Dubai World Cup Night

R1 – G1 Godolphin Mile – 1600m(8F) – Dirt

7 North America – 6 Sharp Azteca – 8 Heavy Metal – 13 Kafuji Take

The glorious Dubai World Cup day card opens with a hotly contested edition of the Godolphin Mile. I took North America on top, the son of Dubawi who has won his four career starts in Meydan by a combined 25 lengths. He clearly favors the dirt as he was incapable of winning in his prior five starts on the turf (and one on the all-weather). He has risen rapidly in the ranks, going from breaking his maiden in November to capturing the G3 Firebreak Stakes here in his last start on February 11^th. The Godolphin Mile will be a big ask for him, but he is a horse who tends to race up front, and usually World Cup day favors the speed. Next I selected Sharp Azteca, the American-trained son of Freud who has been devilishly quick in his starts in the United States. He is undefeated at the mile distance and prepped for this race with a resounding win in the G2 Gulfstream Park Handicap, also on February 11^th. Trainer Jorge Navarro’s only other starter ever at Meydan was X Y Jet, who was barely beaten for second in the Golden Shaheen last year. Next up I selected Heavy Metal, the bin Ghadayer trained seven-year-old gelding. Like North America and Sharp Azteca, he generally does his best running up front. He was triumphant in the G3 Burj Nahaar here a couple weeks ago and looks to give his best lifetime effort on Saturday. Round out the field with Japanese invader Kafuji Take, who drew widest in gate 13. He was third in Japan’s most prestigious dirt race of the winter-spring season in his last start, the G1 February Stakes, with winner Gold Dream earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup.  He does his running coming from behind, and with three speedsters up front, if the track plays fairly the race may devolve and beg for a closer to come running late.

R2: PA - G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic – 2000m(10F) – Dirt

1 Faucon Du Loup – 8 Af Mathmoon – 5 Tm Thunder Struck – 12 Handassa

Faucon Du Loup was victorious in his last start here, the 2200m G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R2, which was held on January 26^th. He excels at longer distances and generally races in a tracking position. A Russian import, he was one of the best in his country before coming to the UAE. It seems to have taken him a few months to adjust to the new climate, but he is peaking at the right time. Af Mathmoon has been so dominant this year it is hard to select against him. He has won his last three starts with ease, and is evidently his best on the dirt. He has only ever run at this distance once before, but that was when winning this race last year by a neck. He will be quite hard to beat here. Tm Thunder Struck is my next selection, he was second to Af Mathmoon in this race last year. He has won his last two starts at Doha where he traditionally tends to race on the turf. However, he is clearly capable of getting the trip here, just a matter of if he is as good as he has been in the past (and given the G1 victory last out, I would say he is). Handassa was prize-winning a month ago in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3, and is clearly comfortable at this distance. He draws a bit outside and sits too far back to be comfortably in my top three, though he in every likelihood is capable of victory.

R3: G2 Dubai Gold Cup – 3200m(16F) – Turf

12 Heartbreak City – 3 Vazirabad – 6 Quest for More – 11 Beautiful Romance

Heartbreak City ran a phenomenal race two back to land second by a head in “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup. His owners, members of “Here for the Craic Partnership” (phenomenal name) went viral, exuberantly celebrating his runner-up effort. He is a fascinating horse, as his return to the races after that was in a hurdle race, and he is more often than not seen in hurdle events rather than on the flat. With the mount of one of the world’s best jockeys, Joao Moreira, who piloted him to his career-best second in the Melbourne Cup, he should have an excellent go of things. He will find it difficult to beat Vazirabad, who was victorious in this event last year when winning by a neck over fellow contestant Big Orange. One could argue that his form has deteriorated slightly since last year’s campaign heading into the race, but Vazirabad still ran a cracker of a prep last out when second to Beautiful Romance in the G3 Nad al Sheba. With expert Christophe Soumillon in the irons, he too should have every available chance for success. Next up I have selected Quest for More, who was last seen running a half-length behind winner and fellow Gold Cup entrant Sheikhzayedroad in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup. Prior to that Quest for More was first past the post in the G1 Prix du Cadran at Chantilly. This is his first start of the season for trainer Roger Charlton, but he tends to run well fresh. Round out the field with Beautiful Romance who won the G3 Nad al Sheba in her last start, getting the jump on Vazirabad. I believe she may have her work cut out for her here in such a competitive field, but she does carry a little less weight than the boys.

