TOP CONTENDERS

#15 PRESVIS is the pick in here despite a rotating spot on top of him.  That seems more a result of jockey contracts than anything, as Ryan Moore is engaged for Sir Michael Stoute.  It leaves this top pick in the capable hands of Christophe Lemaire.  While Moore has gotten the most out of Presvis, he is incredibly consistent, and comes in with the best local prep of all, winning in style when taking the Jebel Hatta (G2).  We are riding on the fact that he is still the best horse in the race, regardless of which top international rider is on him. 

#11 ALEXANDROS may have run his best race in the Al Rashidiya (G3) in the first turf race of the season at Meydan, powerhousing away from the field.  His third here last year, behind Gladiatorus and Presvis, was solid.  Making the all-important third start off the layoff, he could move back to his best, or regress further.  Tough call.

#8 BANKABLE was tooth and nail with IMBONGI over the 1,600 meters of the Al Fahidi Fort (G2), a race result franked when Imbongi came back to win the Zabeel Mile (G2) on closing night.  In the end, I just think Imbongi is a horse better over shorter trips, whereas Bankable fits this race right well.  He will be in the mix.

#2 GOOD BA BA gives Hong Kong their best chance since Vengeance of Rain took the Dubai Duty Free in 2007.  The winner of the prestigious Hong Kong Mile (G1),

NOT WITHOUT A CHANCE

#12 CONFRONT attempts to become another European shipper to win first off the plane without recent form.  This is a move that just has failed in the recipe for success to win this race most recently. 

#1 IMBONGI was all out to beat Kalahari Gold last time and held sway long enough to take the prize.  Over another 200 meters, his success is in greater question.

#5 COURAGEOUS CAT ran a monster race at Gulfstream Park last time and was due to come to Dubai as a package deal with Life Is Sweet in the Dubai World Cup.  She’s out, and he is still in.  A strong placing behind Goldikova in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Mile gives this guy some hope, but he will have to find a bit more to get that win over top international company that others hold over him.

#4 IBN BATTUTA has been nothing but game and is a fast-improver, just missing behind Bankable and Imbongi in the Al Fahidi Fort, and running another good one in the Jebel Hatta.  His form screams to me as a longshot who could get a surprising slice of the pie.

LONGSHOTS

#10 TAKE THE POINTS has been the beneficiary of so many perfect setups, weaker fields,  and good trips, it makes you wonder if he really is a decent horse – the record says so, the visuals and anaylsis behind the record tell a different story.  He’ll beat me.

#14 SNAFFY showed a flash of brilliance on the grass this year when winning over a mile in his first start since a lackluster seventh in the 2009 Dubai World Cup.  The competition is once again at its peak; which often signifies Snaffy isn’t a main contender

#3 JUSTENUFFHUMOR has been one of those Godolphin runners just not the same outside of the US.  While permissive race-day medication pervades American racing, and he raced on it there, his form of local starts discourage a choice amongst the top finishers.

While #13 LAHALEEB is a longshot, her trainer has just missed with Purple Sage on several occasions here this season.  She was completely ignored in Canada last year when landing her signature win, which led to her sale.  Now, new connections debut her on a big stage.  If she had a better prep race, we’d be more encouraged.  Still, she could improve a bit off her last.

#7 AL SHEMALI shocked when winning a handicap here earlier in the Carnival and seemingly fills a place in the gate. 

#9 THE USUAL Q.T. bled badly through the approved bleeder medication Lasix last time in the U.S.  And now he is running in the toughest race of his life without said medication, 10,000 miles from home.  No.

FINAL DUBAI DUTY FREE ANALYSIS

PRESVIS has been the horse to beat in this race all season long, and while we remain tentative, hoping he gets a good ride, he is the pick.

1^st – #15 PRESVIS, 2^nd – #8 BANKABLE, 3^rd – #2 GOOD BA BA – 4^th – #4 IBN BATTUTA

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RACE 5 – $2,000,000 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), sponsored by Gulf News – 1,200 meters, Tapeta

TOP CONTENDERS

While getting specific details from Godolphin about their prospects and planning can be difficult, I tend to believe that #8 GAYEGO was rested after his Al Shindagha Sprint (G3) second so as to keep him fully fit for a big second-up effort in this spot.  Last year, Gayego returned at Saratoga and had a workmanlike win over a rather lackluster field, following his second in the 2009 Godolphin Mile (G2).  He followed that with a brillant performance in the Ancient Title Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita, where he beat Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) placer Crown of Thorns, and then failed to get the bob in the Sprint, a race in which four horses settled across the wire.  This, to me, is Godolphin’s best chance of the night – granted, they have many chances (probably 20 when all is said and done)- but Gayego is best.

