Below are our top selections for racing at Jebel Ali on Friday, where the AED 500,000 Jebel Ali Mile (Listed) goes as a strong feature. For more tips, visit the Tipster page at ComeRacingUAE.com.
| Jebel Ali – January 27 | ||
| Race | # | Horse |
| 1 | 15 | Shadan |
| 2 | 9 | Paschendale |
| 3 | 7 | He’sminenotyours |
| 4 | 2 | Line of Sight |
| 5 | 8 | Kilt Rock |
| 6 | 13 | Dubai Set |
| 7 | 12 | Dahes |
2011-2012 UAE season-to-date: 190 selections – 43 first, 35 second, 18 third (23% first, 51% top three)
| Pat Cummings Picks | Nick Tammaro Picks | ||||
| Race 1 | 1st | 4 – Internationaldebut | Race 1 | 1st | 11 – The Reaper*** |
| 2nd | 3 – Ariete Arrollador | 2nd | 4 – Internationaldebut | ||
| 3rd | 11 – The Reaper | 3rd | 9 – Krypton Factor | ||
| Race 2 | 1st | 2 – Spectacle Du Mars | Race 2 | 1st | 3 – Barbecue Eddie |
| 2nd | 1 – African Story | 2nd | 1 – African Story | ||
| 3rd | 3 – Barbecue Eddie | 3rd | 4 – Escape Route | ||
| Race 3 | 1st | 9 – Swop | Race 3 | 1st | 8 – Albaasil |
| 2nd | 6 – Dark Matter | 2nd | 2 – Otaared | ||
| 3rd | 8 – Albaasil | 3rd | 6 – Dark Matter | ||
| Race 4 | 1st | 3 – Sarrsar*** | Race 4 | 1st | 4 – Rochdale |
| 2nd | 1 – Capponi | 2nd | 3 – Sarrsar | ||
| 3rd | 14 – Ibn Al Nafis | 3rd | 1 – Capponi | ||
| Race 5 | 1st | 7 – Musir | Race 5 | 1st | 4 – Rajsaman |
| 2nd | 6 – Presvis | 2nd | 7 – Musir | ||
| 3rd | 8 – Win For Sure | 3rd | 6 – Presvis | ||
| Race 6 | 1st | 3 – Rostrum | Race 6 | 1st | 8 – Al Shemali |
| 2nd | 6 – Firebet | 2nd | 5 – Summit Surge | ||
| 3rd | 4 – Fallen Idol | 3rd | 4 – Fallen Idol | ||
| Pat Cummings – 33 DWCC Selections: 5 first, 8 second, 2 third | |||||
| Nick Tammaro – 33 DWCC Selections: 7 first, 5 second, 3 third | |||||
| ***BEST BET*** | |||||
| At Meydan? Our On-Course Pick 6 Competition Suggestions | |||||
| Race 1 – #4 Internationaldebut | |||||
| Race 2 – #1 African Story | |||||
| Race 3 – #6 Dark Matter | |||||
| Race 4 – #3 Sarrsar | |||||
| Race 5 – #7 Musir | |||||
| Race 6 – #3 Rostrum | |||||
| ***Pick 6 is a free contest offered on course at Meydan | |||||
| Top selections in pick 6 could vary from analysis due to value proposition | |||||
The sixth night of the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival brings us a six-race meeting, headlined by the $200,000 Al Rashidiya (G2). Below is our analysis of the card.
Click HERE for the FORM GUIDE from Emirates Racing Authority
Click HERE for US-Style past performances, courtesy of AmWest Entertainment
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Race 1 – $110,000 Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Handicap (Rated 95-105)
1,200 metres – Tapeta
Now third off the layoff, we will have to go back to the well with #4 INTERNATIONALDEBUT. He’s found trouble in running on two occasions when behind Addictive Dream, and might, believe it or not, find the Tapeta a bit more to his liking in terms of the trip. He reeled off three consecutive all-weather wins at Lingfield in 2008 over a three week span, and before that, had a win at Wolverhampton. He can get over the strip, and you have to think he has gone over the surface well in the morning to get a consideration here given how well he ran on the turf. It would be a no-brainer to go back to the grass, so we actually see this as an encouraging move that he remains in good form.