R4 – G2 UAE Derby – 1900m(9.5F) – Dirt

13 Thunder Snow – 10 Epicharis – 15 Cosmo Charlie – 12 Spirit of Valor

Thunder Snow is unquestionably the top three-year-old running in Dubai right now, romping in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas prep under Christophe Soumillon. Unfortunately for him, he drew quite wide in gate 13. Generally speaking I won’t voluntarily take a son of Helmet in a dirt race drawn in such a wide gate, but Godolphin has such a high opinion of this horse and he has the to-the-lead running style that fares well on Dubai World Cup Night. There is not much speed inside of him, though the Japanese horse sits forwardly, so you have to hope he can cut to the rail rather quickly and avoid going wide throughout. Next I have selected Epicharis, the Japanese hopeful who was a solid winner of the Hyacinth Stakes in his last start, clinching a berth to the Kentucky Derby. He is a grandson of Sunday Silence, and undefeated in his four lifetime starts. He looks to be a real solid contender and I would love to see him come to Kentucky for the Derby after this race. As disappointing as Thunder Snow’s draw is, I’m even more disappointed by that of Cosmo Charlie, a gorgeous son of Coolmore’s Stay Thirsty who was an easy winner despite the length margin of victory in his prep, the listed Al Bastakiya. Prior to that he was soundly beaten by Thunder Snow, but one must imagine that he is maturing and this distance clearly suits him more. He is another that sends to the lead, the preferable running style of the night, but he may get stuck a bit on the outside with Thunder Snow and Epicharis inside of him. I round out with Coolmore partners/Stonestreet’s Spirit of Valor, a son of War Front out of a Grindstone mare who gets his first start on the dirt here for trainer Aidan O’Brien. He was second in his last start, the G3 Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown. He is a half-brother to Street Life, a multiple stakes winner on the dirt who ran third in the G2 Peter Pan and fourth in the G1 Belmont during his career.

R5: G1 Al Quoz Sprint – 1200m(6F) – Turf

1 Amazing Kids – 6 Ertijaal – 11 Limato – 5 Jungle Cat

This year the Al Quoz Sprint will be run at six furlongs, versus its typical five furlongs of the past 6 years, which changes the dynamics of the race a bit. Last year we saw Buffering reign supreme, and we have a highly competitive field of 12 lined up for this year’s edition. Amazing Kids is a Hong Kong raider, fourth by 2.25 lengths in his last try to the very good racehorse Peniaphobia. Hong Kong has one of the most competitive turf sprinting programs in the world, and this horse has been a very honest runner at that level. His two tries on the straight in HK have resulted in two victories. I’m looking for him to spring the upset, and the mount of Joao Moreira is all the more enticing. It will be hard to beat Shadwell’s Ertijaal, who seems to be quite dominant in the domain of Meydan’s turf sprints. His last few races have all come at 200m shorter than the Al Quoz, but he has been successful at this distance in the past. He was second in this race last year by three-quarters of a length.  Limato returns to the races off a layoff, his last start being a disappointing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He’s a very competitive horse at the Group 1 level, and the Al Quoz Sprint’s slight extension in distance will help him here, as he has been in the winners’ circle six of eight tries at this distance, with two runner-up efforts.  Last year he took the G1 Prix de la Foret as well as the G1 July Cup, so we know when he is on form he is a very serious racehorse. I round out the field with Jungle Cat, who always shows up at Meydan, despite the occasional lack-luster starts in Europe. He had a nice prep into this race in a conditions event a few weeks ago, and he should put forth a solid effort here.

R6: G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen – 1200m(6f) - Dirt

10 Not Listenin’tome – 14 Mind Your Biscuits – 2 Morwaji – 1 Stallwalkin’ Dude

Tough race. The UAE dirt sprint ranks have been dreadful this year, so I had to look abroad for a winner. I selected Not Listenin’tome, the Hong Kong horse, who is 20-1 on United States morning line odds. He definitely has his work cut out for him as he has never started on the dirt before and draws wide, but if he takes to it he could be sitting pretty at a big price. I chose him over USA-based Mind Your Biscuits, who heads into the race a little over-hyped, in my humble opinion, especially given the draw he received - furthest outside in barrier 14.  Morwaji is the next pick, he runs on the front end and as I have mentioned, there is often a speed bias on World Cup night. Not an incredibly talented horse but he has drawn better than any of the invaders on the inside. Round out with Stallwalkin’ Dude who has the rail for trainer David Jacobson. A relatively consistent graded performer in the United States, he is likely better than much of the field, but I question his ability to adapt to the UAE. PS- If Reynaldo beats me, I will be so angry at myself because he ALWAYS does when I refuse to select him.

R7: G1 Dubai Turf – 1800m(9F) – Turf

1 Ribchester – 4 Decorated Knight – 2 Zarak – 9 Vivlos

I took Godolphin’s Ribchester on top here. He comes in off a layoff, last seen in October finishing second to super-horse Minding in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Prior to that he was a winner of the G1 Jacques le Marois at Deauville. He’s never run beyond a mile but the extra furlong shouldn’t hurt. Next up is Decorated Knight, a son of Galileo who won the G1 Jebel Hatta here a few weeks ago over the distance. Clearly takes to Meydan’s surface for trainer Roger Charlton. Illustrious Arc winner Zarkava’s son, Zarak, is my next choice. The Dubawi colt won the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes here in February under a confident ride by Christophe Soumillon. This has been the target for the colt, and he will likely be running in the top three. Round out with the Japanese filly Vivlos, who was fifth beaten by two lengths in the G2 Nakayama Kinen in February. She is a Group 1 winner, granted against three-year-old fillies last season, and she will be in here at big price.