#6 ROCKET MAN is as quirky as the day is long and how he performs under the lights could offer some pause.  It is believed his injury from last year was a result of jumping lights at the finish in Singapore.  Still, he is a fast horse that finds top company once again.  A dud of a race would be a surprise – so expect something close to his best, even keeping in mind that other prizes loom, in the near future.

#7 KINSALE KING has gone to the front and not yielded in California, emerging as one of the leaders in a depleted American sprint division.  What you have to like about his handling is that this guy has been training over the Tapeta at one of the two American tracks to offer it, Golden Gate Fields, recording two published works over that surface.  While you may not understand the culture of morning trackwork in California, take my word for it – enormous effort is given to tracking the works, how horses behave, the times, and how hard horses are driven.  The vast majority of workouts are rated “handily,” meaning the rider pushed the horse for some effort, while VERY few are given the title “breezing,” indicating an easy, effortless work.  Well, on March 15, Kinsale King was one of two horses rated as “breezing” over 600 meters of trackwork and record the fourth-fastest of 26 horses over that trip.  This is a nuanced argument, but one to suggest he could be sitting on another big race where he gets brave out front.  He will be joined by Laurel Guerreiro on the lead.

LOCAL PREPPERS WITH HOPE

Why did #5 FORCE FREEZE show so little last time out?  His win off the bench two back was encouraging but he failed to pick up the running in the Mahab Al Shimaal and might have regressed.  Still, this race is the important third race in his form cycle and he could manage a slice of the pie.   

#10 MUTHEEB has had four quality starts at Meydan, but just one win.  He regressed a bit following that win with seconds behind Desert Party and Sirocco Breeze.  Expecting him to be best today might be asking too much. 

WHY HERE AND NOT ON THE TURF? – CAN THEY DO SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT WE KNOW THE ABOVE FIVE HORSES CAN, AND DO WELL? 

#1 ONE WORLD was just super in the Hong Kong Sprint but shifts to Tapeta here and while a placing behind Sacred Kingdom is nothing to slouch, expecting an effort good enough to win is asking too much.  He can grab a slice of the pie.

#4 LAUREL GUERREIRO, despite looking good in the morning at Meydan, just rarely sustains that front-running speed for long enough, and Kinsale King is likely faster and could through him off his game when the Shane Ryan sends them on their way.  He is pace insurance, but only to help Gayego run them all down.

Both #3 BENBAUN and #2 EAGLE FALLS could have gone for $1 million on turf, where their form is most proven, or try for more.  At least they have field sizes that are more manageable here.  As for Benbaun, he is a gallant warrior who just has too many question marks.  Meanwhile, Eagle Falls seems a new horse most recently.  How will he handle the changes and the late ship?

#9 REGAL PARADE, the shock winner of the Haydock Sprint Cup (G1) has seemed dull in the morning and must handle the layoff and the much warmer conditions.  This is a tough call first up.

FINAL DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN ANALYSIS

I firmly believe Godolphin skipping the Mahab Al Shimaal with Gayego was his great ability to run second up.  He ran a great one when closing into the bias at Nad Al Sheba last year in the Godolphin Mile and presuming a clean trip, is the likeliest Godolphin winner on the night.

1^st – #8 GAYEGO, 2^nd – #6 ROCKET MAN, 3^rd – #1 ONE WORLD, 4^th – #7 KINSALE KING

RACE 4 - $2,000,000 UAE Derby (G2), sponsored by Al Naboodah Group – 1,900 meters, Tapeta

TOP CONTENDERS

Everyone, especially American Kentucky Derby fanatics, want to talk about #5 MENDIP here considering his blowaway win in the Al Bastakiya.  Talk about it all you want: it was a slow race, with a perfect trip.  It was the SLOWEST of all the 1,900 meters races since the course was opened after the first two weekends of racing, when the Tapeta was handled in a more conservative fashion.  Given that Mendip blew away the field in a race that was, in my opinion, not truly-run, gives me great pause when he has to handle quality older competition in #9 MUSIR and #3 RAIHANA. 

Speak of the homebred duo, these two are the glitter in the eye of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum after their wins in the UAE 2000 Guineas and UAE Oaks, respectively.  Musir certainly seems the faster of the pair and his last out win gave me the impression that he is improving.  I was glad to see the connections wait for this race as the son of Redoute’s Choice stands to get my full support.