#3 ARIETE ARROLLADOR was surprisingly dismissed internationally and has every chance to go a bit better than his first up effort. He’ll get a similar trip under Mirco Demuro as last time, and without Barbecue Eddie, he’s right there at the Carnival’s third meeting.
#11 THE REAPER made 11 starts in 2011, the first of which was his only win, coming on all-weather at Dundalk. Two starts before that, he broke his maiden over the same course. He’s incredibly consistent, but his lack of nose for the wire causes some concern. The son of Footstepsinthesand didn’t get the best of trips last time, coming out of the same race as Internationaldebut, but acquitted himself well and should come on for that run to be competitive here.
1st – #4 INTERNATIONALDEBUT, 2nd – #3 ARIETE ARROLLADOR, 3rd – #11 THE REAPER
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Race 2 – $120,000 Dubai Duty Free Foundation Handicap (Rated 100-110)
1,400 metres – Tapeta
The presence of #6 AS DE TREBOL makes you think the repeat for #3 BARBECUE EDDIE is unlikely, and it also seems to compromise #9 CAPTAIN RAMIUS as the pace figures to be a hot one.
#2 SPECTACLE DU MARS seems as good as any in here, but mostly because he will sit off the pace. He has wins over 1300 and 1500, even though his most recent races are over shorter. The 5-from-10 record for the all-weather is encouraging, and he has run well when fresh in the past. He’s a real trier, making his 31st start to begin his five-year-old campaign, and this trainer/jockey combo has been successful here before. He does have a win over #1 AFRICAN STORY, the other logical pick for us. This top Godolphin entry holds an all-weather win over 1500 metres at Deauville, and mixing in company with Sahpresa and Zinabaa puts him as one of the flashier forms in the race. There is no reason to think he might not go turfing at some point and would be hard to figure him not being involved at the end.
1st – #2 SPECTACLE DU MARS, 2nd – #1 AFRICAN STORY, 3rd – #3 BARBECUE EDDIE
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Race 3 – $175,000 Dubai Duty Free Handicap (Rated 100+)
1,400 metres – Turf
#8 ALBAASIL was a horse we tipped in our preseason preview, the 2012 Dubai Racing Comprehensive, and catches a tough bunch here. We are inclined to wait on him and see what happens before going crazy with support. There aren’t a ton of runners in here, but enough to make you think he’ll need to be really special to get the job done.
How about #1 DARK MATTER showing up here? He could easily wait for the UAE 2,000 Guineas, but instead is entered for 1,400 on the grass. You almost think that Steven Burrdige realizes that the colt by Stratum is likely to go better while sprinting as opposed to the stretch out to a mile or more, which is what the top 3-year-old races will do. He got an absolutely dream trip and now faces older, much more experienced runners. Drawn on the inside, he is likely to get another good trip, but you just have to wonder when the Singapore luck train stops.
#2 TIME PRISONER overcame gate 14 last time to win in a nice way, and there were some hard luck stories behind him. The 10th place finisher, Iguazu Falls, came back to win last week, while the sixth place finisher was third on Saturday. You’ll note in his running line that he rarely puts top efforts together, most recently winning, but prior to that, in and through last year, showing a series of non-placings around his wins. It’s tough to support a horse like that.
We backed #9 SWOP when he was a winner at Nad Al Sheba, and guess what, he hasn’t won since. Call us crazy, but we are going back to the well with him. The weights are in his favour, and he has run well on grass here, getting weight. That last race left something to be desired, but you have to think he needed it in some respect. He’s improved off bad efforts in the past, and the handicapper might have the old guy in the right spot. We acknowledge we are taking a chance, but the short price on Time Prisoner is of no interest, and #1 SILVERSIDE will ensure a strong gallop to run at – enough to make us think a form reversal is possible.