R8: G1 – Longines Dubai Sheema Classic – 2410m(10F) – Turf

3 Highland Reel – 7 Postponed – 2 Jack Hobbs – 5 Prize Money

Highland Reel looks to benefit from a lack of pace in this race. He is an incredibly talented world traveler, though he could only manage fourth in this race last year. He is following the same route he took last year when he was victorious in the G1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin, though this year he was beaten in the final stages of the race to land second. He dances every dance in every country he travels to and there is no reason to doubt that he will be on his A game for Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore this weekend. Postponed had a difficult race in his prep, the G2 Dubai City of Gold, when he was mercilessly boxed in until the final strides of the race to land second as a very heavy favorite. He won this race last year, though he headed into it on a stronger campaign than he does this year. He seems to be a vulnerable favorite in such a strong renewal of the race. Next up I chose Jack Hobbs, owned by Godolphin and partners. He ran third in the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes in his last start, behind the incredibly talented duo of Almanzor and Found. He takes well to the distance, with two wins and a third from four starts, including of course a win in the G1 Irish Derby. Lightly raced and rather fragile, he runs well fresh and should put in a big effort here. Round out with Prize Money, who beat Postponed in the prep. This level of competition will be much more difficult to overcome, and it is unlikely that the favorite will face such traffic issues as he did last time.

R9: G1 Dubai World Cup – 2000m(10F) – Dirt

9 Arrogate – 5 Gun Runner – 12 Hoppertunity – 14 Mubtaahij

Impossible to go against Arrogate, who is the highest ranked horse to ever race in Dubai at 134, not to mention currently ranked the best in the world. The only way he loses is if Mike Smith jumps off him before the wire. Gun Runner is who I give the best runner-up chances to. Unfortunately he had to miss the G1 Pegasus World Cup while stuck in EHV-1 quarantine with the rest of the horses at Fair Grounds. Gun Runner was most recently a 5.75 length winner of the G3 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park. He ended last year on a high note, taking the G1 Clark Handicap with ease. He’s an incredibly talented horse, and although this may be further than his ideal distance, it likely won’t matter. His last two races have been won on the lead, and if Meydan plays as it usually does, he will be the biggest threat to Arrogate. Hoppertunity drew rather wide in gate 12, but he is a hard-knocking horse who ran well here last year when third in the Dubai World Cup. He has been training well heading into the race, and though he may not be Baffert’s big dog, he is a very honest horse. Lastly I chose Mubtaahij, who was unfortunate when drawing barrier 14. Returned to Mike de Kock’s care after a stint in the United States with Kiaran McLaughlin, he ran second for the South African in the Curlin Handicap. Second off the layoff should play well for him, if it weren’t for that draw.

Dubai World Cup Carnival - Super Saturday Selections

R1: TB – Listed – Al Bastakiya – 1900m(~9.5F) – Dirt

Somerset House – Fawree – Capezzano

Somerset House is the pick here, the son of Hard Spun won his maiden debut easily in December. Between Hard Spun and Empire Maker in his pedigree, should have no problem stretching out. Fawree, the son of Candy Ride, was a nice winner in his last start when sent to the lead, winning by a five length margin. Should put in a solid effort here for conditioner Mike de Kock. Capezzano beat Fawree in a maiden here in December, but finished third in his last start. The Candy Ride colt should get the edge, but I expect Godolphin to have two in the top three.

R2: TB – G3 – Mahab Al Shimaal – 1200M(6F) – Dirt

Reynaldothewizard – Cool Cowboy – Muarrab

Every time I pick against Reynaldo, he beats me. This time around he is coming in off a good layoff, he tends to run best fresh, and he drew well in gate five. Eleven years young? I think so. Cool Cowboy has five wins from nine starts at this distance and was a winner last out in a G3 a month ago. He should be a major player. Round out with Muarrab who drew a bit further outside than I would have liked, but has put in three consistent runner-up efforts in his last few starts, two of which to my top two selections.

R3: TB – G2 – Dubai City of Gold – 2410m(~12F) – Turf

Postponed – Prize Money – Rembrandt van Rijn

Postponed was victorious in this race last year and enters off of a similar campaign. He was fifth in his last start, the Arc, and has not run since. He should be fresh and primed for this race, and lays over the field in terms of class. Prize Money was victorious in his last start, a handicap here at Meydan over a similar distance, and should do well here. He beat Rembrandt van Rijn in that prior start, who rounds out my selections in the Dubai City of Gold, having placed in his last three efforts over a distance.

R4: TB – G3 – Burj Nahaar – 1600m(8F) - Dirt

Le Bernardin – Heavy Metal – Power Blade

Le Bernardin did not run his best in his last start but he was taken out of his usual method of tracking the leaders and had to settle for running midpack. The distance was a little further than his desired, as he has five wins from ten starts at 1600m. A quality, consistent horse. Heavy Metal was a winner in his last start, a Carnival handicap, and ran fourth in his only recent graded start. He’s had a pretty solid season finishing primarily in the top three, and should be sitting up close to the pace here, if not on the lead. Power Blade, the South Korean invader, has put in a couple solid efforts here at Meydan. Last out he was third in a group two here at a slightly longer distance, and he is 3: 1-1-1 at this distance.

