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.
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