1st – #9 SWOP, 2nd – #1 DARK MATTER, 3rd – #8 ALBAASIL
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Race 4 – $110,000 Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap (Rated 95-105)
1,900 metres – Tapeta
How could you pick against #3 SARRSAR here? He’s unbeaten on all-weather, is a course/distance/Carnival winner, and still not terribly handicapped. He had every reason to not run on in the opener of the Carnival when a dawdling pace and still did it. This time, the son of Shamardal might actually do it more impressively. He’s our strong selection.
Everyone has waited for #14 IBN AL NAFIS to come on a bit better. He had some trouble at Jebel Ali last time, but no one was going to catch front-running sensation Treble Jig in the Jebel Ali Stakes (Listed). He has some great breeding, and gets some favourable weight treatment here. An improvement for a placing is not out of question in his first start on Tapeta.
#1 CAPPONI almost got away with a heist last time and you figure he has to go forward again, except, #7 JEDI is going to be there as well, and #8 MARAHEB is possible for early pace.
1st – #3 SARRSAR, 2nd – #1 CAPPONI, 3rd – #14 IBN AL NAFIS
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Race 5 – $200,000 Al Rashidiya sponsored by Dubai Duty Free (G2)
1,800 metres – Turf
#6 PRESVIS won this race last year, prepared in the same fashion by Luca Cumani, and off a long layoff. A year ago, here is what we said about Presvis returning in this spot.
“As for the other top contender, Presvis worked himself into shape at last year’s Carnival and it is tough for us to think he wouldn’t be doing the same. Run incredibly well in this race, or progress on to the bigger and wealthier pots? For Presvis to be in to form right now is beyond logical. Let’s look elsewhere.”
The same thought process might creep in here, but Presvis bucked that trend, ran on to win by almost five lengths, and came back two starts later to take the 2011 Dubai Duty Free (G1). So – what happens here? There is a significant difference between this year’s race and last year’s in there is a tremendously in form #7 MUSIR. Presvis was a standout in class over last year’s field but we doubted him because of a perceived need to get a race under his belt. Musir has had one, and it was wholeheartedly impressive, and without much need for an overwhelming exertion.
There isn’t a ton of pace in this race, and that should certainly hurt some of the chances for Presvis, not to mention, he’s eight, now. We pick Musir in this spot. His win at Veliefendi over a mile was surely enough to impress us, and the leg-stretcher in the Maktoum Challenge was awesome. He’s the in-form horse who is likely to get a better setup here than Presvis.
#8 WIN FOR SURE was our opinion of a possible Dubai World Cup longshot last year when he ran a good fourth in the Maktoum Challenge – R3 (G2). He was put away for what seems a campaign to get on the road to the Dubai Duty Free or Dubai Sheema Classic. #4 RAJSAMAN was decent in the Hong Kong Mile (G1) last out, and before that, had a rousing win on Arc weekend. He’s certainly in with a shout.
1st – #7 MUSIR, 2nd – #6 PRESVIS, 3rd – #8 WIN FOR SURE
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Race 6 – $150,000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship Handicap (Rated 95+)
2,000 metres – Turf
***UPDATE***Please note #1 VISCOUNT NELSON is a non-runner in this race and was our original selection
#6 FIREBET was 1-2 on the international tote when he was second beaten a neck on 19 February 2010 when beaten a neck by Al Shemali, who would go on to win the Dubai Duty Free. He lost a TON of ground on that occasion, reported by Trakus as 18 metres more than Al Shemali on that day, the most of any horse in the field. He was owned by Godolphin then and is now owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s son, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. This horse was less than two lengths away from the great Harbinger in Group 3 company at Goodwood. But ALL of this work was before March 2010, and it’s now late January 2012…of course he probably needs a run, but there could be some pace to run at here for him to grab a piece.
#4 FALLEN IDOL used to be with John Gosden and last time out was a 2.25 lengths behind Godolphin’s Hunter’s Light in the listed Tanqueray Stakes at Goodwood. Three horses came out of that race to win next time, including Hunter’s Light, in a listed race at Lingfield, along with third placer Mirror Lake (in a listed race at Doncaster) and the fourth home, Distant Memories (in a novice hurdle). That being said, some of his other performances haven’t been franked well, and they are rather hit and miss. He’s a tough proposition to back with any overwhelming support, and he’s likely to be a favourite.