R5: TB – Conditions – Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint – 1200M(6F) - Turf

The Right Man – Jungle Cat – Baccarat

The Right Man is a French invader who is a very consistent turf sprint competitor. Outside of his one flop in G1 company in July of last year, he has run almost exclusively in the top two. He has four wins and a second from five starts at this distance, and enters off a bit of a layoff having not run since November where he won a G3 at this distance.  He drew a bit outside here in gate 14 but seems to be quite classy. Next up I took Jungle Cat, who was second in his last two starts for Godolphin, including the Meydan Sprint, an event which he won last year. He suits the field well. Round out with Godolphin’s other entry, Baccarat, who won over Jungle Cat last out.

R6: TB – G1 – Al Maktoum Challenge R3 – 2000m(10F) – Dirt

Furia Cruzada – Move Up – Second Summer

A really competitive field is gathered here for Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge.  I selected Furia Cruzada on top, a Chilean import who has seen much of the world. He was a multiple Grade 1 winner on the dirt in his native country as well as in Argentina, before being sent to England.  In England he was placed in a G2 on the turf, and his first and only start in Meydan came when he won Round 2 of the Al Maktoum Challenge in February.  That was a very impressive race, he was buried on the rail in a tracking position, switched outside of the fading Long River and exploded in the stretch. I next selected Move Up, a son of Dubawi for Godolphin who will try dirt for the first time. We already know Dubawi can get a very good dirt horse, so he should take to the surface. Last out he won a G3 at Ascot over the nice Arab Spring, and prior to that took a G2 in Turkey. No stranger to travel, looks to be a lot of upside here. Round out with Second Summer who was soaring to the wire in the Al Maktoum Challenge R2 but did not get there and didn’t manage to get past Furia Cruzada in the gallop out. Still a very strong effort there. I hesitated to toss Special Fighter who was so successful at Meydan last year, but he has not run since the World Cup. Will also be interesting to see how dear Lani does, as there looks like there will be some speed for him to run into.

R7: TB – G1 – Jebel Hatta – 1800m(9F) – Turf

Promising Run – Decorated Night – Folkswood

I took Promising Run on top, who was third beaten by 3.25L in his prior start, The G3 Dubai Millenium Stakes, when drawn wide and sent to the lead. He is a couple gates closer inside today and likely will not be sending. This should set him up nicely, and he did win the G2 Al Rashidiya here upon debut. I took Decorated Knight next, the son of Galileo had a tune up over the all-weather in a listed stakes that he was victorious in last month under Andrea Atzeni. He’s a G3 winner at this distance at Leopardstown and should be competitive in this field. Round out with Folkswood, another Godolphin runner, who won his last start here, a Carnival handicap, at this distance. He likes to sit close to the pace and will be running on convincingly at the end. 

Dubai World Cup Carnival - Night Six Selections

R1 – PA – Mazrat Al Ruwayah – G2 – 1600M(8F) – Dirt

AF Mathmoon – AF Maqayes – Burning Breeze

R2 – TB – Meydan Classic Trial – Conditions – 1400M(7F) – Turf

Top Score – Daqeeq – Nobelium

Top Score put in a decent effort last out in his first dirt start, and he returns to the turf here. He hasn’t been out of the money in his past five starts and he looks to be a nicer quality horse than most others in the field. Daqeeq is South African runner for Mike de Kock who won impressively upon debut, though de Kock has admitted that his present year’s Carnival group isn’t what it has been in past years. Round out with long shot Nobelium for Boursely, the son of Sky Mesa is making his first start here.

R3 – TB – Handicap – 2000M(10F) – Dirt

Mizbah – Triple Nine – Layl

Mizbah was a runaway winner on the lead in his last start here for trainer Doug Watson. A month later he returns here, and will likely get the lead again. Triple Nine, the South Korean, had a very good run in his first start in Dubai, finishing a half-length behind Hunting Ground. He will likely put in another solid effort here. Layl drops out of graded company to contest this handicap race, running behind the likes of Frosted and Tamarkuz in his past starts. He should be good enough to hit the board here.

R4 – TB – Handicap – 1200M(6F) – Turf

Fannaan – Jamesie – Line of Reason

Fannaan ships in from England where he was second two back in a listed stakes. Lightly raced with only five starts at age five he has shown enough talent to justify running him in that listed stakes off a 17 month layoff, so perhaps he will be good enough to win here off a 4 month layoff. Next up is Jamesie, never been a big fan of this horse but he has been within three lengths of the winner in his last three starts, perhaps he can pull it together here. Line of Reason stretches out a bit here as he most recently has been running at strictly 1000m distances, he is unplaced in 6 career starts at Meydan but his luck may turn here.

R5 – TB – UAE 1000 Guineas – 1600m(8F) – Dirt

Really Special – Fursa - Complimenti

Really Special was a dominant winner last out and looks to secure another victory to bring her career record to four wins from four starts. Soumillon opts off Really Special to ride Fursa, likely due to his loyalty to trainer de Kock, though this filly is a G2 winner in South Africa. She has never started on turf but being a daughter of Hard Spun out of a Red Ransom mare, she should be fine. Complimenti rounds out my selections as she was second to Really Special in her last start, put in two solid efforts in her first two starts.

