Dubai World Cup Meeting Preview (Sat 30th March 2024 )

Dubai World Cup is the highlight of Dubai's sporting and social calendar and attracts the best horses and riders from all over the world. It is the world's most spectacular race day with a total prize money of US$ 30.5 million for the showcase of nine races, including US$ 12 million at stake in the title contest.

The Dubai World Cup was created in 1996^[2] by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who owns Darley Stud & Godolphin Racing, one of the world's leading Thoroughbred breeding and racing operations.

It is held on the last Saturday in March as the final race of the Dubai World Cup Night. It is a Group 1 flat race on dirt over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 10 furlongs). It is open for Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbred four-year-olds & up and for Southern Hemisphere Thoroughbred three-year-olds & up. Since its 2019 running, the race has carried a purse of $12 million^.

Race 3 - Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £456,693 16 runners 2m Good RTV

 

race conditions  £787,402 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo+ & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Weight for age  4yo from 5yo+ 3lb Penalty value  1st  £456,692.91 2nd  £157,480.31 3rd  £78,740.16 4th  £39,370.08 5th  £23,622.05 6th  £15,748.03 7th  £7,874.02 8th  £7,874.02 

 

This looks top quality staying contest over 2 miles on the turf at Meydan.The Aidan O'Brien trained four-year-old colt Tower Of London  has been put in favourite at around 3/1 ,after winner the 1M 7F G3 Red Sea handicap at Riyadh last month ,that was fair effort beating Enemy, after finding plenty trouble in running .Will be suited by this slightly longer trip ,has to be respected in open looking race ,

 

At the prices the 7-Y-0 gelding COLTRANE looks the each-way value.especially with bookmakers paying 5 places , goes well fresh ,including winning the G3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot first time out last season .Had some useful form in 2023 ,including finishing creditable 2nd in Ascot Gold Cup & winning the G2 Lonsdale Cup at York .Solid each-way claims with fast conditions in his favour .

Of the others Eldar Eldarov, looks the most interesting, after winning Irish St Leger last season in good style , beating the useful Kyprios by 3.5 lenghs, though there has to be question mark over this longer trip ,having been well beaten over this trip in previous races .

 

(1) COLTRANE (2) TOWER OF LONDON (3) ELDAR ELDAROV 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Race 7 - Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £2,283,465 16 runners 1m1f Good RTV

race conditions  £3,937,008 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo+ & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £2,283,464.57 2nd  £787,401.57 3rd  £393,700.79 4th  £196,850.39 5th  £118,110.24 6th  £78,740.16 7th  £39,370.08 8th  £39,370.08 

 

Maximum field for Dubai Turf over 9 furlongs ,this looks cracking group one contest with seven G1 winners in field .  

 

Three time Dubai Turf winner LORD NORTH   should make bold bid to land this race for fourth time in row . Has once again followed the same path as previous years , having his prep race in Winter Derby , when finishing lengh second behind Military Order last month ,always improves greatly for that first run of the season . Has excellent record over this specialist  9 furlong trip ,winning 4 out 4 . Odds around 8-1 look very fair each-way value, especially being reunited with Frankie Dettori who knows the the horse so well .

 Do Deuce is clearly useful sort winning 4 out 10 in Japan ,top rated on official figures ,having shown some decent form over last two seasons ,including beating Equinox in Japanese Derby back in 2022 , returned to form in December winning 12f G1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama .However All his best form has been over 1M 4F , so there has to be question mark dropping down three furlongs .

 

Of the others Luxenbourg has to be respected , having finished fair fourth Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh last time, had some decent form last season , including finishing close second in Irish Champion Stakes and Hong Kong Cup .Should come on for that race at Riyadh,each-way claims .

 

(1) LORD NORTH (2) DO DEUCE (3) LUXENBOURG 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Race 8 - Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £2,740,157 12 runners 1m4f11y Good RTV

 

race conditions  £4,724,409 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo+ & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Weight for age  4yo from 5yo+ 1lb Penalty value  1st  £2,740,157.48 2nd  £944,881.89 3rd  £472,440.94 4th  £236,220.47 5th  £141,732.28 6th  £94,488.19 7th  £47,244.09 8th  £47,244.09 

 

12 runners go to post for this valuable 1M 4F group one contest on turf

 

The Aidan O 'Brien trained 4-Y-0 Deep Impact colt  Auguste Rodin heads the field on official ratings on (125) after winning four group one contests last season , including Epsom / Irish Derby , Irish Champion stakes and Breeders Cup Turf, clearly the one to beat on form, though looks short in market, having been beaten first time out for last two seasons . 

