more patient and watch out for his late dash.
Expect an improved performance from the successful globe-trotting contender Prohibit who has yet to show his true form in a couple of efforts in Dubai. He is better than his form figures suggest and is worth keeping on the safe-side.
SELECTIONS: SOLE POWER, REGALLY READY, JOY AND FUN & NOCTURNAL AFFAIR
S1-3 Dubai Golden Shaheen
Dubai World Cup supremo Sheik Mohammed has a first-rate chance of greeting one of his horses to the winners enclosure in Australian champion sprinter SEPOY. This beautifully bred youngster by Elusive Quality by a Danehill mare Watchful has already won ten races in a 12-races career, including the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield, Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, and the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington. He may have suffered a defeat in his preparation for Dubai World Cup night when fifth under top-weight in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate, but expect him to be in top condition for the big occasion.
A negative barrier draw and poor pre-track work, contributed to legendary Singapore champion ROCKET MAN running a disappointing race in the CXHK Sprint at Sha Tin, but he is still a world class racehorse. A winner of 19 of his 25 starts, his preparation for a tilt at back-to-back Dubai Golden Shaheen victories has gone smoothly with a ‘head-in-the-chest’ victory against moderate opposition in the Kranji Stakes earlier this month – a race he won as well before winning this race last season.
With the USA having won the Dubai Golden Shaheen nine times in the last dozen running’s it is worth a second glance at their contenders here. Giant Ryan and THE FACTOR represent the ‘stars and stripes’, and it is the latter who could prove a potent threat. Having come back from injury the grey colt took the Group 1 Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar before producing one of the best sprint performances seen in the US this season when winning the Group 1 Malibu Stakes in December. He confirmed that scintillating performance by taking the San Carlos Stakes from Sway Away and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Amazombie, and although his form figures suggest he is best over 1400m, he has blistering early speed and will not be inconvenienced by the drop back in trip.
It may be worth taking a chance to include the fast-improving KRYPTON FACTOR in exotic wagers. He produced an impressive victory in the Group 3 Mahab Al Shimaal over the course and distance last time on Super Saturday, despite drawing the negative 11 barrier and racing wide most of the way. Rivals Hitchens and Iver Bridge Lad have little chance of reversing the form. Having won once and been placed second twice in his last three races Hitchens could cause a surprise.
It’s a shame HK challenger Lucky Nine has had a setback since arriving Dubai and has drawn the outside barrier, as his form this season would give him bright prospects. Having won the CXHK Sprint – eclipsed Rocket Man, and recently the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup both at Sha Tin his chances are there for all to see. If he can start well and find cover, his finishing kick could surprise.
SELECTIONS: THE FACTOR, SEPOY, ROCKET MAN & KRYPTON FACTOR
S1-4 Dubai Duty Free
The champion of Hong Kong AMBITIOUS DRAGON has a first-rate opportunity to add to his already outstanding record of ten victories from his last 13 runs. The positive barrier of 4 gives Douglas Whyte every opportunity to find cover from the off. Having won the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) from rivals Xtension and California Memory, he should be in his element over the Dubai Duty Free 1800m trip. The handicappers rate him the best horse in the race, and here is his chance to prove to the racing world he is the number 1.
DARK SHADOW – has already proved he is one of the best performers in Japan. His final prep race before coming to Dubai was finishing second to top-class Trailblazer over a trip too far (2200m) and he should now be at his best. He won two races over the same distance as the Dubai Duty Free trip last season including the Group 3 Epsom Cup in Tokyo and the Group 2 Mainichi Okan. That form has worked out well with the runner-up having won the famous Group 1 Yasuda Kinen and the fourth horse went on to win his next two races. He will be difficult to keep out of the frame.
High-class five-year-old AWAIT THE DAWN is probably much better than his form figures would suggest, despite having won five of his eight races. This son of Giant’s Causeway opened his campaign last season by running away from his rivals in a Group 3 at Chester in the UK and then proceeded to take the prestigious Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot – left his rivals toiling in the home stretch. Things have gone wrong since – only finishing third in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York and making no show in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs. He is a better horse than that, and trainer Aidan O’Brien is sure to have him in top condition in a race where he will need a strong pace.
The John Moore-trained XTENSION started a short-priced favorite for the CXHK Mile in December, but traffic problems caused his downfall despite flashing home late just behind stable companion Able One and Cityscape with rival Dubawi Gold fourth. His subsequent efforts behind Ambitious Dragon – notably when runner-up time over 2000m last time – suggest he now needs further as he gets older, and a true-run 1800m could prove his optimum trip.
With the likes of Cityscape (11) Dubawi Gold (16) Previs (12) and Wigmore Hall (15) being handed nightmare barrier draws, expect the third HK raider California Memory to run a huge race if Matthew Chadwick can slot him into a prominent position from the off, and use his finishing kick to good use in the final stages.