R6 – TB – Handicap – 1400M(7F) – Turf

Flash Fire – Rene Mathis - Tahanee

Flash Fire has put in two good efforts in his last two starts here at Meydan,  including a second in a G2 here in his last start over this distance to Championship. This will be almost his third start in one month so he may be a little tired, but would still be the one to beat. Rene Mathis was second in his last start to Flash Fire after an almost seventh month layoff, should be a good effort from him.  Tahanee cuts back here to 1400m, a distance she has been successful at, and drops out of graded stakes company. Gets the mount of top jock Soumillon.

R7 – TB – Handicap – 1800M(9F) – Turf

Folkswood – Classic Collection – Moonlight Dash

Folkswood was a nice second here last out, cuts back slightly, should put forth a strong effort here. Classic Collection steps up in class here off a victory at this distance. Moonlight Dash rounds out.

Dubai World Cup Carnival - Night Four Selections

R1 – Al Maktoum Challenge R2 Empowered by IPIC – G1 – 2200M(11F) – Dirt

RB So Rich – Rb Dixie Burning – Versac Py

Not the keenest of Arabian handicappers but I took RB So Rich here in an attempt to go against Versac Py. Rb So Rich likes to sit up front unlike most in this field, so perhaps that will benefit him. Next I selected Rb Dixie Burning, who is two for two at this distance and on all weather but has never run on dirt. He’s only lost twice in a nine-start career so may be a good spot for him. Round out with Versac Py who is a G1 winner on the  dirt but hasn’t won since that race back in March of 2015.

R2 – TB – Handicap – 2410m(10F) – Turf

Prize Money – Rembrandt van Rijn – Majeed

Prize Money is a solid European invader for Godolphin. He was second to Hawkbill in a G3 at Ascot this past summer and was most recently first in a field of fifteen at Doncaster. He gets the mount of Christophe Soumillon which only helps. Next up I will take Rembrandt van Rijn who was  third here in his last to Red Galileo. With the cutback in distance two furlongs I believe he will find himself near the front by the wire.  I will give Majeed the benefit of the doubt when he ran a poor tenth here last out as he was coming in off a long layoff. He has performed well in stakes company in the past and will ideally step up here.

R3 – TB – Al Rashidiya Empowered by IPIC – G2 – 1800M(9F) – Turf

Light the Lights - Promising Run – Earnshaw

Light the Lights was a winner last out here taking the Singspiel Stakes at this distance, getting up to hit the wire in front for Soumillon and de Kock. Promising Run enters for Godolphin coming over from Europe, where he may have been running a bit over her head in G1 races there. Her most recent victory was in a G3 at Veliefendi, and her most recent start was an over-ambitious run in the G1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. This class break could bode well for her. Round out with Earnshaw who was a very quick closing third in the Singspiel last out.

R4 – TB – UAE 200 Guineas Trial Empowered by NOVA, an IPIC Group Company – 1400m(7F) – Dirt

Cosmo Charlie – Best Solution – Van der Decken

Cosmo Charlie was dominant in his debut here at Meydan, and runner up Capezzano went on to flatter him by winning his next race. Top choice. Best Solution was second in his last start in the G1 Criterium de Saint Cloud, and prior to that won the G3 Dubai 100 Autumn Stakes.   Round out with Van der Decken who won his last start, his first try on dirt, convincingly over the nice Fly at Dawn. Can’t help but mention Top Score as well who is a son of Hard Spun out of a full sister to Raven’s Pass. Top class family.

R5 – TB – Cape Verdi Empowered by CESPA, an IPIC Group Company – G2 – 1600m(8F) – Turf

Very Special – Realtra – Opal Tiara

Very Special is a solid dual Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed runner who was quite successful here last year. She looks to repeat this year for Godolphin.  Realtra’s trainer Roger Varian has had ten runners at Meydan with three winners, which is to say he means business when he comes over here. This mare won a listed stakes at Deauville in her last start and was only 2.75 lengths behind Esoterique when finishing 5^th in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes. Round out with Opal Tiara who hasn’t run since finishing 7^th in a G2 at Newmarket in October. Prior to that she was a G3 winner at Goodwood. This may be a hair longer than she wants to run.

R6 – TB – Handicap – 1600M(8F) – Dirt

Heavy Metal – Tumbaga – Frankyfourfingers

Heavy Metal has put in a couple of solid runner-up performances, most recently to the highly impressive North America. This may be his opportunity. Tumbaga has only had two starts on the dirt with a second at Santa Anita, where he began his career.  He is bred to run well on the dirt and gets the mount of expert Christophe Soumillon. Frankyfourfingers has been running in stakes company for so long that it’s about time he got a break. This may be his chance as he exceeds at this distane and drops down in company for the first time in quite a while.

R7 – TB – Handicap – 1200M(6F) – Turf

Jungle Cat – Final Venture - Steady Pace

A salty turf sprint to round out the card. Jungle Cat faces a serious class drop here as he was most recently running in G1 & G2 races over in England, so this should be an easy enough victory for him and from past experience we know he likes Meydan. Final Venture was a winner here in his last race, his first try at Meydan. He should run another solid race here. Steady Pace put in a solid effort recently when running second to Final Venture, beaten a nose. 