 

At The prices the five-year-old mare EMILY UPJOHN looks the each-way value , goes particularly well fresh, having won first time out for last three seasons, including winning the Coronation Cup at Epsom last season, when beating ARC runner up Westover in good style , also finished excellent half-lengh second in Eclipse at Sandown behind four time G1 winner Paddington ,when trying to concede that rival 7lb .Has to be forgiven for disappointing run in King George ,though has twice ran poorly in that race . Looks the solid each-way bet at around 7-1 ,especially with bookmakers paying 4 places .

 

Of the others the Japanese filly Liberty Island looks interesting after finishing creditable 4L second to Equinox in Japan Cup , though was receiving 9lb from that rival ,had previously won the Japanese Oaks in some style by 6L, should go well, though will still need further improvement to land this top class G1 contest .

 

(1) EMILY UPJOHN (2) AUGUSTE RODIN (3) LIBERTY ISLAND 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Race 9 - Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) (Dirt) (3yo+) Winner £5,480,315 12 runners 1m2f Fast RTV

 

race conditions  £9,448,819 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo+ & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £5,480,314.96 2nd  £1,889,763.78 3rd  £944,881.89 4th  £472,440.94 5th  £283,464.57 6th  £188,976.38 7th  £94,488.19 8th  £94,488.19 

 

The Feature race on the card the 12 million dollar Dubai World Cup over 1M 2F on the dirt .

 

Last years winner USHBA TESORO  should go well after finishing excellent second in Saudi Cup last time .Was impressive winner of this race last year when coming from last to first to win comfortably.This fast finisher will be suited by decent pace .Odds around 7-2 look fair value 

 

Derma Sotogake looks the main danger, was impressive 5L winner of UAE Derby at this meeting last year , also finished excellent second in Breeders Cup Classic in November, though will need to reverse Saudi Cup form with Senor Buskador & Ushba Tesoro

 

Of the others the kabirkhan looks most interesting after winning G1 Al Maktoum Challenge over C&D in January, that was decent effort, though will need further improvement to land this much stronger race .

 

(1) USHBA TESORO (2) DERMA SOTOGAKE (3) KABIRKHAN 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DUBAI WORLD CUP MEETING RECOMMENDED BETS 

COLTRANE 12.40 DUBAI GOLD CUP 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 6-1 PADDY POWER (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4-5)

 (UNPLACED SP 8-1 LOSS 2.00PTS)

LORD NORTH 3.10 DUBAI TURF 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 8-1 WILLIAM HILLS ( 1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

(UNPLACED SP 6-1 LOSS 2.00 PTS )

EMILY UPJOHN SHEEMA CLASSIC 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 13-2 MOST FIRMS (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

(FIFTH SP 6-1 LOSS 2.00 PTS )

USHBA TESORO DUBAI WORLD CUP 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 7-2 MOST FIRMS (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

(SECOND SP 5-1 LOSS 0.30 PTS 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOTAL LOSS 6.30 PTS

Dubai Carnival (Super Saturday ) 2nd March 2024

Super Saturday at Meydan, looks to be dominated by Charlie Appleby runners, with four odds on favourites , though there are couple other interesting races on the card .

Al Maktoum Classic Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 2) (Dirt) (3yo+) Winner £217,949 13 runners 1m1f110y Fast RTV

 

race conditions  £363,248 guaranteed For  northern hemisphere 4yo+ & southern hemisphere 3yo+ Penalty value  1st  £217,948.72 2nd  £72,649.57 3rd  £36,324.79 4th  £18,162.39 5th  £10,897.44 6th  £7,264.96

 

Not the strongest looking G2 contest on the dirt, with 11 runners declared for the most valuable race on the card .

 

The American trained  five-year-old CLAPTON should go well returning to G2 company , finished fair third to World Cup contender Kabirkhan last time in G1 Al Maktoum Challenge, on his first start at Meydan , had previously shown some fair form in U.S.A last season, including winning G2 Lukas Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs, should come on for that first run of the season,looks well positioned in stall 3 with William Buick looking eyecatching booking .

 

Franz Strauss goes well here on dirt at Meydan (2211 ) including finishing creditable second in G1 Al Maktoum Challenge last time, yet to win outside handicap company, though is consistent sort .Each-way claims .

 

Nevershow Weakness has looked very progressive sort this season, landing hatrick at Meydan earlier this month, was impressive 5L winner of 10f handicap last time at Meydan off mark 96 .Went up 9lb for that victory.Takes step up in class here and will have to overcome poor draw in stall 12 .Not for me at the prices.

