Dubai World Cup Meeting Preview (Meydan Sat 5th April 2025)

The 29^th running of the annual Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, 5 April 2025 at the iconic Meydan Racecourse.

The 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.

Race 2 - Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) (Turf) (4yo+) Winner £464,000 10 runners 2m Good RTV

 

race conditions  £800,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ Weight for age  4yo from 5yo+ 2lb Penalty value  1st  £464,000.00 2nd  £160,000.00 3rd  £80,000.00 4th  £40,000.00 5th  £24,000.00 6th  £16,000.00 7th  £8,000.00 8th  £8,000.00 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS: (1) TRAWLERMAN (121) (2) DOUBLE MAJOR (117) (3) AL NAYYIR (116)

 

10 runners declared for Dubai Gold Cup over 2 miles, this looks competitive contest with bookmakers going 9-2 the field .  

 

The 7-Y-0 gelding TRAWLERMAN  should go well for John & Thady Gosden team .Had some decent form last season, including finishing excellent second in Ascot Gold Cup behind the useful Kyprios, also finished creditable third in this this race last year behind Tower of London, that was fair effort having to race very wide in early part the race from wide draw.Makes his seasonal reappearance, though goes well fresh .Odds around 5-1 look solid each-way value .

 

Last years second AL NAYYIR looks the main danger , has decent record here at Meydan winning three times at the track , finished fair fifth in G2 Red Sea Handicap at Riyadh on his seasonal reappearance in February . 

 

Of the others French raider Double Major cant be ruled out , having won three times last season in France , including winning the G1 Prix Royal Oak at Saint-Cloud in October, though is unproven on fast ground , having shown all his best form on soft or heavy .

 

VERDICT : (1) TRAWLERMAN  (2) AL NAYYIR (3) DOUBLE MAJOR 

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 Race 8 - Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £2,784,000 9 runners 1m4f11y Good RTV

 

race conditions  £4,800,000 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo and northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £2,784,000.00 2nd  £960,000.00 3rd  £480,000.00 4th  £240,000.00 5th  £144,000.00 6th  £96,000.00 7th  £48,000.00 8th  £48,000.00 

 

JBB RATINGS : (1) CALANDAGAN (127) (2) REBELS ROMANCE (124) (3) SHIN EMPEROR (123)

 

9 Runners declared for the Sheema Classic over 12 furlongs, this looks top quality G1 contest on the turf.

 

The French raider CALANDAGAN has been put in clear favourite at around 2-1, had some very useful form last season ,winning the King Edward V11 Stakes at Royal Ascot by 6 lenghs , then finishing second in both Juddmonte International & Champion Stakes at Ascot .Obvious claims on that form , though this will be his seasonal reappearance and has been beaten first time out for last two seasons , so just may need this race . 

 

Last years winner REBELS ROMANCE  looks sure go well, having won 7 of his last 8 starts , including winning the Breeders Cup turf in November at Del Mar .Had excellent 2024 . winning 5 times four group ones) ,only defeat coming in King George at Ascot.Should be spot on for this race after easy victory in the Amir Trophy at Qatar in February .Odds around 10-3 look very fair value .

 

Of the others SHIN EMPEROR  looks the most interesting , after winning the Neom Turf Cup at Riyadh in February .Had some decent form last season, including finishing second in Japan Cup and third in Irish Champion Stakes .Should be thereabouts in cracking G1 contest.

 

VERDICT : (1) REBELS ROMANCE (2) CALANDAGAN (3) SHIN EMPEROR 

 

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Race 7 - Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £2,320,000 11 runners 1m1f Good RTV

 

race conditions  £4,000,000 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo and northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £2,320,000.00 2nd  £800,000.00 3rd  £400,000.00 4th  £200,000.00 5th  £120,000.00 6th  £80,000.00 7th  £40,000.00 8th  £40,000.00 

 

JBB RATINGS : (1) ROMANTIC WARRIOR (128) (2) SOUL RUSH (123) (3) FACTEUR CHEVAL (121) 

 

The top class ROMANTIC WARRIOR looks class above these rivals, having won his last 8 starts on the turf, including breaking the track record over C&D here at Meydan in Jebel Hatta in January .Will be difficult to beat returning turf , having ran excellent second in Saudi Cup on dirt last time .