NEED TO IMPROVE FOR A CHANCE

#4 DELLA BARBA sat just off that Mendip pace and held on for second by a slim margin.  He is another who could continue to improve, but the pace setup will be the most interesting angle to consider.  I’m not holding out for a breakthrough.

#6 SIYAADAH had a grand ride in the UAE 2000 Guineas to land the upset, but to me, if Raihana was placed differently in that event, we wouldn’t even be talking about her chances.  That said, she has shown an ability to get over the track and run her race when asked.  She could freak again and take advantage of a few others finding trouble.  Of the other Godolphin runners, #7 FROZEN POWER comes in with solid finishes behind Musir and then upped his form with a win in the Meydan Classic.  #2 ENAK, also, has decent placing form, but little else to suggest a massive improvement to beat Musir.

#10 MAKAANAH comes from the every improving Saudi camp, and one could believe she can hold a placing chance given the solid barn performance locally. 

LONGSHOTS

#8 UNCLE TOM, #1 OROVESO, #13 TIMELY JAZZ and #14 MR CRAZY BOY have had flashes of competition in the past, grabbing some minor slices here and there.  In fact, I thought Uncle Tom had a great chance in the Al Bastakiya given the way he was running down Mendip, but the pace dawdled and zapped him of that chance.  So of this bunch, he holds the greatest chance for a placing, and possibly even pulling the huge shocker.  #12 SOLID CHOICE will serve to ensure a good gallop for Mike De Kock’s other pair, giving this race a chance to be run in a true fashion.

FINAL UAE DERBY ANALYSIS

To me, Musir is a massive choice to land the spoils for the popular local team.  Hard to see it going another way.  He is the shortest priced winner of the night, or at least, should be, as long as the Mendip camp doesn’t go crazy.

1^st – #9 MUSIR, 2^nd – #8 UNCLE TOM, 3^rd – #5 MENDIP, 4^th – #4 DELLA BARBA

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RACE 3 – $1,000,000 Godolphin Mile (G2), sponsored by Etisalat – 1,600 meters, Tapeta

TOP CONTENDERS

#10 FORGOTTEN VOICE was mishandled in his last run, admitted trainer Jeremy Noseda.  Jockey Ryan Moore had the traditional closer placed in a more forward position and Noseda made it clear that he was used too soon to get that early position.  Acknowledging those tactics failed, a reversion to his race in the Maktoum Challenge – R1 (G3) on opening night of the Meydan season could put him on top.  For our sake, we will do just that and assume he will make one late move.  It was our opinion that had that race been slightly longer, and the stretch troubles not have existed, Forgotten Voice would have stormed past Gloria De Campeao, and it took us off him in the Maktoum Challenge.  That being said, Gloria De Campeao ran a cracker in that race over 2,000 meters and gives more reason to look at him later in the card.  There are no American raiders here this year – a local challenger is most likely to win, and he seems best.

Godolphin’s #11 DESERT PARTY was incredibly impressive in his 1,200 meters prep, a trip we thought would be much too short for him.  How good is he?   To me, that is the question of the race.  He ran a strong race behind Regal Ransom in the UAE Derby and confirmed he gets over the Tapeta in fine order with that last win.  Second off the injury layoff is the angle and I’m just not willing to give him the top tip, even off the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3) win.  He needs to prove it to me…again.

There was nothing wrong with #2 CAT JUNIOR last time out as he adopted completely new tactics in the Burj Nahaar (G3) and ran forward under the guise of blinkers.  He has always been highly regarded but often failed in the bigger spots.  The blinkers may have given this well-meant son of Storm Cat a chance to land a big prize.  Well-beaten in this race last year, it is clear the Tapeta suits him and I see no reason to think he won’t be in the frame.  Cat Junior’s win last time set the mark for the fastest mile at Meydan and anyway you look at it, he should be the favorite.

SLEEPER CHANCES

#1 KALAHARI GOLD could be a sleeper pick in here off a near Jebel Hatta (G2) win when second to Imbongi and ran into the Alexandros buzzsaw in the Al Rashidiya (G3).  That last race though, to me, was a top effort, and others in the race may have retained freshness.  #12 SKYSURFERS ran to our expectations when fifth last time, thinking he was sure to regress off that monstrous win over Eagle Mountain.  What do we get from the son of E Dubai in this race?  Too much too soon, still?  That is how we side.