#10 QUICK WIT should have been more prominent last time but wasn’t, as he’s almost always well into stride and throws in his best, but just never got involved. He arguably may have needed a race but it’s difficult to ignore how much better his form is on the grass compared to the all-weather. He’s an enigma in here and we wouldn’t be surprised by any result.
How about the other Godolphin runner, Mickael Barzalona’s mount #3 ROSTRUM? We aren’t strong on anyone else in this race and since we think Firebet will need it, this guy seems the next best alternative with a likely decent price. Rostrum surely needed that last race, and traveled six metres more than the winner based on the Trakus data, which equates to roughly 2.3 of the 3 lengths in the final margin. He might look like a miler on paper, but that run he made last time suggests more ground is well within his reach. A tenuous selection in a tough race, made tougher with the defection of Viscount Nelson.
Oh, and for the record, we’ll have a small flyer on #9 MORAN GRA just in case he finds that occasional top form we tipped him for last week.
1st – #3 ROSTRUM, 2nd – #6 FIREBET, 3rd – #4 FALLEN IDOL
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2011-2012 UAE season-to-date: 184 selections – 42 first, 34 second, 18 third (23% winners, 51% top three)
The free entry period for the 2012 Dubai World Cup programme closed on Wednesday, and the full list of nominations was released today. CLICK HERE to access the list from the Dubai Racing Club.
Singapore.
Steven Burridge.
That is all.
What a run, eh? The prime story to emerge from the fourth and fifth meetings of the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival starts and stops with the Singapore invasion from trainer Steven Burridge. Bringing four horses to Dubai for the Carnival, he’s recorded three consecutive wins, and all reports indicated his first horse to run, Apache Crown, was really just a throw-in to the entire proceedings. That being said, Apache Crown, under a ride a long way out in a 1000-metre turf race a week ago, stayed on for a highly-credible fourth behind repeat winner Addictive Dream.
Captain Obvious (pictured below, grey, first), under Oscar Chavez, dispatched a quality field of sprinters en route to trainer Steven Burridge’s second winner of the season. The race was full of hard luck stories, most especially for our selection, Alo Pura, who got absolutely no room to run under William Buick. The Singapore train continued on Saturday when Ip Man (pictured below, second) landed the featured event, lowering the course record by more than .30 seconds. As reported last week, several more raiders from Singapore are expected for later in the Carnival.
As always, all pictures courtesy EERC/Cedric Lane – to purchase these and more, email UAERacingPictures @ gmail . com.
Ip Man’s course record was not the only new mark set as Bawadi (pictured below, left, red and white) lowered the bar for horses racing over 1,900 metres after a strange series of events. The stewards’ report from the Emirates Racing Authority covered the situation.
“After being loaded into the starting gates, BAWADI (USA) (P Cosgrave) got its hind leg caught on the gate. BAWADI (USA) was removed from the starting gates, examined by the ERA Veterinary Officer and passed fit to start. After BAWADI (USA) was reloaded into the starting gates, it again got its hind leg caught in the gate and was again removed and examined by the ERA Veterinary Officer. At this time there was some confusion as to whether BAWADI (USA) was passed fit to start, and there was a level of breakdown in communications between the ERA Veterinary Officer and Assistant Starter and Starter, whereby announcements were made oncourse that the horse was scratched. However, it was ultimately determined that the BAWADI (USA) was passed fit to start, and the horse took its place in the field.”
