What’s the word on the ground at Meydan?
This week has seen great excitement amongst racegoers the world over.
I’ve been lucky enough to be on the ground at Meydan through the course of the week where the racing greats and greats-to-be have been put through their final workouts for the big night.
Most of the athletes have gone through their preps incredibly well, but the Japanese contingent have most definitely taken the cake this week with impeccable stand-outs.
The top 3yo Equinox – big runner for Japan (Pic – Dubai Racing Clib / Liesl King)
Starting off with the champion Equinox, the Japanese Charles Dickens if you will, being the highest rated three year old in Japan much like his South African counterpart. There has been much questioning this week as to why he is not taking his place in the World Cup but the ongoing assumption is why would he run in a race where he might get beat versus a race where is practically a shoe in to win the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Gr1.
Personally I do feel that Russian Emperor could very well run a drum in this race if his last run was anything to go on, but he might have a bit to do to beat Equinox.
The card itself is a difficult one overall but one race which is probably the easiest to work out is the opener at 13h30, the traditional Arab race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1 where it seems First Class will take the winning spoils yet again.
Japanese contender Win Carelin has shown consistency in his last two starts and deserves the win today, his work has been perfect and he has the ideal prep.
Moving onto the next race the Aidan O’Brien stablemate Broome might have his day in the sun with Ryan Moore aboard. His last start was not great and if he doesn’t find the hard going a challenge i feel he has a chance today.
Oisin Murphy might also very well find himself in the winners box with the Hugo Palmer trained Flaming Rib. Any horse that has a career second to Alcohol Free needs to be respected but an interesting runner is Al Dasim who is practically two years old. If it’s not too much for the son of Harry Angel he could be in the frame.
Going onto the UAE Derby Frankie’s global tour could see him in the winner’s enclosure with Worcester. Bob Baffert isn’t here to see the desert. Continuing with my Japanese flag bearer speech Vin De Garde might be the one to beat in the Dubai Turf?
Ending off in the Dubai World Cup, I have the world’s respect for Country Grammer and Panthalassa.
Bear in mind if Panthalassa wins he will be the highest earning horse in history but I feel draws are going to oppose these individuals. My three selections of Vela Azul, Cafe Pharoah, Geoglyph.
The first is off at 13h30.
- Report by Chase Liebenberg