#7 CONSUL GENERAL disappointed us last time but still ran a game third for the third consecutive race at Meydan.  While we keep thinking that he has a big race in him, how much longer should one wait?  This son of Selkirk definitely has a shot at the placings, but a big shocker is unlikely.

Mike De Kock is single-handed here with #6 LUCKY FIND, who has slowly progressed through the Carnival.  He landed a handicap on February 25 against a half-decent field but finds tougher company and a win might be asking too much of the 6-year-old.

#14 GREEN COAST makes his seventh start of the season and managed just one win despite three other placings, including a solid second behind Cat Junior in the prep.  Trainer Doug Watson loves this horse as he always gives it a go, but, like Consul General, a placing is the best we would expect.

LONGSHOTS

 The stakes get higher here and his win over #8 VESUVE failed to impress when that one came back with a sixth in the Burj Nahaar.  Lucky Find has some back class in him, but it is tough to project that coming out here.  #4 CALMING INFLUENCE has gone well on the Tapeta but is another who seems to lack the class edge in this spot, regressing after his big win over inferior competition two back.  Former South African runner #3 LE DRAKKAR had some great running lines there but has not upped his form since being in Dubai. 

Japan’s #5 GLORIOUS NOAH won a single race that gained him some attention and we’ve seen nothing since to garner attention in this event.  #9 JET EXPRESS was a late entrant to the field and so we mildly question intent, but he has run some really big races in the Emirates.

FINAL ANALYSIS

One of two ways – either Desert Party is back and better than ever, landing the big 1,200 meters win and using this as a stepping stone to Godolphin prominence, or he fails to provide the same explosive kick with his second race in a month, following the 10-month injury break.  We side with the latter, and use Forgotten Voice on top with a few prices underneath.

1^st – #10 FORGOTTEN VOICE, 2^nd – #4 CAT JUNIOR, 3^rd – #7 CONSUL GENERAL, 4^th – #6 LUCKY FIND

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Japan's Glorious Noah, trained by Y. Yahagi will run in the Godolphin Mile

Japan's Laurel Guerreiro will run in the Dubai Golden Shaheen

Japan's Buena Vista (Dubai Sheema Classic) trains against the backdrop of the Meydan Hotel

Japan's Buena Vista (Dubai Sheema Classic)

Japan's Red Desire (Dubai World Cup)

Japan's Red Desire (Dubai World Cup)

Meydan grandstand

Horses working out at Meydan - Saddle clock is yellow #7, this horse will be identified when the media sheet of saddle cloths is released on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Gio Ponti has been assigned odds of 7-2 off of his second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of Zenyatta.  Red Desire, the progressing Japanese filly was incredibly impressive when winning the Maktoum Challenge – R3 (G2) at Meydan on Super Thursday and the connections are bullish in this spot.  Not far behind are Singapore International Cup (G1) winner Gloria De Campeao, local two-time winner Allybar, and the improving Crowded House.  Team Valor’s Gitano Hernando, well-backed in European lines, comes next.  These lines favor horses that have recency in their form given the edge to those runners in recent years on World Cup night. 

DUBAI WORLD CUP (G1)			DUBAI DUTY FREE (G1)
Gio Ponti	3.5		Presvis	2.5
Red Desire	5		Alexandros	3.5
Gloria De Campeao	7		Bankable	5
Allybar	8		Good Ba Ba	7
Crowded House	8		Imbongi	10
Gitano Hernando	10		Courageous Cat	15
Richard’s Kid	12		Deem	20
Lizard’s Desire	12		Confront	25
Twice Over	20		Ibn Battuta	25
Vision D’Etat	20		Justenuffhumor	25
Take The Points	25		Snaffy	30
Mastery	30		Lahaleeb	50
Furthest Land	35		Al Shemali	60
Mr. Brock	50		The Usual Q.T.	60
DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (G1)			DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (G1)
Presious Passion	4.5		Gayego	2
Campanologist	5		Rocket Man	3
Buena Vista	5.5		Kinsale King	6
Spanish Moon	6		Benbaun	10
Pan River	10		Eagle Falls	10
Cavalryman	10		Mutheeb	10
Mourilyan	10		One World	12
Youmzain	15		Regal Parade	15
Quijano	20		Force Freeze	20
Dar Re Mi	20		Laurel Guerreiro	35
Amor De Pobre	25
Golden Sword	30
Jukebox Jury	35
Pompeyano	35
Anmar	50
Eastern Anthem	50