The Trakus data, available HERE on the Dubai Racing Club website, was a major help in identifying Bawadi as a contender in this race. We revised our analysis when he drew in off the reserves list, and proved his mettle based off the helpful data. Bawadi traveled 23 metres more than winner Radegund Abbey in his last race, losing by only 2.75 lengths. 23 meters translated to almost nine lengths of extra ground. While Bawadi hadn’t won since 2009 at Kempton, the last race performance showed he was coming around and with a better trip, was a massive chance. He was dismissed at 30-1 on the international tote, and 16-1 on the UK markets. Bawadi’s last race was the same as Street Act, who rebounded to win after having recorded 29 metres of extra ground compared to Radegund Abbey. This data is POWERFUL, and the on-course tipping competition player, or international punter, should be advised.
The revelation of the weekend was Prince Bishop (below), who aired over 2,000 metres without ever being extended by Frankie Dettori, and emerged as a significant Dubai World Cup candidate. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor identified that he is likely for one of the remaining editions of the Maktoum Challenge, and could improve from there. He is now unbeaten two-from two since being gelded.
First City was declared by Mike deKock as the top threat to Mahbooba in the Cape Verdi (G2), and that position was fully confirmed in the final strides when Royston Ffrench drove her to nip Christophe Soumillon’s mount. As soon as Mahbooba was positioned in front, one could immediately get a sense that this was not her ideal position. Trained by Ali Al Raihe, First City rallied home on the outside and should be positioned to move forward with quality in the Balanchine.
Racing resumes on Thursday with six races scheduled at Meydan, and seven races at Jebel Ali on Friday.
The president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has purchased former Willie Haggas-trainee Green Destiny, with the aim being the 2012 Dubai World Cup, the Racing Post reported today. Herman Brown, Kadyrov’s Dubai-based, South African trainer, has confirmed the purchase. Kadyrov also owns Gitano Hernando, the winner of the 2011 Singapore Airlines International Cup, and a two-time runner in the Dubai World Cup. CLICK HERE for the full story.
| Pat Cummings Picks | Nick Tammaro Picks | ||||
| Race 1 | 1st | 1 – Daboos | Race 1 | 1st | 9 – Enjoy Today |
| 2nd | 14 – Rutland Boy | 2nd | 1 – Daboos | ||
| 3rd | 9 – Enjoy Today | 3rd | 2 – Ektibaas | ||
| Race 2 | 1st | 14 – Tahaamah*** | Race 2 | 1st | 5 – Sharaayeen |
| 2nd | 3 – Zain Shamardal | 2nd | 11 – Radegund Abbey | ||
| 3rd | 11 – Radegund Abbey | 3rd | 3 – Zain Shamardal | ||
| Race 3 | 1st | 7 – Uptown Guy | Race 3 | 1st | 8 – Street Act |
| 2nd | 15 – Bawadi | 2nd | 9 – Profondo Rosso | ||
| 3rd | 9 – Profondo Rosso | 3rd | 2 – Furnace | ||
| Race 4 | 1st | 11 – Metropolitain Miss | Race 4 | 1st | 2 – Layali Al Andalus |
| 2nd | 6 – Azameera | 2nd | 1 – Clasp | ||
| 3rd | 1 – Clasp | 3rd | 4 – Antinori | ||
| Race 5 | 1st | 5 – Burdlaz | Race 5 | 1st | 1 – Prince D’Alienor |
| 2nd | 6 – Krypton Factor | 2nd | 6 – Krypton Factor | ||
| 3rd | 12 – Spirit of Sharjah | 3rd | 10 – Firestreak | ||
| Race 6 | 1st | 6 – Global City | Race 6 | 1st | 5 – Bridgefield*** |
| 2nd | 9 – Zabarajad | 2nd | 2 – Il Grande Maurizio | ||
| 3rd | 5 – Bridgefield | 3rd | 3 – Russian Rock | ||
| Pat Cummings – 27 DWCC Selections: 5 first, 6 second, 2 third | |||||
| Nick Tammaro – 27 DWCC Selections: 7 first, 5 second, 2 third | |||||
| ***BEST BET*** | |||||
| At Meydan? Our On-Course Pick 6 Competition Suggestions | |||||
| Race 1 – #1 Daboos | |||||
| Race 2 – #14 Tahaamah | |||||
| Race 3 – #15 Bawadi | |||||
| Race 4 – #11 Metropolitain Miss | |||||
| Race 5 – #5 Burdlaz | |||||
| Race 6 – #6 Global City | |||||
| ***Pick 6 is a free contest offered on course at Meydan | |||||
| Top selections in pick 6 could vary from analysis | |||||
Michael Freedman, already planning to send Better Be The One and Cash Luck to the Dubai World Cup Carnival, will now add Always Certain and The Comedian to the list after strong performances on Friday. Michael Lee has the full story from Kranji.