 

VERDICT : (1) CLAPTON (2) FRANZ STRAUSS (3) NEVERSHOW WEAKNESS 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Ras Al Khor Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 3) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £179,487 16 runners 7f Good RTV

 

race conditions  £299,145 guaranteed For  3yo+ Penalty value  1st  £179,487.18 2nd  £59,829.06 3rd  £29,914.53 4th  £14,957.26 5th  £8,974.36 6th  £5,982.91 

 

Good turn out for this 7 furlong G3 contest on the turf, with 16 runners declared .

 

The Kevin Philippart De Foy 6-Y-0 Gelding VAFORTINO has been in good form at Meydan Carnival ,winning listed race in December over C&D ,though produced career best effort last time ,when finishing excellent 1L second in G2 Al Fahidi Fort behind Mysterious Night in fast time ,finishing strongly when not getting the best of runs .Will be suited dropping down to this G3 contest .Solid claims 

 

Noble Dynasty looks intresting for inform Charlie Appleby, had some fair form back in 2022 winning three races .including winning two handicaps at Newmarket, though will be returning from 15 month absence.Has to be respected ,though looks very short in market for horse taking step up in class .

 

Of the others Marbaan looks best of the rest, on the pick of his form, including finishing creditable second in G2 Zabeel Mile behind San Donato in January , the drop back to 7 furlong should suit .Each-way claims .

 

VERDICT : (1) VAFORTINO (2) MARBAAN (3) NOBLE DYNASTY  

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

RECOMMENDED BETS MEYDAN SUPER SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2024

 

CLAPTON 2.25 G2 AL MAKTOUM CLASSIC 

2PTS WIN @ 5-2 BET365 

(THIRD SP 7-4 LOSS £200/2.00PTS)

VAFORTINO (NAP ) 3.10 G3 RAS AL KHOR 

2PTS WIN @ 3-1 PADDY POWER & BETFAIRSPORTSBOOK 

(UNPLACED SP 13-8 LOSS £200/2.00PTS )

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0.50 PT WIN DOUBLE @ 11.25-1 BET365 (5-2 & 5-2 )

(THIRD & UNPLACED ) LOSS £50.00/0.50 PTS

Dubai Carnival (Week Nine ) Friday Selections ( Fri 2nd February 2024)

Week Nine of the Dubai Carnival ,intresting card from Meydan with the feature race the G3 Dubai Millenium stakes over 10 furlongs on the turf,though going concentrate on couple interesting three-year-old condition races on the turf .

JUMEIRAH FILLIES CLASSIC PRESENTED BY LINCOLN AVIATOR (CONDITIONS RACE) (FILLIES) (TURF)  (3yo) Winner £64,103 10 runners 7f Good RTV

The unbeaten Godolphin filly Cinderella's Dream has been put in odds on favourite after winning twice last season,including winning Novice Stakes at Thirsk in September .However that form looks nothing special ,beating the 73 rated maiden Fayzaah by lengh, giving that rival 6lb .Has been given official rating 83,so will need more improvement to land this stronger race ,though as normal bookmakers are giving nothing away on these Charlie Appleby/ William Buick runners .Open to plenty improvement after two starts ,though makes no appeal at 10-11 .

The top rated in the race GEOLOGIST looks interesting after winning twice last season ,including winning listed race in Germany in September . Made promising reappearance in Jumeriah Guineas trial ,finishing staying on fifth of 16 behind Legend Of Time .That was fair effort for her first run of the season, against some promising colts .Should go well back against fillies only race .Odds 8-1 or bigger are solid each-way value .

Of the other runners the Charlie Appleby second string Beautiful Love has to be respected after finishing fourth in 1 mile listed race at Newmarket on heavy ground in November .Had previously won mile Novice Stakes at Newmarket .Has official rating 89, that puts her right in the mix .

1) GEOLOGIST (2) CINDERELLA'S DREAM (3) BEAUTIFUL LOVE

=======================================================

JUMEIRAH GUINEAS PRESENTED BY LINCOLN NAUTILUS (CONDITIONS RACE) (TURF) (3yo) Winner £64,103 8 runners 1m Good RTV

No surprise to see the Charlie Appleby trained Legend Of Time  favourite after winning the Jumeirah Guineas trial here last month , had previously finished fifth of 12 in G3 Tattersals Stakes at Newmarket last season , the one to beat on form ,though top price 1-2 makes little appeal .