GODOLPHIN MILE (G2)			UAE DERBY (G2)
Desert Party	3		Musir	2
Cat Junior	4		Mendip	4
Forgotten Voice	5		Raihana	5
Consul General	7		Della Barba	10
Green Coast	12		Vale Of York	10
Lucky Find	12		Frozen Power	10
Skysurfers	12		Champagne Style	15
Calming Influence	20		Siyadaah	20
Kalahari Gold	20		Makaanah	30
Summit Surge	30		Uncle Tom	30
Oiseau De Feu	30		Enak	35
Glorious Noah	45		Timely Jazz	35
Vesuve	45		Oroveso	40
Le Drakkar	45		Mr Crazy Boy	40
AL QUOZ SPRINT (G3)
War Artist	4
Joy And Fun	5
California Flag	6
Star Crowned	6.5
Our Giant	8
Sirocco Breeze	10
All Silent	12
Judd Street	15
Terrific Challenge	20
Finjaan	20
Fravashi	25
Asset	30
Sir Gerry	40
Mariol	60

]]> http://www.dubairacenight.com/dubairacenightcom-early-lines-for-dubai-world-cup-sheema-classic-duty-free-golden-shaheen/feed/ 2 http://www.dubairacenight.com/recapping-a-stakes-filled-week-in-dubai/ http://www.dubairacenight.com/recapping-a-stakes-filled-week-in-dubai/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:05:21 +0000 PatCummings http://dubairacenight.com/?p=3233 The action was fast and furious over the 14 races this week from Meydan, eight of which were group-rated stakes events.  Below, in no particular order, are our thoughts on the week that was.

1.  Most impressive performance of the week: PRESVIS
Hands down.  Presvis was absolutely full of run when galloping up behind Alexandros in the Jebel Hatta, and then angling off the rail to roll away from one of the more impressive winners of the Carnival.  This race set him up incredibly well for the Dubai Duty Free and is, in my mind, the horse to beat off this run.

2.  Don’t go crazy about MENDIP.  The winner of the Al Bastakiya landed the win, over the 1,900 meters, in 1:59.42.  Of eight races run at the Carnival over 1,900 meters, Mendip’s final time was the fifth fastest.  The three slower races were run on each of the first three nights of the Carnival, when the Tapeta was playing noticably slower.  That is what is so overwhelming about his run: the Tapeta played faster than any other night of the Carnival on Super Thursday, with new course marks set for 1,600 meters, 2,000 meters, and the 1,200 meters mark was just .08 seconds off.  So – on the night of the fastest set of races the entire Carnival – Mendip, and co-pacesetting Della Barba, lull the front-runners to sleep and Mendip draws away with no one closing from behind.  Granted, he’s undefeated…but don’t kid yourself – the Al Bastakiya WAS NOT a truly-run race. 

3.  What an amazing effort from DESERT PARTY, winning the Mahab Al Shimaal in near course-record time.  First up since an injury suffered in the Kentucky Derby (G1), the colt rallied and kicked away from Mutheeb, who looked sure to go past in the final 200 meters.  While I thought, at this point, 1,200 meters might be too short, I have to think he poses Godolphin a big question as to where they go with him: Godolphin Mile or Mahab Al Shimaal.  We’ll find out soon enough.

4.  Blinkers on CAT JUNIOR and the miler took off.  Running the fastest 1,600 meters of the Carnival when winning the Burj Nahaar (G3).  I was not surprised that SKYSURFERS faded in the stretch drive.  Off a huge effort in just his second lifetime start, defeating the prepping Eagle Mountain, Skysurfers seemed destined to regress on such short rest for a lightly-raced 4-year-old. 

5.  While we were dead-on in our analysis about staying away from both VALE OF YORK and VODKA, how about RED DESIRE?  The Japanese filly, who ran a course record for 2,000 meters, swept from 13th to first in the stretch, and just flat out ran with abandon in her eighth lifetime start.  By Manhattan Cafe, Red Desire’s worst lifetime run was third beaten 1.5 lengths, by Vodka, last November.  Click HERE to read more about the up and coming, privately held, stallion, Manhattan Cafe.  I’ll gladly admit that I just completely overlooked her in this field, and while hindsight is crystal clear, some insight to her pedigree would have indicated that Red Desire clearly had the goods to get over a surface away from turf.

