By: Medlocke

Medlocke — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:52:50 +0000

The only two American horses that American racing web-sites have mentioned as likely returners to Meydan for the 2011 Dubai World Cup, at least to this point, are Gio Ponti and Richard’s Kid. Gio Ponti ran a really respectable 4th in 2010. But I think Richard’s Kid could be a horse to watch this time around. His form throughout the entire 2010 season, post-Dubai World Cup, has been impeccable. Reeling off win’s in the G1 Pacific Classic at Del-Mar, and the G1 Goodwood Stakes at Hollywood Park. Both win’s on synthetic surfaces. Gitano Hernando will be back in 2011. He also hold’s entries in the 2011 Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.2 and Rd.3 in preparation for his run in the 2011 Dubai World Cup. The fantastic filly from Great Britain, Snow Fairy, has also been mentioned for the race. What a season she’s had, Win’s in the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup in Japan, and the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. She also ran a fantastic 2nd to Midday in the 2010 Yorkshire Oaks, plus a fantastic run over 1-3/4 to finish 4th in the St.Leger against the boys. Another horse from Great Britain that could be one to watch out for in this year’s Dubai World Cup is Wigmore Hall. He, too, has had a fantastic 2010 season. Winning the John Smith’s Cup at York, multiple conditions stakes win’s against class horses, 2nd in the G1 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, 3rd in the Hampton Court Stakes at Ascot, and a very respectable 5th in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket. These are all class, G1 level horses that will likely be shipping to Meydan for the 2011 Dubai World Cup. Godolphin had a great deal of success with Allybar at the 2010 carnival. I don’t know if he’s returning in 2011 or not? But I truly believe Godolphin’s best shot at a Dubai World Cup win this year would come from Mendip. Who flat out toyed with a class field on opening day of the 2011 carnival. To win the Al Maktoum Challenge Rd.1. Mendip eats up the Tapeta at Meydan like no horse I’ve seen race there since the facility opened last year. I really believe Mendip would be a super tough beat for any of the “big name” G1 winning horses headed to Dubai in 2011. JMO.

By: Medlocke

Medlocke — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:55:53 +0000

On synthetic track form, Gitano Hernando is the horse that should have won the 2010 Dubai World Cup. He was on the rail for much of the race. But Allybar managed to get through, coming from post position #1, while Gitano Hernando came out of post position #2. Gitano Hernando came into Dubai having never lost over any synthetic track he had ever raced on. In both the UK and in America. Personally, I think if jockey Kieren Fallon had been more aggressive with Gitano Hernando in the race, he could’ve won it. There were two or three times during the course of the race that Gitano Hernando had the opportunity to split Mastery and Allybar. If Fallon had seized the opportunity to do that earlier in the race, I believe Gitano Hernando would’ve been off to the races. And powered on home past Gloria De Campeao, Lizard’s Desire, and Allybar. TJMO.

Comments on: DubaiRaceNight.com early lines for Dubai World Cup meeting; Gio Ponti favored over Red Desire

By: Medlocke

By: Medlocke