4.39 Meydan
Dubai Duty Free Sponsored By Dubai Duty Free (Group 1) (Turf) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner 10,477,013 AED
Winner 10,477,013 AED
Advice: 2 pts win Just a Way (7/2 general)
Just A Way: One of Asia’s newest racing superstars, not
having the pace to catch Eishin Flash before smashing subsequent Japan Cup winner
Gentildonna in the Tenno Sho last year; Folloowed that up with easy trial win
there when technically posting a career best and the one to be in no uncertain
terms; Should go well.
Anerobio: Making hay over 7f earlier this year, beating
Mashawish (albeit with fitness on his side and under the belt) before limp show
in handicap; Redeemed himself with third behind far more progressive stablemate
in Jebel Hatta when he faded from the lead; Likely to do similar here.
The Fugue: Many near misses but now well established as a
global performer, and bounced back from poor beginning to season to win
Yorkshire Oaks in style and then land Irish Champion Stakes in style; Agonisingly
close to victory in Breeders’ Cup Turf when possibly kicking for home a touch
too early and fine ride saw her mown down in shadow of post, before blocked runs
cost her in Hong Kong vase; Clearly the class to go here but dropping back to 9
furlongs may not be what she wants.
Educate: Decent run in one of the key World Cup trials
latest but still just a handicapper before then and others preferred.
Tokei Halo: Crack front runner who lives off getting the
lead but when he does is an extremely formable opponent as rivals in the
Sapporko Kinnel found out when he obliterated them on way to hat trick;
Pressure for the lead saw him crumble in Tenno Sho but gave Akeed Mofeed an
strong race at Sha Tin before exertions of trying to make up for slow early
start; Clear that if he can get comfortable on the lead, he will take some
passing, albeit that’s a big ‘if’; Interesting.
Trade Storm: UAE regular now with plenty to recommend him as
a high class group horse, most notably when fourth from his wide draw last year
in race that didn’t go to plan for him; Needs things to drop his way still
thought and doubtful if he’s at the same level as some of these here. 
Tasaday: One of many French recruits for Godolphin, high
class for Andre Fabre, a triple group race winner and short head group 1 second;
Didn’t look full of speed when behind Educate on UAE debut and then got there
in Listed contest over one furlong further; Not sure she’s good enough. 
Blazing Speed: Ex-Brit who had no excuses when fourth in the
Hong Kong Cup, readily outpaced by, amongst others, Tokei Halo; Has to quicken
to win today and hard to see that being case; Others preferred. 
Dank: The more she’d raced the better she’s gotten and in campaign
with only one defeat, won two American Grade 1’s, flat out when landing Breeders’
Cup Filyl and Mare Turf from smart runner up Romantica; Can keep getting better
but may want 10 furlongs more than this and a far tougher race; More needed. 
Vercingetorix: Winner of Daily News 2000 in South Africa and
2-2 here to make it 6-60 in total when winning Jebel Hatta latest; Don’t know
how good he is but this is going to take some serious winning.
Logotype: Dual Grade 1 winner in Japan, with 2,000 Guineas
on resume, and shaped decently given season reappearance behind Just A Way on
return; Can go well if building on that. 
Hunter’s Light: Much more needed despite having won Group 1’s
on turf and Tapeta, but come up short when faced with proper top notchers
VERDICT: JUST A WAY’s stunning demolition of Gentildonna in
the Tenno Sho is as good as any horse running here and it will take a smashing
effort to beat her. The Fugue and Dank may find this trip too short and
Vercingetroix, along with Tokei Halo, look to be interesting options.
Just A Way -very nice!
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