SELECTIONS: AMBITIOUS DRAGON, DARK SHADOW, AWAIT THE DAWN & XTENSION
S1-5 Dubai Sheema Classic
The combination of ST NICHOLAS ABBEY and 18-year-old Joseph O’Brien (son of trainer Aidan O’Brien) will attempt to follow up their Breeders’ Cup Turf triumph at Churchill Downs in November. Having finished third in the Group 1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, and 5th to Danedream in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, his form credentials give him a serious chance of success in which only a few of the runners have form to win.
CIRRUS DES AIGLES was rated the best horse over 2000m in Europe last season. His best form was when beating So You Think and rivals in an epic Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot in October, but he was also successful in the Grand Prix de Deauville (2500m) the La Coupe over 2000m at Longchamp, plus he was runner-up to two world class fillies in Goldikova and Sarafina. Despite disappointing when only fifth – denied a clear run at a crucial stage – to California Memory in HK, his preparation has been geared for this race after he failed to act on the polytrack surface in a bid to go for the Dubai World Cup.
BEATEN UP is the ‘dark horse’ of the race having won all of his three runs to date. His latest success when demolishing a useful field in the St Simon Stakes at Newbury suggested he is not far behind on ratings and most certainly will improve. Work watchers at Newmarket in UK have been equally impressed by his recent gallops and his final workout on a racecourse, indicates he comes here with plenty of confidence behind him.
Globe-trotting TREASURE BEACH comes into this race with an impressive CV having finished runner-up in the Epsom Derby, won the Irish Derby and Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, and third at Woodbine in Canada. His only disappointment was unplaced in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, but in this relatively small field, if he is allowed to dictate matters from the front he could pose a threat.
It’s interesting that five-year-olds have an impressive record in this race having won five of the last seven running’s and were second, third and fourth last year. Bearing those facts in mind, it could pay to follow Bold Silvano, Shimraan and selection St Nicholas Abbey.
SELECTIONS: ST NICHOLAS ABBEY, CIRRUS DES AIGLES, BEATEN UP & TREASURE BEACH
S1-6 Dubai World Cup
There can be little doubt that SO YOU THINK from the powerful Ballydoyle stables of Aidan O’Brien has been trained for this race for some time. The former Australian champion may have lost his last three races – all of them in the highest class – but his track record of 12 wins from 20 runs all in top-class company says he is the horse to beat. None of his rivals can compare against his successful form which includes a Group 1 Eclipse Stakes victory over former Epsom Derby and ‘Arc’ winner Workforce and the Irish Champion Stakes victory over Snow Fairy. The 2000m distance will prove his best trip, and he will prove very hard to beat.
Japan provided the first and second in last year’s Dubai World Cup and will be hoping for a similar result on Saturday – especially with the likes of Japanese Derby winner Eishin Flash, last year’s World Cup runner-up Transcend and Japanese champion SMART FALCON in the field. Smart Falcon arrives in Dubai coming off nine straight wins – all on dirt – and a comprehensive defeat of Transcend in the valuable JBC Classic (Group 1) in November. Having won 23 of his 33 starts and distances from 1400m to 2400m, Smart Falcon will ensure the pace will be strong and fast. This possible front-runner has a massive chance.
US challenger ROYAL DELTA represents trainer Bill Mott who will always be remembered for sending out the legendry Cigar to win the first Dubai World Cup back in 1996. This mare will be taking on the boys for the first time after a hugely successful campaign last season which included the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (Group 1) in four victories. Her prep race for Dubai at Gulfstream in February didn’t go according to plan when trounced by Awesome Maria, but the 1700m trip was too short and she will be a different proposition when she lines up on Saturday.
GAME ON DUDE and female jockey Chantal Sutherland would give trainer Bob Baffert – taken ill in Dubai this week – a huge get well present if they could provide a fairytale ending by claiming the Dubai World Cup prize. The combination have already performed at the highest level in the States, winning the Group 1 Goodwood Stakes and suffering a tear-breaking defeat when caught close home by an unconsidered outsider in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. They returned to action at Santa Anita in February with a five lengths victory over Uh Oh Bango, who had previously won a Group 2 and then finished third in a Group 1 handicap next time. There can be no doubt this winner of 6 from 15 starts is a big contender.
Local hopes will rest on Capponi who stepped up on previous efforts, when trouncing many of tonight’s rivals over the course and distance on Super Saturday. Winning course form gives a big advantage to runners, and this Mahmoud Al Zarooni challenger is no long-shot. It may prove wise to keep him on the short-list.
SELECTIONS: SO YOU THINK, SMART FALCON, ROYAL DELTA & GAME ON DUDE
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