Yesterday’s Review
A low grade day that I could have easily put a line through, but decided to have a small play with low stakes.
0.5pt e/way Sir Maxi (100) – The fastest race on the card thanks to Blackcurrent blazing off in front. The jockey couldn’t remove the blindfold in time on the selection, and was left in last place coming out of the stalls. I wouldn’t use this as an excuse though as the winner Captain Vallo (107) came from a similar position. Sir Maxi looks like a horse that is very difficult to get to best out of. One to avoid.
0.5pt e/way Arlington (94) – An off-day for the selection who recorded a time some six lengths per mile slower than his latest course and distance effort. The winner Stroxx (104) who had looked inconsistent in the past, made all the running, and recorded a career best performance on the clock coming home four lengths clear of Shatin Venture (97).
0.75pt e/way Magna Gee Gee (93) – This was a race I had between the winner Spirit Of Jura (95) and the selection based on stamina and breeding. I was hoping the selection would be ridden more forward on the day, as all he does is stay, but I was fearing the worst when jockey Kyle Strydom allowed Spirit Of Jura an uncontested lead. The slow pace suited the winner who kept finding, and Kyle’s mount couldn’t find an extra gear in the straight when asked to close down the leader. Better will be seen of him in a more truly run race.
Today’s Advice
Meshtri (Gp3 1600M) – Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River returns to the track after a 300 day break in today’s (3.15) Meydan Firebreak Stakes, and it’s fair to say if he turns up 95% fit he will be a difficult nut to crack. This is reflected in his odds on price, and with ten runners going to post the prices on offer warrant looking for an each way alternative. The selection has been improving steadily on the clock, from the front, over today’s course and distance under jockey Ben Coen recording a career best (115) speed figure last time out when coming home three lengths clear of Qareeb. This effort matches the favourite’s six and three quarter length defeat of the same horse on the clock over course and distance last year, and any improvement from the selection today could make things interesting.
Imperial Emperor (Gp1 1900M) – Today’s (4.25) Meydan Al Maktoum Challenge sees the return of Khazakstan’s star Kabirkhan who took this race last year before coming home unplaced in the Dubai World Cup. He has been well found by the market as the short priced favourite despite recording a lowly (112) speed figure in this contest last year. With bigger targets in mind going forward, he looks one to take on and the selection must have given jockey Tadhg O’Shea a bit of a dilemma when choosing between him and Walk Of Stars. The selection has proven a revelation this season recording a (117) speed figure last time out over the 1600 metre trip when coasting home seven and a half lengths clear of Khanjar. While Walk Of Stars has also been impressive recording a (116) speed figure when disposing of Auto Bahn by eleven lengths last time out over course and distance, the value looks to lie with Imperial Emperor at the prices on offer considering his dam Zhukova was a twelve furlong winner, and his sire Dubawi’s median winning distance is bang on today’s. Last year’s Group 1 Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval makes his dirt debut today, and it’s fair to say this contest looks a real treat for dirt enthusiasts.
Measured Time (Gp1 1800M) – Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior makes his UAE debut in today’s (5.00) Meydan, and the odds-on favourite has been super consistent in winning his last seven races, six of which were Group 1’s. The selection doesn’t have the CV that the favourite has with just two Group 1’s to his name so far. However, in recording a (119) speed figure (two lengths per mile faster than your average Group 1 winning time) over course and distance from the front last time, out he should provide a stern test for the favourite on home soil. A small win investment on the selection at the prices on offer is the way I am inclined to go.
Bomb Squad (6f Hcap) – The selection has been performing with credit lately having won two and placed second twice on his last four starts. He was a little unlucky from a wide draw last time out not to reel in the more prominently ridden Yoshimi, and tonight’s (7.15) Southwell represents a reasonable chance to go one place better. His course and distance win from Just Ten High two runs back sets the standard on the clock, and a better draw in stall four tonight should see a smoother trip. I will be looking for Lion’s Dream to lead with the selection tracking, and with regular pilot Cieren Fallon on board everything looks set for another strong performance. Recent winner Back Tomorrow should provide solid competition, but on this occasion I will stick with the John Mackie trained gelding.
1pt e/way Meshtri (9/2 William Hill, 4/1 General) 3.15 Meydan
1pt e/way Imperial Emperor (6/1 General) 4.25 Meydan
1pt win Measured Time (2/1 General) 5.00 Meydan
1pt win Bomb Squad (5/2 General) 7.15 Southwell