Steven Burridge, an Aussie native training in Singapore for some time, has had two wins from his three starters at the lucrative Carnival (Dark Matter, Captain Obvious), the first such wins for Singapore. The island nation did claim their first Dubai World Cup programme win with Rocket Man in March, annexing the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). Ip Man runs at Saturday’s meeting, the fourth of Burridge’s contingent.
As only the last race of the day is considered a true Carnival race, the overall analysis for Saturday’s races is truncated compared to a full Carnival meeting. Still, it makes it no easier as there are full fields all over the place on Saturday.
CLICK HERE for the Form Guide from the Emirates Racing Authority
CLICK HERE for US-style past performances courtesy of AmWest Entertainment
Race 1 – $20,000 SMKA-MK by Honeywell Handicap (Rated 60-80)
1,400 metres – Tapeta
Doug Watson will have a shout from his three entries in this race. #1 DABOOS is definitely bred for dirt, with some incredibly strong American blood in his veins. This will be his third start off the shelf and we considered it a failure when not better identifying his chances when first up on the dirt with that strong breeding when he won at Jebel Ali. The problem is that Mutjammel was a huge longshot to beat him in his last race, a result no one could have predicted. Now, maybe you could argue the hill was getting to Daboos on that occasion as the steep run-in could have dulled his kick, but he has to have a big chance here, and his second was also run over a rather fast time.
#14 RUTLAND BOY ran a good eight metres more than Lord Tiger in that last race according to the Trakus statistics, closing fast and late in his first start since July, enough to think he could definitely be competitive in here as the light weight. Without much guess, he is arguably the barn’s third choice as Jamie Spencer rides here. Given how #9 ENJOY TODAY improved from his first local start through to his win, some more improvement here puts him in the final frame.
1st – #1 DABOOS, 2nd – #14 RUTLAND BOY, 3rd – #9 ENJOY TODAY
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Race 2 – $25,000 Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Handicap (Rated 80-95)
2,200 metres – Tapeta
This race should stop and start with #14 TAHAAMAH. We loved him when entered two weeks ago, but he flipped in the saddling paddock and left a rather dejected Frankie Dettori, who seemed incredibly frustrated that the likely heavy favourite was a late scratching. This is the first Godolphin horse in memory that doesn’t qualify for the big ticket Carnival races to get a try amongst the lower-rated challengers, and as my good friend Justin Byrne of the EERC says – this is all part of the plan. There are some decent horses in this field, but with a good draw in three, he is the pick of the night, only further boosted by the weight break.
#3 ZAIN SHAMARDAL got a wide run last time and flattened in much better company, the drop helps, but the five added kilos are a concern. #11 RADEGUND ABBEY got a dream trip last time to win, and loses four kilos after running as the high weight.
1st – #14 TAHAAMAH, 2nd – #3 ZAIN SHAMARDAL, 3rd – #11 RADEGUND ABBEY
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Race 3 – $20,000 Swaidan Trading Company Peugeot Handicap (Rated 60-85)
1,900 metres – Tapeta
#7 UPTOWN GUY was our tip when he ran last time and gets it again. The barn is in cracking form and thought he would really need one, and he should have gotten a lot out of that effort. He caught a wide trip in that last race after missing the break and getting the rush. He traveled 12 metres more than winner #2 FURNACE, and if you envision a cleaner trip and some ground saving, which seems possible with some speed around him, he should settle and come on for the run.