6.  SIROCCO BREEZE ran the fastest 1,400 meters of the Carnival on Friday while toting 62 kilograms, a not unsubstantial effort.  He stands to be a progressive runner for Godolphin, who now has four wins from six lifetime starts. 

7.  If I am Mike De Kock, my thought is to send IMBONGI to the Godolphin Mile (G2) over the Tapeta instead of the Dubai Duty Free (G1), mostly because I sincerely think he is a better horse over the 1,600 meters trip.  Had today’s race been longer, I suspect Purple Sage would have run him down. 

DubaiRaceNight.com coverage of the Dubai World Cup preparations begins Monday, March 22 from Meydan.  We will have plenty of insight over the course of the next few weeks, including, disproving some of the myths about racing on the Tapeta.

Final 2010 Dubai International racing Carnival tipping results:
Pat Cummings: 16 wins, 10 seconds, 8 thirds from 70 top selections (23% wins, 49% top three)
Amelia Baldree: 11 wins, 15 seconds, 4 thirds from 70 top selections (16% wins, 43#% top three)

Despite trainer Mike De Kock not believing #10 IMBONGI would get over the ground this week, he powered home to win over #8 KALAHARI GOLD in a photo with #9 SUMMIT SURGE third.  De Kock indicated the next step for the South African-bred could be either the Dubai Duty Free (G1) or the Godolphin Mile (G2). 

Finish of the Zabeel Mile (G2)

Mike de Kock's Imbongi wins over Doug Watson's Kalahari Gold and Luca Cumani's Summit Surge

Race 6 – $175,000 Meydan Conditions, 1,200 meters, Turf

#9 JUDD STREET, a winner on opening night of the 2009 Carnival nipped #11 STAR CROWNED by the slimmest of margins in the first race over the 1,200 meters straight turf course.  Star Crowned, a winner last week at the meet, was making his sixth start of the Carnival for trainer Rashed Bouresly.  Sadly, #12 OASIS STAR, who finished a long last, went down after the finish and was vanned off.

The sixth race at Meydan, the Meydan Conditions, was a straight six furlongs on the Meydan turf course

Judd Street takes the 6th race over Musaalem

Race 5 – $150,000 Imax Meydan Masters Leg 4, 2,000 meters, Tapeta

#9 KAL BARG may have won the fifth race of the night for Christophe Lemaire, but another great run from #10 MONTE ALTO puts Richard Hills in the trophy spot for the first Meydan Masters.  Ambassador Mick Kinane was in on the presentation.

Jockey Richard Hills wins the Meydan Masters competition

Jockey Aaron Gryder

Jockey Christophe Lemaire prior to winning the 5th race

Race 4 – $120,000 The Meydan City Corporation – Meydan Masters Leg 3, 2,200 meters, Tapeta

#5 ONCE MORE DUBAI, under Kent Desormeaux, rallied from well off a hot pace and landed a win in the third leg of the jockey challenge.  Off a nice fifth over the turf, he shortened up for this run and drew clear in the end.  Richard Hills maintains a slight lead over both Desormeaux and Aaron Gryder.  The way the scoring system was devised for Meydan Masters, it is almost impossible to win the contest without an individual race win, so those three riders hold the best chances going into the last race.

On-track advertisement for Santana & Elton John who will perform after the races on Dubai World Cup night

Frankie Dettori

Race 3 – $150,000 Meydan Classic, 1,600 meters, Turf

Godolphin's Frozen Power wins

Race 2 – $120,000 The Meydan Museum – Meydan Masters Leg 2, 1,400 meters, Tapeta

#2 SIROCCO BREEZE flashed home from the back to win the second leg of the Meydan Masters challenge, propelling Richard Hills into second place.  Aaron Gryder, with a third on #1 CONSUL GENERAL, retains the lead with 100 points.  #12 SWOP continued his appearances near the finish with a good second.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor and jockey Richard Hills discuss race tactics prior to winning the 2nd race with Sirocco Breeze

Meydan is tonight's sponsor

Race 1 – $120,000 The Meydan Hotel – Meydan Masters Leg 1, 1,200 meters, Tapeta

#6 ALAZEYAB stayed on for a solid form-franking win in the first round of the Meydan Masters, giving Aaron Gryder an improbable double winning with his last two mounts in the Emirates, having last won on Well Armed in the Dubai World Cup (G1).  The win gives Aaron Gryder 75 points after the first leg of the Meydan Masters with Olivier Peslier and Christophe Lemaire behind with 25 and 15 points, respectively.

Alazeyab in the parade ring prior to winning the 1st