At the prices the French colt SHAMROCK GLITTER looks the each-way value against the odds on favourite , finished promising second just length behind Legend Of Time on seasonal reappearance .Will be suited returning to this mile trip ,having previously won mile conditions race at Chantilly in October .Has bit to find with favourite , though looks solid each-way option in this 8 runner contest .Odds 4-1 or bigger are fair value .

Of the others the Charlie Appleby second string Musical Act can’t be ruled out after winning twice on poly track  at Kempton , including winning mile Novice stakes in November. Unraced on turf,though should be thereabouts if handling the surface .

1) SHAMROCK GLITTER (2) LEGEND OF TIME (3) MUSICAL ACT

===============================================================

(RECOMMENDED BETS MEYDAN FRIDAY 2ND FEB )

GEOLOGIST 2.40 JUMEIRAH FILLIES CLASSIC      

1PT EACH-WAY @ 10-1 BET365 

(FOURTH SP 10-1 LOSS £200/2.00 PTS

SHAMROCK GLITTER 5.35 JUMEIRAH GUINEAS 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 9-2 BET365

(THIRD SP 9-2 LOSS £10.00/0.0.10 PTS

===========================================================

1/4PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @59.5-1 (10-1 & 9-2 ) 

FOURTH & THIRD (LOSS £50.00/0.50 PTS)                                                          

Dubai Carnival (Week Eight )Fashion Friday Selections (Fri 26th January 2024)

Week Eight of Dubai Carnival (Fashion Friday) with cracking card from Meydan featuring seven group races , including the two feature races the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge on dirt over 9F & G1 Jebel Hatta on turf over 9F ,though Going concentrate on two the main supporting races the  Al Fahidi Fort & UAE 2000 Guineas

Al Fahidi Fort presented by Longines (Group 2) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £108,974 12 runners 7f Good 

 

race conditions  £181,624 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo+ and northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £108,974.36 2nd  £36,324.79 3rd  £18,162.39 4th  £9,081.20 5th  £5,448.72 6th  £3,632.48

 

Decent looking field for the G2 Al Fahidi Fort  over 7 furlongs on the turf .

The ultra consistent 7-Y-0 gelding DANYAH should go well after making promising reappearance at Meydan last month, that looked decent effort under 8lb G1 penalty, just getting touched off in Buisness Bay Challenge listed race over C&D . Had some useful form last season ,including winning the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night .Has to concede 4lb in this G2 contest,though Should improve for that first run of the season .Odds 5-1 or bigger look solid e-way value  .

Mysterious Night bounced back to form last time ,bolting up over C&D in 7f handicap at Meydan 7 days ago in good time, had previously shown some useful form back in 2022 ,winning group races in France & Canada. though odds around 7-4 look way too short, having already finished behind Vafortino & Danyah in Buisness Bay Stakes .

The improving 6-Y-0 Vafortino has to be respected after beating Danyah in close finish at Meydan last time , had previously won 7f listed race at Redcar in October, will need further improvement in this group two contest,though looks interesting runner .

 

VERDICT : (1) DANYAH  (2) VAFORTINO (3) MYSTERIOUS NIGHT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

UAE 2000 Guineas presented by Longines (Group 3) (Dirt) (3yo) Winner £89,744 8 runners 1m Fast 

 

race conditions  £149,573 guaranteed For  3yo Weight for age  3yo from 4yo 20lb Penalty value  1st  £89,743.59 2nd  £29,914.53 3rd  £14,957.26 4th  £7,478.63 5th  £4,487.18 6th  £2,991.45 

 

The Argentinian colt Oasis Boy comes out top on official ratings on (109) , having won G2 contest at  HIPODROMO ARGENTINO DE PALERMO back in July. not easy to weigh that form up, though was impressive 4L winner of the race . Has to be respected on his first start in Dubai for new connections,however may just need this race ,having not ran for 6 months .

 

His Stablemate QUARTIER looks interesting runner, after finishing promising second in UAE 2000 Guineas trial at Meydan earlier this month,coming from well off the pace to finish never nearer second to the unbeaten colt Ma Yetal . That form looks solid with the third horse Military Artist winning next time in mile conditions race .Quartier had previously won 4 times in Uruguay from 6 starts.The step up to mile should suit ,having put in all his best work in closing stages in that 7f Guineas Trial .Odds 5-1 or bigger look solid each-way value .

 

Killer Collect has to be respected, after bolting up by 7L over C/D in 1 mile conditions race at Meydan last time,went off unconsidered 20-1 shot that day, with the 4-6 fav pulling up not easy to assess the form ,though looks open to plenty more improvement after just two starts.however odds around 2-1 look poor value .

