Dubai Gold Cup 2013

1.45 Meydan

Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 3) (Turf) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner: £368,098

Advice: 1 pt each/way Calvaryman (6/1 general)

Imperial Monarch: Looked a horse with a future when winning first two starts (maiden and Group 3 at Sandown, both of which have gone onto work out well), with more in hand than winning distance suggests on both occasions, an impression he backed up when unlucky in French Derby and then a tight winner of Grand Prix De Paris; Impression that he needs soft ground and comes from sub par generation given from his sixth in Canadian International when last seen, although that was three months after he ran in France; This quickest ground he’s run on but 2 miles should bring plenty of improvement out of him.

Ahzeemah: Hard not to think that being race ready and benefitting from a handy ride when taking 1m6f trial from many others here; Can get 2 miles but flattered by that result and others make more appeal here.

Calvaryman: Twice a listed winner last year and went well for long way in Melbourne Cup, while return in 1m4f Group 2 proves that he’s in good shape; Has to be one of the main principals here with 2m not a problem.

Sesimos: Dual Group 3 winner over 1m2f to 1m4f in Germany last year; Hard to get grasps on that form and others preferred despite to improve for trip.

Jutland: Won weak Abu Dhabi Group 3 and surprise if he can land a blow.

Verema: Set too much to do when fourth in Group 2 over 1m7f in France and probably wanted less testing ground when fourth in Prix Royal Oak; Should have more to offer here and this trip on fast surface may well bring the best out of her.

Saddlers Rock: Was near the top of the stayers class when third in Ascot Gold Cup and then winner of Goodwood’s equivalent but disappointing since, even if he hasn’t quite had his conditions; Should go well today.

Tenebaum: Progressive stayer in France last year and did well to come so close considering how awkward his finish effort was in C&D trial; Should go much better over 2m and great chance based on that formline.

Averroes: Lost his form since fourth in this last year.

Star Empire: Very closely matched with Zaamah but that one sure to stay and deeper race.

VERDICT: Despite a relatively disappointing effort when last seen, there’s still plenty to like about Imperial Monarch, who should improve hand over fist for the steup upto 2m, although there’s s suspicion that he needs to get his toe in and a race which may be more slowly run than your average staying contest wouldn’t suit. The 1m6f trial that Azzemah won from several who are entitled to improve for today’s race should be a key form guide, but CAVALRYMAN’S recent reappearance was arguably stronger than any of those and he gets the vote.