Dubai World Cup Carnival - Night Three Selections

R1: District One Trophy – TB – Handicap – 1600m(8F) -  Dirt

Muhtaram – Secret Ambition – Bannock

Muhtaram enters off of a decent second to highly touted North America, who went on to win his next race gamely. Prior to that he had a win over this distance at Meydan and all four of his prior starts he has hit the board here. Secret Ambition was fifth beaten only three lengths in his last start, and from his only effort at the distance he has a win. Bannock started the season off well but his form has deteriorated. May be a decent spot for him here.

R2: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial – TB – Conditions – 1400m(7F) – Dirt

Really Special – Calare – Nomorerichblondes

Really Special appears to be just that, her first two starts were relatively easy wins including in a listed stakes at Newmarket last out. Dirt is always a question but she should be fine. Gets top jock Christophe Soumillon here so she will be given ever chance. Calare is a daughter of Dubawi so dirt should not be a problem, has been running consistently in stakes company with a win last out in a listed stakes at the Curragh. Finally I will round out with Nomorerichblondes who was an impressive maiden winner here upon debut but could only manage fourth against the boys in her last start. Back against the gals could help her. I feel I would be remiss not to mention Voice of Truth, yet another Godolphin starter by Dubawi, though I am taking a stand against her here.

R3: Meydan Sobha Trophy – TB – Handicap – 1000m(5F) – Turf

Harry Hurricane – Medicean Man – Line of Reason

Harry Hurricane makes his first start in the UAE here. Last out he was 13^th of1, beaten 5.25L in a G1 over the distance. However, his connections thought highly enough of him to send him into a G1 off of a series of nice handicap performances that saw him consistently in fields of over 15 horses. His trainer has trained a winner here in the past, this may be another. Medicean Man is a Meydan classic, an 11 year old gelding with 12 wins from 73 lifetime starts. He may be a little over the hill but he is still running in listed stakes back in Europe and has won three times from 13 tries here at Meydan. Line of Reason is another that is never many lengths behind the winner but just has not been hitting the board with any frequency. Still, in a lackluster race he may do it here.

R4: Meydan Sobha – TB – Handicap – 2000m(10F) – Dirt

Triple Nine – Fog of War - Hunting Ground

Triple Nine, a G1 winning Korean invader, heads the field, most recently second beaten only 1.25L in a G1 at Seoul. He is not up against much here and should do well. Fog of War enters for his first start over the dirt, up in the air about whether he will take to it but with Christophe Soumillon on board, you have to think this horse will be given every chance. Hunting Ground has been running decently enough for a while now, the son of Street Cry likes dirt hitting the board three times from six starts, and he was second in his last attempt.

R5: Al Fahidi Fort – G2 – 1400M(7F) – Turf

Noa From Goa - Championship – Flash Fire

Noa From Goa is a Grade 1 winning South African invader for trainer Mike de Kock, who was just beaten two lengths in his last start. He gets top jock Soumillon and de Kock often has them ready to go. Championship heads into the race off of a second place in the Singspiel Stakes here on January 5^th, and taken out of his usual running style by being sent to the lead. Could make a big splash here. Flash Fire was an impressive winner in his last outing, a handicap a couple weeks ago, and retains top jock William Buick.

R6: District One – TB – Handicap – 1200m(6F) -  Dirt

Main Stay – Giftorm – Seoul Bullet

Taking two Korean horses on top here starting with Main Stay, a son of Tale of the Cat coasting in off of two wins. Stands a good chance here. Next up is Giftorm, who is a consistent stakes competitor with a good record of hitting the board. Follow up with Seoul Bullet, another South Korean who makes the trek and was a close second to Main Stay last out.

R7: District One Mansions – TB – Handicap – 2000m(10F) – Turf

Huge Future – Folkswood – Rio Tigre

Huge Future for Godolphin has been running consistently well at this distance with two wins and a second from three starts. He is a lightly raced son of Shamardal who may have gone a little too far when stretching out an extra 400m in his last start, returns to ideal distance here. Second dam is a MG1W, champion three-year-old filly in England as well as Champion older mare for two consecutive years, Time Charter.  Folkswood is another Godolphin horse making his first start at Meydan, also lightly raced, second at this distance in his last start by a length. Round out with Rio Tigre who was third in his last start to upset Frenchie Golden Wood.

Dubai World Cup Carnival - Second Night Selections

R1- National Industrial Park – TB –Maiden 1600M(8F) – Dirt
Fawree – Mazeed – Bee Jersey

Fawree enters off of a huge runner up effort when losing his debut race to Godolphin’s Cappezano. The Candy Ride colt was fast closing for second, and with the added distance here should come out on top for coniditioner Mike de Kock. Stablemate Mazeed has hit the board in his last two starts, both to impressive winners in Cosmo Charlie and Somerset House. He definitely needs to up his game here but should run well. Bee Jersey is a well bred son of Jersey Town for Charles Fipke who disappointed me in his initial start last out. Hopefully with some experience behind him now he won’t fade as poorly on the lead.