 

VERDICT :  (1) QUARTIER (2) KILLER COLLECT (3) OASIS BOY

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

MEYDAN FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY RECOMMENDED BETS 

 

DANYAH 2.40  AL FAHIDI FORT  

1PT EACH-WAY @ 11-2 BET365

(THIRD SP 8-1 ) PROFIT £10.00/0.10PTS)

QUARTIER 5.35 UAE 2000 GUINEAS 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 11-2 SKYBET.PADDY POWER .BETVICTOR

(THIRD SP 7-2 ) PROFIT £10.00/0.10PTS)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1/4PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @ 38-1 ( 11-2 & 5-1 BET365 )

THIRD & THIRD ) PROFIT (£55.00/0.55PTS)

Dubai Racing Carnival (Week Five) Selections (Fri 5th Jan 2023 )

The Dubai Carnival kicks into gear on week five ,with the two feature races the 6f Dubawi Stakes G3 (Dirt ) & Zabeel Mile G2 (Turf )

Dubawi Stakes (Group 3) (Dirt) (3yo+) Winner £94,808 13 runners 6f Fast RTV

 

race conditions  £158,014 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo; southern hemisphere & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £94,808.13 2nd  £31,602.71 3rd  £15,801.35 4th  £7,900.68 5th  £4,740.41 6th  £3,160.27 

 

13 runners declared for 6f Dubawi Stakes on the dirt .This looks very competitive dirt sprint .

 

Sound Money has been put in clear favourite at around 13-8 on his first start for Doug Watson . Had some decent form for Chad Brown in America back in 2022 ,including finishing 2nd in grade two company at Belmont Park . Made winning reappearance over C/D at last years carnival in G3 company for B.Seemar ,though not been seen since finishing disappointing 9th in G1 Golden Shaheen on World Cup night .Will be suited returning returning to this lower grade , though looks way too short in the market, on his first start for 286 days .

 

The 7-Y-0 gelding EASTERN WORLD  looks the each-way value,after returning to winning form in November landing fair looking 6f conditions race at Sharjah , beating the 112 rated Tuz by lengh . Had some decent form at carnival back in 2022 , including winning the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal over C&D ..Looks well drawn in stall two for horse that normally sits close to the pace .Odds around 13-2 look solid each-way value with bookmakers paying 4 places .

 

Of the others the consistent  Colour Up looks the most interesting , after winning 6f Listed race over C/D at Meydan in good style in December , Has bit to find with Sound Money on last seasons Mahab Al Shimaal form , though has decent strike rate at Meydan (3 out 6) With William Buick looking interesting jockey booking  Each-way claims .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zabeel Mile (Group 2) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £115,124 13 runners 1m Good RTV

 

race conditions  £191,874 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo; southern hemisphere & northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £115,124.15 2nd  £38,374.72 3rd  £19,187.36 4th  £9,593.68 5th  £5,756.21 6th  £3,837.47 

 

The feature race on the card the G2 Zabeel mile , though not the strongest looking G2 contest .2022 winner REAL WORLD was disappointing here two weeks ago , when only finishing fifth of 11 in G2 Al Rashidya ,though still looks the one to beat on form ,including finishing creditable fourth in G2 Bahrain trophy in November .The drop back to mile should suit,having shown all his best form over the trip when chasing home Baaeed in Lockinge Stakes & Queen Anne Stakes .Odds around 5-2  look fair value .

San Donato finished good second in listed company at Abu Dhabi last month , though normally comes up short in group company (0 out 7 ), also been done no favours by the draw in stall 13 , looks very short in market ,makes little appeal at around 5-2 .

Of the others Marbaan looks interesting runner on first start for Michael Costa , had some decent form as two-year-old for Charlie Fellowes , including winning G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood , not so good last season , though did finish second in listed company. Unproven over mile , though could go well if staying this longer trip .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEYDAN 5TH JANUARY 2023 RECOMMENDED BETS 

 

EASTERN WORLD 4.25 DUBAWI STAKES

0.50 PTS EACH-WAY @ 13-2 BET365.PADDY POWER (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4)  

(UNPLACED SP 11-2 LOSS 1.00 PT)

 

REAL WORLD 5.00 ZABEEL MILE  

1PT WIN @ 5-2 PADDY POWER ,BETFAIR SPORTSBOOK 

 (UNPLACED SP EVENS LOSS 1.00 PT)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1/4 PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @ 25.25-1 PADDY POWER (13-2 & 5-2)

(UPLACED & UNPLACED LOSS 0.50 PTS)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOTAL LOSS £250/2.50 PTS