Yesterday’s Review
2pts win Nadem Al molwk Al Khalediah (65) – The selection tried to make most of the running over the new trip and looked to have everything in trouble turning in. Unfortunately, his stamina started to give way and he weakened into third at the line. He couldn’t repeat his previous effort from 9f and a drop back in trip should see a return to form.
1.5pts e/way Al Haram (111) – A pricing error from the books on this one as I highlighted in the race preview the strength of the selection’s win in the trial for this contest. The track was riding just slow enough and the pace just fast enough for him to show his power in the final quarter as he came from behind to nab the duelling front runners. The second and third put up career best performances on the clock but Saudi Arabia has a fine three-year-old champion in Al Haram. Result 1st 14/1, 8/1 adv…9/1 SP.
2pts win Royal Champion (117) – The selection did what the selection has been doing for his last four performances, putting in a rock solid Group 1 timefigure. He was given a superb ride by Oisin Murphy who had him in touch with the leaders and when asked to go about his business he bolted 4.75 lengths clear. This race was promoted to Group 1 status following last year and it has to be said it was a weak turnout. Result 1st 11/4 adv…6/4 SP.
0.5pt e/way Phantom Flight (108) – A disappointing performance from the selection who found very little when asked to make headway. He came home 12 lengths behind. Too bad to be true.
4pts win Forever Young (118) – A solid performance from the selection who made hard work of seeing off Nysos by just a length. It was revealed by his trainer that he only had him 90+% fit following an extended break. He raced prominently and on the home turn it looked like his main challenger was travelling better. In the end he knuckled down and grinded out the win, but at one stage he looked like he was going to be beaten. In the end his superior talent saw him through but this was a good few lengths shy of the real Forever Young….Result 1st 4\6 adv….1\3 SP.
Today’s Advice
ORDEP (7f Cns 3yo) – The (11.00) Jebel Ali sees Yamdeek put in as the short price favourite sporting a first time visor. He has yet to race at today’s unique venue and his level of ability is difficult enough to nail down as he had been drawn wide last time out when recording a (100) timefigure over the mile at Meydan. He did stay on when racing over the mile on debut and it remains to be seen if the drop back to 7f is required.
The selection does have course form and he showed decent battling qualities to finish behind Omaha Front over the mile in a conditions event last month. He raced prominently on that occasion and recorded a (103) timefigure which would put him at the top of the charts for this morning’s contest. At the prices he looks worth a small play.
SAAYEDD (9f 153y Lstd) – This eight-year-old has plenty of course and distance form for today’s (12.30) Jebel Ali and it could be said that he has some of the best course and distance form on offer. He carries a 2lb penalty for winning a similar race last season under today’s pilot Ray Dawson. He likes to race prominently and the only other pace in the race looks to be Killer Collect. His form ties in with late closer Base Note who he has finished in front of in the past and if the pace isn’t too strong he looks a solid play to go close providing we get the real Saayedd today. He is better drawn than when he had to use up a lot of early energy from stall 11 to get to the front when finishing ahead of Base Note last March and he performed with great credit when last seen on seasonal debut behind David Of Athens over the mile who runs in the Group 3 race today. On that occasion he raced prominently and kept on all the way to the line just finishing 2.5 lengths behind.
Short priced favourite Arlan has been steadily improving and posted a decent (109) timefigure last time out over course and distance when taking an (80-105) handicap by a head, but at the prices the selection has done more on the clock so far.
0.75pt e/way Ordep (4/1 Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill) 11.00 Jebel Ali
1pt e/way 8/1 Saayedd (8/1 Ladbrokes, Coral, 15/2 general) 12.30 Jebel Ali