#9 PROFONDO ROSSO could have missed his chance last time when running on to be second behind Street Act, who we thought was the likeliest winner in his last race. #1 PASCHENDALE seemed a terrible favourite when first up, but he ran well and was closing late. Clearly he needs more ground and gets it in this spot. Unfortunately, he’s likely to run the MOST ground as he’s drawn widest with the shorter run to the first turn, which could compromise some of his chances. James Doyle will have to ride with patience, as this guy is often known to appreciate.
***Updated – Note that #15 BAWADI draws into this race and had a very wide trip last time when running over today’s trip. He was competitive until the very end, has the weights in favour, and traveled an astounding 23 metres more than Radegund Abbey, who goes in the second race. Street Act, who suffered a similar wide draw out of that race, came back to win when covering a much better trip on January 6.
1st – #7 UPTOWN GUY, 2nd – #15 BAWADI, 3rd – #9 PROFONDO ROSSO
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Race 4 – $20,000 Swaidan Trading Company VDL Handicap (Rated 75-95)
1,600 metres – Tapeta
So – as much as we appreciate the great season the EERC is having, can we really see #1 CLASP, at the ripe old age of ten, win consecutive races? All of the EERC horses are in the most cracking of form, and we really can’t think of another time when one owner has had two horses reel off consecutive four race winning streaks at the same time…these guys have, with Kilt Rock at Jebel Ali going four on the bounce, and Karma Chameleon doing the same in the UK. We just can’t support him doing it again, when it took so long for him to get that last win (February 2009 at Nad Al Sheba).
#6 AZAMEERA was held up in running last time and comes back with some more ground to get, and hopefully a smoother trip. She covered 10 metres more than winner, and stablemate, Capital Attraction, and gets some class relief. She seems the type that could improve for an all female quinella.
The pick is #11 METROPOLITAIN MISS, who made eight starts last season from April to October, recording a pair of wins including one over all-weather at Kempton when making her debut. That was a great run when racing with prominence, and at that point, for Mick Channon. Now with Ali Al Raihe, she’s surely going to have had her work put in, and has some form franking behind her grass starts. That race at Musselburgh two back had two next out winners, and one of them, third home Blue Moon, came back to win twice on all-weather at Dundalk and Wolverhampton. She’s a fresh face and should get a decent trip drawn inside.
1st – #11 METROPOLITAIN MISS, 2nd – #6 AZAMEERA, 3rd – #1 CLASP
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Race 5 – $30,000 Al Naboodah Construction Group Handicap (Rated 90-102)
1,600 metres – Turf
There are definitely no standouts in this race, so #5 BURDLAZ is well within range. The presence of #11 IGUAZU FALLS ensures pace, especially with regular rider Xavier Ziani aboard, as they hope to bottom out the field. Burdlaz will appreciate the pace to run at, and frankly, seems so much better on grass than Tapeta. The problem has been that his rating has made it difficult to get into some of the more competitive turf races during the Carnival in the past. He has run well against some really strong Tapeta company, but his last wins came on the grass, over distances similar to today’s. He’s the pick at what is likely to be a good price internationally.
#12 SPIRIT OF SHARJAH seems the type who will also appreciate the fiery pace and could definitely run on for a share, maybe even the top spot. Back on the grass and at this point in his form cycle, the right setup could get it done.
#6 KRYPTON FACTOR is always one to give it a go, and he’s faced tougher company last year here than what he gets today.
1st – #5 BURDLAZ, 2nd – #6 KRYPTON FACTOR, 3rd – #12 SPIRIT OF SHARJAH
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Race 6 – $110,000 Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group Handicap (Rated 95-105)
1,400 metres – Tapeta
Put a line through that last race for #9 ZABARAJAD and you have to consider this lightly-raced chance from John Oxx a massive chance. Racing for the Aga Khan, this gelding could be around a long time and with good results. He seems the main class of this field and while he’s only recorded a maiden win, the back class on grass is enough to think he’ll get huge support with the five kilo break from last race. As 11-4 favourite there, he was drawn wide and suffered a real shuffle in the stretch, with Johnny Murtagh never able to uncork a run. In fact, he never even uncorked the crop in what seemed like a quick run through the lane. It could have been a true prep to prepare himself for the journey to Dubai and certainly greater riches. He has to be a main consideration, even with the wide draw again.
