Yesterday’s Review
0.75pt e/way Hearitfortheboys (91) – A big drop-off in form on the clock from the selection who recorded a time 6 lengths per mile slower than his recent effort at Wolverhampton. It might be worth exploring headgear at this stage with him.
Today’s Advice
Law Of Nature & Gareth (9f 98Y Hcap) – A competitive (65-90) contest for today’s (3.15) Meydan where it may pay to look away from the more obvious ones at the front of the market. Law of Nature looks to be one of those worth chancing, if he can reproduce either of his final two efforts on turf from last season. The first was when springing a 14/1 surprise to upset Capla Crusader over the extended 8f from a wide draw at this venue. The second was his third place finish behind Chosen Mark in a slowly run race over the extended 7f at Abu Dhabi (a race of which no video exists on the internet) when finishing well in another (65-92) handicap. The son of Siyouni should have no problem with the extra half furlong today, and apprentice jockey Qais Bin Saif Al Busaidi (who takes the ride) was on board for his latest win over the extended 7f at Al Ain on the dirt. He looks nicely berthed in stall three today. Gareth is another to have received a decent draw in stall seven, and the reapplication of the hood, back on turf, could see a return to some of his best form. His three most recent efforts when wearing the hood, and racing on turf, read 441, and the form of his most recent turf outing in a (65-102) handicap at Abu Dhabi behind Webinar has been boosted with the winner going in again at Meydan. On that occasion the five-year-old had a wide trip all the way round but still ran on well over the extended 11f to finish in the frame. He should appreciate the step back in trip, and interestingly has similar form to the much shorter in the betting Sari Dubai on a line through Kanood from last year. He has been performing with credit recently on the dirt, but looks much more at home on turf.
Tahdeed (7f 210Y Hcap) – This six-year-old is a favourite of this column having done us a favour last season when winning over C&D at a double figure price. He is at the front of the market for today’s (5.35) Meydan but looks the most likely winner following a fine seasonal debut from a wide draw over the extended six furlongs at this venue behind Laasudood. Interestingly trainer Michael Costa applies the first time blinkers today, and Tom Marquand takes the ride from a kind draw in stall four. The application of the headgear results in a reduction in confidence, but he still looks worth a small play to get back in the winner’s enclosure.
Pepsi Cat (5f Hcap) – This five-year-old has been noted smashing up the clock recently at Newcastle and Wolverhampton over the minimum trip. She is back over the same C&D for tonight’s (6.45) Newcastle, and hopefully prominent racers Rodborough, Moon Flight and Nelson Gay can ensure a fair test. She has been remarkably consistent lately having been first or second in his last seven starts, but it is her (110) speed figure, achieved when beating Treacherous here last month, which indicates she is still well treated from a handicap mark of 75.
Big Challenge (12f Hcap) – I wrote about the strength of the race Picpoul won last month over the extended 10f at this venue with the first eight home running faster than par. The fourth placed home horse that night takes his chance in tonight’s (7.30) Dundalk, and a step up in trip may see him more competitive than his market odds may indicate. A turf winner over the extended 12f at Sligo in 2021, tonight’s distance should be just what the doctor ordered. His recent effort recorded a (104) speed figure on the clock, thanks to the decent pace set by the leaders, and there does appear to be a few prominent racers in tonight’s field. Power Drive, Angel In The Sky and recent front runner Dreams Fled Away should ensure a true test, which will suit the selection who has plummetted down the handicap from a last winning mark of 83 to a new low of 48. The handicapper has dropped him 1lb following his most recent effort, and a reproduction of that should see him in the shake-up at the business end of tonight’s contest.
0.75pt e/way Law Of Nature (14/1 General 5 places) 3.15 Meydan
0.75pt e/way Gareth (12/1 General 5 places) 3.15 Meydan
1pt win Tahdeed (11/4 Paddy Power, 5/2 General) 5.35 Meydan
1pt e/way Pepsi Cat (5/1 Betfred, 9/2 General) 6.45 Newcastle
0.5pt e/way Big Challenge (11/1 General 4 places) 7.30 Dundalk