 

Last years winner FACTEUR CHEVAL has place claims at decent odds returning to turf , never really took to the dirt on his last two starts , though had some decent form on turf last season , including finishing second in Queen Elizabeth 11 stakes at Ascot in October . 

 

Of the others Japanese raider SOUL RUSH , looks the most interesing, had some useful form in Japan last season , including winning in grade one company. Also finished third to Romantic Warrior in Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo .Place Claims .

 

VERDICT : (1) ROMANTIC WARRIOR (2) FACTEUR CHEVAL (3) SOUL RUSH

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Race 9 - Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) (Dirt) (3yo+) Winner £5,568,000 11 runners 1m2f Fast RTV

 

 

race conditions  £9,600,000 guaranteed For  southern hemisphere 3yo and northern hemisphere 4yo+ Penalty value  1st  £5,568,000.00 2nd  £1,920,000.00 3rd  £960,000.00 4th  £480,000.00 5th  £288,000.00 6th  £192,000.00 7th  £96,000.00 8th  £96,000.00 

 

JBB RATINGS : (1) FOREVER YOUNG (129) (2) WILSON TESORO (119) (3) WALK ON STARS (118) 

 

The 29th running of the 12 million dollar Dubai World Cup not the strongest renewal this year .

 

Saudi Cup Winner FOREVER YOUNG looks standout on form , 11lb clear on official ratings, having won the UAE Derby at Meydan last year. Had some excellent form in 2024 contesting all top dirt races , including finishing third in Kentucky Derby & Breeders Cup Classic.Will be difficult to beat in this lesser race .

 

Al Maktoum challenge winner WALK ON STARS  has place claims returning to Meydan, never travelled in Saudi Cup last time, though has good record here at Meydan. Can make the frame , especially if gaining early lead from good draw in stall one .

 

VERDICT : (1) FOREVER YOUNG (2) WALK ON STARS (3) WILSON TESORO  

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RECOMMENDED BETS MEYDAN SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2025 

 

TRAWLERMAN 2.10 DUBAI GOLD CUP 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 BETVICTOR.LADBROKES.CORALS

 

REBELS ROMANCE 5.50 SHEEMA CLASSIC 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 7-2 WILLIAM HILLS 

 

ROMANTIC WARRIOR 5.15 DUBAI TURF 

FOREVER YOUNG 6.30 DUBAI WORLD CUP  

3PTS WIN DOUBLE @ 2.47 BET365 (8-15 & 8-13)

 

1/4 PT EACH-WAY ACC. @ 55-1 BETVICTOR 

(5-1) (3-1) (1-2) (1-2)

Hever Sprint Stakes Preview (Sat 22nd Feb 2025 )

The Hever Sprint Stakes is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years and over. It is run at Southwell over a distance of 4 furlongs and 215 yards (1,001 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in February or March.^[1]

The race was first run in 2003 at Lingfield Park, and was awarded Listed status in 2007. It was switched to Southwell in 2024. 

Other news, there's plenty of racing action coming thick and fast with high-profile meetings such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National so check out Irish free bets for their latest daily free bet promotions. We've already put a date in our diary to visit Great Yarmouth on the 22nd April. I think they have a meeting on the 5th April, the same day as the Grand National. Always an enjoyable day at the Norfolk coast.   

 BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £31,614 11 runners 4f214y Standard ITV (STALLS Centre)

race conditions  £55,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ Weights  colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 11lb Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lb; of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 7lb Entries  13 pay £275 Penalty value  1st  £31,614.00 2nd  £11,995.50 3rd  £6,000.50 4th  £2,997.50 5th  £1,496.00 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) DILIGENT HARRY (119) (2) CLARENDON HOUSE (117) (3) MARSHMAN (115)

 

Last years winner DILIGENT HARRY looks sure go well for Clive Cox, has excellent record on All Weather winning (7 out 12 ) Should be spot on for this race, after finishing fourth on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield earlier this month (looked in need of the race) .Can reverse form with Marshman on 3lb better terms over this shorter trip .William Buick looks significant jockey booking, riding the horse for first time .Odds 11-4 or above look solid value .