R2 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal – TB – Handicap – 2810M(14F) - Turf
Curbyourenthusiasm - Red Galileo – Carbon Dating

Curbyourenthusiasm is a European invader for David Simcock, with Jamie Spencer at the helm. He is the only horse in the field who has ever really fared well at this distance before, and there must be a reason Simcock sent him over.  Red Galileo ships over to Dubai as a six year old Godolphin trainee. He has run in a series of listed and Group 3 races, never too far back but not necessarily hitting the board. Today’s distance is a bit further than his usual but with the addition of Galileo in the pedigree I don’t doubt he is capable. With Christophe Soumillon getting the mount, this gelding could easily find himself in the winner’s circle. Carbon Dating ran a bang up race last out when losing by a short head to French invader Golden Wood, and although this is a short amount of time to turn him back in, chances are he hits the board.

R3 – JAFZA – TB – Handicap – 2000M(10F) – Turf
Brabbham – Ostaad – New Strategy

A rather uninspiring field has led me to select Brabbham, a brother of Havre de Grace, as the top choice. He is the only horse heading into the race in good form, off of a third and a win. He has never tried dirt but could adjust accordingly. Ostaad has a win and a second from three starts over the turf, although he has not run on it in quite a while. A switch back to the surface could improve his form here. Round out with New Strategy, who has been soundly beaten in his past few starts, but faces unchallenging competition.

R4 – Mina Hamriya – TB – Handicap – 16000M(8F) – Dirt
North America – Wildcat Red – Power Blade

North America has been absolutely dominant in his last two starts, winning by eight lengths or more in each. He sends to the lead and just does not look back. Heading into the race in top form, I would hesitate and say he is due for a bounce, but he may not be. Wildcat Red is a recent import, though he has had almost a year off since finishing seventh in the G3 Fred W. Hooper S. at Gulfstream Park. He has been a solid enough sprinter in the United States, so chances are if he is primed, he will put in a big effort here. Power Blade, a top Korean competitor, tries Dubai for the first time. Though he has won at this distance before, he usually stretches out a bit further. However, he has won a local G2 at this level in his home land, and he is also a Group 1 winner over there.

R5 – Mina Rashid – TB – Handicap – 1600M(8F) – Turf
Tahanee – Fanciful Angel – Belgian Bill

Tahanee is a G3W import from South America for trainer Mike de Kock. Though I’m not usually high on South American form, I’ll give this daughter of Stormy Atlantic a shot. With Christophe Soumillon at the helm she will get every available assist. Fanciful Angel returns to Dubai, where he was last seen running seventh but beaten only 4.5L in the G2 Zabeel Mile. Prior to that he won a good handicap at the Carnival, and he enters off lesser European form this year. Belgian Bill also returns, and every time I fail to use him he beats me. Last out he won a local Turkish G2 race, the good old nine-year-old world traveler.

R6 – Dubawi Stakes – TB – Listed – 12000M(6F) – Dirt
Muarrab – Moviesta – Wild Dude

Muarrab made his seasonal debut mid-December, and he probably needed that start. Last year’s G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner faces a tough field here, but past form may prevail. Moviesta tries dirt for the first time in his career at seven-years-old, though as a son of Hard Spun out of an AP Indy mare he should take easily to it. He was second in a listed stakes in October, and he returns to Dubai after one subpar start here two years ago. Wild Dude, the G1W sprinter from the United States, makes his first start in Meydan in the listed Dubawi Stakes.  He enters off a bit of a layoff, running ninth in his first start abroad last out. I will be intrigued to see if he bounces into form here.  I can’t get through this race without mentioning Reynaldothewizard, who is now 11 years old and still contesting stakes company. He may be a bit past his prime, or he may very well beat me here. He is a hard knocking, consistent horse who is lightly raced considering his age.

R7 – Jebel Ali Port – TB – Handicap – 1200M(6F) – Turf
Gordon Lord Byron – Sole Power – Roicead

Gordon Lord Byron is my favorite poet,  and his racehorse namesake is a hard knocking world traveler. The nine-year-old gelding unfortunately withdrew from his attempted first start here last week but he returns now to a salty, big field of horses. He has been off form recently but at this distance with his back class he is still a major threat. Sole Power invades from Europe and while I should probably have selected him on top, from 11 career starts at Meydan he has only managed one win. Still, he will be right there at the wire. Roicead enters off a long, long layoff, but has had solid Meydan form in the past.

R8 – Mina Rashid Marina – TB – Handicap – 2000M(10F) – Turf
Majeed – Sanshaawes – Master the World

Majeed, another world traveler, was fourth in his last start at Woodbine in the G1 Northern dancer Turf S., and prior to that he was second in a listed race and third in the G3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood. If it weren’t for his poor form in Meydan last year I would have more faith in this selection. Sanshaawes, a Mike de Kock classic, was fourth in his seasonal debut just a week ago. He probably needed the start and if his conditioner is content enough to put him right back in, I have faith, especially with Soumi on deck. Master the World has been continuously hitting the board in his last three starts, two of which were listed, and he has hit the board in four of six starts at this distance.