If City Style and Start Right run well on Friday, maybe you consider #5 BRIDGEFIELD the main choice in here. He did catch a wide trip last time under Ahmed Ajtebi, who is suspended for today’s card, and picks up Mickael Barzalona now. He’s favourably rated in the weights and you think he’ll improve for the last run.
#6 GLOBAL CITY is tough to avoid in a race over the all-weather, and getting more ground. He flashed home last time at Lingfield in a pre-Dubai prep when third in the Golden Rose Stakes (Listed), having covered a ton of extra ground around the two turns of the six furlong trip there. He does his best running late and with a horse like #4 FAMOUS WARRIOR absolutely positively forced to set the pace from the extreme outside, you have to think there will be some kick to get him going late. #3 RUSSIAN ROCK deserves a chance to improve over an extra 200 metres as well as he came running at Barbecue Eddie in last week’s opener. This is a competitive event.
1st – #6 GLOBAL CITY, 2nd – #9 ZABARAJAD, 3rd – #5 BRIDGEFIELD
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2011-2012 UAE season-to-date: 171 selections – 41 first, 30 second, 17 third (24% win, 51% top three)
A reminder our analysis for both Friday and Saturday’s races are in earlier posts – please scroll down the page.
| Pat Cummings Picks | Nick Tammaro Picks | ||||
| Race 1 | 1st | 3 – Club Oceanic | Race 1 | 1st | 1 – Rochdale |
| 2nd | 4 – Lyssio | 2nd | 5 – Measuring Time | ||
| 3rd | 5 – Measuring Time | 3rd | 3 – Club Oceanic | ||
| Race 2 | 1st | 2 – Prince Bishop*** | Race 2 | 1st | 1 – Mr Brock |
| 2nd | 4 – Spring of Fame | 2nd | 2 – Prince Bishop | ||
| 3rd | 1 – Mr Brock | 3rd | 9 – Famusa | ||
| Race 3 | 1st | 5 – Moran Gra | Race 3 | 1st | 6 – Mutahadee |
| 2nd | 6 – Mutahadee | 2nd | 1 – Viscount Nelson | ||
| 3rd | 2 – Emerald Commander | 3rd | 2 – Emerald Commander | ||
| Race 4 | 1st | 10 – Alo Pura | Race 4 | 1st | 3 – Alazeyab |
| 2nd | 7 – Reynaldothewizard | 2nd | 7 – Reynaldothewizard | ||
| 3rd | 1 – Captain Obvious | 3rd | 11 – Invincible Ash | ||
| Race 5 | 1st | 7 – Mahbooba | Race 5 | 1st | 7 – Mahbooba*** |
| 2nd | 8 – Rhythm of Light | 2nd | 1 – First City | ||
| 3rd | 1 – First City | 3rd | 8 – Rhythm of Light | ||
| Race 6 | 1st | 11 – Navajo Chief | Race 6 | 1st | 1 – Blue Panis |
| 2nd | 2 – Disa Leader | 2nd | 3 – Do It All | ||
| 3rd | 5 – Hujaylea | 3rd | 10 – Anaerobio | ||
| Pat Cummings – 21 DWCC Selections: 4 first, 5 second, 2 third | |||||
| Nick Tammaro – 21 DWCC Selections: 5 first, 4 second, 2 third | |||||
| ***BEST BET*** | |||||
| At Meydan? Our On-Course Pick 6 Competition Suggestions | |||||
| Race 1 – #3 Club Oceanic | |||||
| Race 2 – #2 Prince Bishop | |||||
| Race 3 – #5 Moran Gra | |||||
| Race 4 – #10 Alo Pura | |||||
| Race 5 – #7 Mahbooba | |||||
| Race 6 – #11 Navajo Chief | |||||
| ***Pick 6 is a free contest offered on course at Meydan | |||||
| Top selections in pick 6 could vary from analysis | |||||