 

Of the others MARSHMAN has been in great form this season ,winning both starts on All Weather , including winning Kachy Listed stakes at Lingfield earlier this month, though all his best form has been over 6 furlongs , has yet to win over 5 furlongs in 4 starts ,also has to carry 3lb listed penalty.

 

CLARENDON HOUSE has each-way claims, lightly raced on All Weather, winning ( 2 out 3) , including winning over C&D, though was well held third in the race last year behind Diligent Harry. Can't be ruled out on previous form ,place claims .

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 VERDICT : (1) DILIGENT HARRY (2) CLARENDON HOUSE (3) MARSHMAN  

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DILIGENT HARRY 2.40 SOUTHWELL HEVER SPRINT LISTED STAKES

2PTS WIN @ 11-4 BET365 & WILLIAM HILLS  

(FIFTH SP 4-1 LOSS 2.00 PTS)

 

RESULT : 1ST CLARENDON HOUSE (13-2) 2ND MARSHMAN (15-8) 3RD VALIANT FORCE (4-1)  

Meydan Carnival Lord Glitters Handicap Preview (Fri 7th February 2025 )

 

Lord Glitters Handicap Sponsored By Azizi Developments (Handicap) (Turf) (3yo+ 90-110) Winner £45,652 15 runners 1m1f Good To Firm RTV

 

race conditions  £76,087 guaranteed For  northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere 3yo+ Rated 90-110 Galen's Handicap Mark  105 Penalty value  1st  £45,652.17 2nd  £15,217.39 3rd  £7,608.70 4th  £3,804.35 5th  £2,282.61 6th  £1,521.74

 

The Charlie Appleby trained Kingman gelding ARABIAN LIGHT was very strong favourite to win the Lord North Handicap here last month, going off 4-7 fav, though could only manage never nearer 4L third after not getting the best of runs .However looks certain to improve for that first run of the season, had looked progressive sort last season winning two novice stakes in good style .Looks sure go well here off the same mark, though bookmakers are giving nothing away on the Godolphin runner .

 

At the prices last years winner OUZO looks the each-way value .Hasn't got much to find with Arabian Light on that Lord North handicap form ,finishing never nearer sixth having had troubled passage, just over lengh behind the Appleby horse.Has good record here at Meydan in these big field 8/9F handicaps (61123). Also looks on decent mark ,having won the race last year off 2lb higher mark .Goes particularly well for Saffie Osborne, who is reunited with the horse having missed the ride last time. Odds 7-1 or above look very fair each-way value, especially with bookmakers paying five places .

 

Of the others the Joseph O'Brien Irish raider GALEN looks the most interesting, finished 2nd to City Of Troy on debut as 2-Y-0, also had some fair form last season, including winning maiden at Curragh by 9L. Finished fair fourth on first start here at Meydan, just head behind Arabian Light in the Lord North handicap, has to concede weight all round in this handicap, though looks open to improvement as lightly raced four-year-old .

 

VERDICT : (1) ARABIAN LIGHT (2) OUZO  (3) GALEN 

 

Arabian Light looks the most likely winner on last seasons progressive UK form, though these big field handicaps are never easy to win here at Meydan, makes no appeal at even money in 16 runner handicap. OUZO has good chance of at least hitting the frame at decent odds. Goes well here at Meydan, looks worth small each-way bet.