Dubai World Cup Carnival - First Night Selections

R1: Al Maktoum Challenge – PA – G1 – 1600m(8F) – Dirt

Shateh – AF Mathmoon  - RB Burn

Pretty unoriginal selections here. Shateh comes in to the race off a two race win streak. Running style is send to the lead and see if anyone can catch him – last out he won the G2 Bani Yas by 5.75 lengths over Af Mathmoon, who won this race last year but has tailed off a little in recent form.  Despite that he is still superior to the majority of the field. Worrisome that his jockey is 0 wins from 47 starts at Meydan. Round out with RB Burn, who comes in off a G1 victory in Abu Dhabi, his first and only start on dirt.

R2: Longines La Grande Classique – TB – Handicap – 2410(~12F) – Turf

Desert God – Rio Tigre – Carbon Dating

Desert God, India’s champion, comes in off of a nine race win streak. It is not often that Indian-bred and raced horses are seen outside of their home country, but Desert God is a worthy adversary to the international field gathered here. With his electric turn of foot and absolute dominance (his last victory a 7.75L demolition of an Indian G1 field) he looks to transfer his form to Dubai, and there is a high likelihood he may do just that. Rio Tigre hasn’t raced since last year’s Carnival, but he cuts back in distance here and will potentially relish the shortening up. Carbon Dating enters off back to back victories at Abu Dhabi. His connections obviously had high hopes for him in the past as he raced in G1 company against the likes of Golden Horn and Gleneagles, but they never came to fruition as he remained a maiden until last year. He seems to be getting better with age however and retains jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who piloted him to his last two victories.

R3: Longines Passion in Equestrian – TB – Handicap – 1900M(~9.5F) – Dirt

Storm Belt – Saltarin Dubai – Sharpalo

Storm Belt demolished the field in his last start, The Entisar Stakes, for trainer Doug Watson. Watson has been on fire recently at Meydan. Saltarin Dubai, a new de Kock trainee recently purchased privately by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, makes his first start in Dubai. He has not run since his victory in the G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Classic at Palermo in Argentina, which is the Argentinian equivalent of the Breeders’ Cup. He now has four wins from six starts and is piloted by top international jock Christophe Soumillon. Sharpalo has placed in his last four starts, including a victory, and he has a win from this distance.

R4: Longines Master Collection – TB – Handicap – 1000M(~5F) – Turf

Ertijaal – Caspian Prince – Spirit Quartz

Ertijaal hasn’t run since last year’s carnival, where he rode a four race win streak prior to finishing second by three-quarters of a length to Buffering in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint. If he duplicates last year’s form he will be incredibly difficult to beat in this spot. He has Jim Crowley in the irons, winless from 47 starts in Dubai, so that is a slight question mark, but he still looks to be a solid runner for Godolphin. Caspian Prince, the eight year old seasoned veteran, is back at Meydan to try his luck again as he did in 2016 and 2015. Prior to his last start he strung together three consecutive victorious going the distance, including in a listed stakes at Dundalk, albeit on the all weather surface. He is a hard knocker who likes to send to the lead. Spirit Quartz, a nine year old gelding, hasn’t run at Meydan since 2013, but returns as a more seasoned horse four years later to try again. With a first and second from his last two starts in France in lesser company than his usual stakes performances, he seems to be competitive here, and gets the bug jockey Julian Resimont for a weight break.

R5: Al Maktoum Challenge R1 – TB – G2 – 1600M(8F) – Dirt

Fitzgerald – Emotionless – Polar River

Round One of the Al Maktoum Challenge brings about a crew of old faces and a couple new ones.  I selected Fitzgerald in this race, who won his last start, The Dubai Creek Mile, a listed stakes, easily by 5.25L. Next up is Emotionless, the Charlie Appleby trainee for Godolphin who is reportedly taking well to dirt. He has been performing in Group company over in England, albeit he has not won or placed since his last victory in September of 2015 at Doncaster, where he won the G2 Champagne Stakes. His dam, Unbridled Elaine, won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, so his pedigree suggests that he should have an affinity for dirt. Round out with Polar River who was a little off form on her return to the races in her last start but is set up to rebound here.

R6: Singspiel Stakes – TB – 1800M(9F) – Turf

Championship – Light the Lights – Silent Attack

I took Championship on top here as he came out of his last start, a listed stakes, with a victory. He has not run at this distance yet but I think he will likely manage. Retains the mount of Colm O’Donoghue. Wins on turf one-third of the time. Light the Lights is next up, a South African trainee for de Kock/Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who was last seen running fourth in a G1 in South Africa almost a year ago. Has a win at this distance. Silent Attack rounds out the selections, a Group placed son of Dream Ahead.

R7: Longines Dolce Vita – TB – 1400M(7F) – Turf

American Hope – Arcanada - Ghaamer

I took American Hope here. He won last out against Championship who came back to win a listed stakes. He has been running well in Meydan and gets Christophe Soumillon, one of the best, to pilot him. Arcanada is a decent sprinter with two wins and a third from four starts at this distance. Ghammer drops down out of stakes company here which should help him. Won a listed stakes earlier this year then found higher competition to be too tough. Needs this break in class.