Dubai Gold Cup 2014

1.45 Meydan

Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) (Turf) (Class 1)  (3YO plus) 

Winner 2,095,405 AED

Advice: 1 pt each/way Songcraft (12/1 general), Joshua Tree (10/1 general) 

Dabadiyan: Progressive in Ireland and has been since come to UAE, much improved for step up in trip the last twice although well held behind Songrcraft two runs ago; That said clearly ready for 2 miles and capable of outrunning his odds.

Star Empire: Carnvial regular who came close in Group 3 on Super Saturday last year but then only fifth in this last year and thrashed by Calvaryman in the trial; Others preffered.

Enrest Hemingway: Had the makings of a very smart stayer last year when beating Royal Diamond in contrasting fashions over 1m4 f and 1m6f but then disappointed the last twice at the Curragh; Considerable scope to improve for extra year and 2 miles proabaly what he’s been waiting for so still of interest. 

Moment In Time: Wasn’t quick enough by a long shot for the Balanchine and fraction more promise when seventh in trial for this; Stamina to prove for this two miles and others appeal as being more reliable.

Ralston Road: Some laboured progress into seventh in last year’s Ledger; Not lived upto that level of expectation in UAE though and while something to offer possibly at this trip (only decent effort come at 1m6f) others appeal as having more speed and class.

Songcraft: Magnificent record fresh, making it 4 from 4 on seasonal reappearance when beating Meandre well off 106 over 1m4f in February and even better when a close second in the City of Gold when just run down in the shadows of the post.

Cavalaryman: Clear cut and impressive winner of this last year when making short work of similar field and after not hitting staying heights in Europe, then destroyed opposition in trial over 2 furlongs shorter, several of whom are reopposing today; Hard to see any of them reversing form and must go close.

Joshua Tree: Second in this 2 years ago; became the first horse to win Candian International three times last October and while elite company proven a little hard for him, always shaped well over longer trips and sixth in Group 1 on Super Saturday suggested that he has a big amount to offer once again stepped up in trip; Smart and versatile and can go well again.

Seismos: Never able to settle in this last year but showed best form when winning German group 1 and then third to Joshua Tree in Canadian International, but no reason to see why he should reverse either piece of form.

Jamr: Took 1m3f Group 3 at Abu Dhabi in good style latest although surprise that the visor goes off and was all out to take that prize; Others make more appeal.

Saddler’s Rock: Has fallen completely out of love with the game it would seem and beaten into nearly last in latest prep.

Now We Can: Improving steadily, winner of Group 2 Grand Prix De Chantilly and then fourth in the Canadian International behind Joshua Tree; Should enjoy a step up in trip and can go well after successful comeback at Chantilly.

Shikhazyedroad: Has had a good carnival but stamina to prove and was well beaten Songcraft when that pair last met, albeit on much better terms here today (4lbs); Behind him and Dbadiyan in Group 2 event that didn’t play to strengths and hard to be enthused about him on form for all this trip likely to be what he’s been looking for.

Certatch: Impossible to find a race why he should turn around form from the trial behind Cavalryman and Star Empire.

Simenon: Not added to flat race tally since winning twice at Royal Ascot but confirmed as a top stayer, second in Ascot Gold Cup and fourth in Melbourne Cup; Slightly lacklustre behind many of these in the trial latest even if the run was needed and wonder if this too short for him.

VERDICT: Hard to see much stopping Calvaryman in his repeat bid but he makes a healthy market and SONGCRAFT and JOSHUA TREE both have form that suggests they can push him close at their best today. Songcraft’s latest Group 2 second saw him with plenty of these behind and is unexposed for 2 miles, while Joshua Tree’s prep over 10 furlongs last time suggested that he can show the same form he did when winning the Canadian International.