Guy I follow on Twitter. Stephen Wong.
Quote:
MEYDAN SELECTIONS
BEST BET
Race 3: No. 9 Goldream
AL BASTAKIYA
Race 1: 2-4
Although BLUE CREEK was beaten as a long odds-on favorite by Active Spirit last time, the gelding subsequently won a 64-79 handicap comfortably at his next start. He now drops back to his own age group and should go close provided UAE 2000 Guineas winner MARKET RALLYisn’t afforded a soft lead.
MAHAB AL SHIMAAL
Race 2: 3-5-1
RICH TAPESTRY was superb in his Meydan return three weeks ago and will take plenty of beating with the advantage of a good draw. KIFAAH did well to finish behind Marking last week and he does have a course and distance win to his name this season. Expect MUARRAB to be thereabouts once again.
MEYDAN SPRINT
Race 3: 9-10-8
GOLDREAM hasn’t raced since winning the Prix de L’Abbaye de Longchamp last autumn but he has class on his side and he did win first-up in the last two seasons. SIR MAXIMILIAN won this race last year and he finished strongly to score in a 100+ handicap last time. JUNGLE CAT drops back in distance but will be hitting the line late.
BURJ NAHAAR
Race 4: 8-3-2
LE BERNARDIN fought bravely to hold on in first round of the Al Maktoum Challenge. While his effort in the Firebreak Stakes was one-paced, he did concede 1.5kg to his rivals that day. COOL COWBOY and LAYL are the dangers although the latter’s tendency to be slowly into stride has proven costly in the past.
DUBAI CITY OF GOLD
Race 5: 4-1-6
DARIYAN could possibly have finished closer in the Hong Kong Vase with a smoother run but her form around Highland Reel and Flintshire reads well for this. HAAFAGUINEA is racing well this preparation and will save ground with the gun draw. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner POSTPONED resumes here and might need the run.
AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R3
Race 6: 4-3-11
MUBTAAHIJ made little impression when resuming but that run was over an unsuitably short distance and an improved showing in on the cards. WATERSHED was a respectable third in the Firebreak Stakes and should appreciate the step up in distance. KEEN ICE is reliant on tempo but will be doing his best work late.
JEBEL HATTA
Race 7: 8-2-3
TRYSTER thrashed his rivals last time in the Dubai Millennium and looks destined for greater things. Forget JOHANN STRAUSS went around last time as he was checked and lost his left hind plate in the run. South Africa Derby winner ERTIJAAL best of the rest.