Yesterday’s Review
0.5pt e/way Nikki Swango (101) – The selection raced keenly in rear, started her run too late and met trouble over a furlong from home before finishing into second four lengths behind the winner who enjoyed an uncontested lead in front. The way the race unfolded it was always going to be difficult to catch the winner. The booking of Hollie Doyle seemed strange for me and she is now 0-6 for connections since 2013. Her winners ridden in the UK and win to ride percentage have both been declining since 2021 from 172 wins and 14.5% to 98 wins and 10.9% in 2025….Result 2nd 6/1 adv..13/2 SP
0.75pt e/way Augustus Gloop (100) – A disappointing performance from the selection who made no impression on the leaders from midfield eventually coming home in sixth place beaten 4.75 lengths. He was well fancied having been backed from 15/2 the night before into 100/30f but I was slightly concerned about the 10 day return to the track following a 100 day break beforehand. It was a concern that should have allowed me to pass.
1pt e/way Big Gossey (Non Runner)
Today’s Advice
SECRET MANNER (9f 153y Hcap) – The (11.30) Jebel Ali looks worth an interest judging by the performances on the clock as of late. Short price favourite Elusive Trevor won well last time out against very moderate opposition. He is the choice of stable jockey Tadhg O’Shea but his timefigures have hovered around the (101) mark for most of his career. He looks worth taking on.
The selection was very impressive last time out when racing prominently while recording a (111) timefigure and finishing almost two lengths ahead of Elraaed. The runner up is 5lbs better off today and connections have put back on the blinkers but if the same Secret Manner turns up I can see him finishing ahead of that one again. Arlan stepped up on his past form last time out taking a Class 4 handicap by over 4 lengths when recording a (107) timefigure. Another step forward should see him in the mix.
QAREEB (8f Cns) – The Michael Costa trained Sadaaty has been put in as favourite for today’s (12.00) Jebel Ali and he was successful over 7f when last seen at today’s venue. On that occasion he finished almost 3 lengths ahead of Rawy while recording a (109) timefigure. However, he was just over a length behind the selection the previous month over course and distance. He looked to be travelling like the winner entering the final two furlongs but it has to be said that he found very little for pressure while Silvestre De Sousa’s mount relished the hill and the battle that ensued.
The selection’s recent form hasn’t been much to write home about with a 14th of 14 on the turf recently at Abu Dhabi and a 6th of 9 at Meydan behind Heart Of Honour but his form does seem to be on a different level at today’s venue and he looks worth a small play at the prices on offer with Kieran Shoemark now doing the steering.
0.75pt e/way Secret Manner (5/1 Paddy Power/Betfred, 9/2 general) 11.30 Jebel Ali
0.5pt e/way Qareeb (22/1 Betfred, 18/1 general) 12.00 Jebel Ali