Al Quoz Sprint 2012

4.00 Meydan

Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Emirates NBD (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo +)

Advice: 1 pt each/way Joy And Fun (7/1 general), 2.5 pts Joy & Fun to beat Addictive Dream (8/11 Hills)

Moinesur Joe: Made great start to the Carnival when beating Inxile (had previously finished well behind Addictive Dream) and other efforts have since proven to be very solid in handicap company; This a different matter and will need to find yet more improvement to be on the premises.

Addictive Dream: Gained quite a few followers when winning twice in the space of a week at the beginning of the Carnival over 5 & 6 furlongs respectively and good effort when trying for Group win last time over 6f; Drop back in trip is likely to suit him but this a big step up in class and more needed.

Regally Ready: Would have big chance here based on his Breeders Cup Turf Sprint and Grade 1 wins last year and reappearance effort not all that bad; Dismal UAE debut but then again may have 

struck into himself, so If that run forgiven than has as good a chance as any.

A Shin Virgo: Another whose best form gives him a serious shout, especially the form of his last campaign when winning four of his 6 starts, including a close Grade 1 second to Curren Chan; Has something to prove in the wellbeing stakes based on his last two runs.

Nocturnal Affair: Progressive throughought last season, turning his fifth in the Coral Sprint Trophy into a Dundalk Listed win (had previously won the Portland handicap); Not far behind Invincible Ash latest and progressive form means he deserves respect for his achievements.

Joy And Fun: Best form in the field based on close win in Chairman’s Sprint Prize, following on from two close defeats in Group 1 company; Won this two years ago and seems to be in lifetime best form, so no surprise to see him take all the beating once again.

Invincible Ash: Only useful in Ireland but once again improved since coming here and showed how good he can be when everything drops right for him when only just beating Sole Power here under superb Jamie Spencer ride; Needs more than that here and things may not pan out so perfectly for him today, so others preferred (notably Sole Power who would have passed him with another stride).

August Rush: Landed the Mercury Sprint for Neil Bruss back in South Africa and ran a decent race on his first start since for new yard when third in the Mahab Al Shimaal behind two well rated sorts; Possibility that he could well improve for that and take another step forward but this once again a much better race and more needed.

War Artist: Globetrotter who has the ability to be right there at the end of this event based on his fast finishing second in this last year; Generally seen better days than this though and much more needed if he’s to trouble best of these.

Ortensia: Suddenly ended two year slump with quickfire November double that included easy Listed Stakes win before Group 1 success in the Bruswood – Winterbottom Stakes; Both wins visually very taking and would give her a very decent chance for all that this is her first run since, which gives her a lot to prove.

Eagle Regiment: Below par when last seen but had previously been quite impressive when getting the better of Joy and Fun in bunched finish towards the end of Centenary Sprint Cup; That form gives him a big chance here although slight worry that he’s been described as fragile in the past.

Prohibit: Another who’s good enough to win this if all drops right for him; King’s Stand winner last year and followed it up with solid efforts on all starts since, although he proved to be a disappointment last time and no real reason has been given since; Others preferred today despite good tow he wants into the race likely to prevail.

Better Be The One: Close third in this to JJ The Jet Plane last year and followed that up with multiple wins in Singapore; Disappointing latest when unable to lay up with the likes of Nocturnal Affair and co (a level below a sprint like this on the figures).

Secret Asset: Career best effort when a neck second towards Tangerine Trees in L’abbaye last season and seemed to step on a little form that, even if those weren’t in better races; Would be quite tempting if things

Sole Power: Proved his Nunthrope win to be no fluke with subsequent efforts and success; Unlucky not to win L’Abbaye in France and back to best when flying on late for second in conditions event last month, having been given just a bit too much to do; Excellent chance based on best efforts.

Margot Did: Found her niche sprinting last year and proved her class when everything went right, winning the Nunthorpe last year; Below that level on both starts since although she was short of a run on her reappearance; Might be one for more cut in the ground than she gets today and has the widest draw but would be unwise to underestimate his form.

VERDICT: A top class sprint in which any one of 12 could be called a realistic and worthy winner. Margot Did and Sole Power made a lot of appeal for various reasons but with the Southern Hemisphere having dominated the two previous renewals of this race the suggestion is JOY AND FUN, who won this two years ago and comes here in much better form despite being 9 years old. He looks a solid each/way shout from stall 6, while Ortensia and Eagle Mountain are also worthy of respect.