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RECOMMENDED BET ;

 

OUZO 3.50 MEYDAN( LORD GLITTERS HANDICAP)

0.50 PT EACH-WAY @ 8-1 (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4-5 ) BOYLESPORT 

(UNPLACED SP 6-1 LOSS -1.00)

 

Hong Kong Superstar Romantic Warrior

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior confirmed his status as the world’s #1 racehorse with another brilliant G1 victory in track record time at Dubai Carnival meeting at Meydan where he coasted home to claim the Jebel Hatta.

Already the record prize-money earner of all time, this incredible seven-year-old was recording his tenth G1 success as he scored by 4½ lengths from Poker Face to claim the $500,000 contest. Following his victories in the Cox Plate (Australia) and Yasuda Kinen (Japan) – plus a slew of domestic victories in Hong Kong – Romantic Warrior has now won G1 races in four different countries.

Frankly, it seems hard that any other horse could have claims to being the world’s leading racehorse, and he duly spends his 28th week at the top of Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings with a 75pt boost.

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Racing career

1st 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Tourbillon Diamond and Panfield^[4]

1st 2022 Hong Kong Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Danon The Kid and Money Catcher^[5]

1st 2023 Cox Plate (2040m WFA, The Valley) beating Mr Brightside and Alligator Blood^[7]

1st 2023 Hong Kong Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Luxembourg and Hishi Iguazu^[8]

1st 2024 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Voyage Bubble and Nimble Nimbus^[9]

1st 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Prognosis and North Bridge^[10]

1st 2024 Yasuda Kinen (1600m, Tokyo) beating Namur and Soul Rush^[11]

1st 2024 Hong Kong Cup (2000m, Sha Tin) beating Liberty Island and Tastiera^[12]

1st 2025 Jebel Hatta (1800m, Meydan) beating Poker Face and Holloway Boy

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2021: Coming to Hong Kong

Foaled in Ireland in 2018, the son of Acclamation was sourced by the former top jockey Michael Kinane and sold at the Hong Kong International Sale in 2021 to Peter Lau Pak Fai for HKD 4.8M (UK £493,788. Romantic Warrior was then sent to the Manton Estate in Wiltshire, England for further training before coming to Hong Kong as a racehorse.^[13]

On 20 October 2021, he made winning debut at the Happy Valley Racecourse in a Group IV 1200m race ridden by Joao Moreira.

The seven-year-old geldings record now stands at  : (23 races ) (18 wins)  (3 Seconds ) (2 Fourths )

Total Prizemoney HK$ 179,688,247 (UK £ 18,132,187 ) US$ (22,635,678 )

Romantic Warrior will be set another new task next, with trainer Danny Shum looking towards a first attempt on dirt in the worlds richest race the $20 million Saudi Cup on February 22.

Dubai Millennium Stakes Preview (Meydan Friday 31st January 2025 )

The Dubai Millennium Stakes, is a horse race for horses aged four and over, run at a distance of 2,000 metres (ten furlongs) on turf in late January or early February at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.

The Dubai Millennium Stakes was first contested in 2014 as a Listed race before being elevated to Group 3 class in 2016. It is named in honour of the racehorse Dubai Millennium. 

 

RECORD TIME  : 2:00.33 – Ghaiyyath 2020

Most wins by a jockey:

5 – William Buick 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023

Most wins by a trainer:

8 – Charlie Appleby 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

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Dubai Millennium Stakes Sponsored By Emaar (Group 3) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £91,304 10 runners 1m2f Good To Firm RTV

 

race conditions  £152,174 guaranteed For  northern hemisphere 4yo+ and southern hemisphere 3yo Weight for age  4yo from 5yo+ 1lb Penalty value  1st  £91,304.35 2nd  £30,434.78 3rd  £15,217.39 4th  £7,608.70 5th  £4,565.22 6th  £3,043.48 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) SEE HECTOR (116) (2)  FIRST CONQUEST (115) (3) CAIRO (114)

 

The feature race on the card the 10f Dubai Millenium stakes on the turf at Meydan.The Charlie Appleby trained four-year-old gelding FIRST CONQUEST is sure be popular after winning the Lord North Handicap in impressive style by 4L earlier this month at Meydan ,off mark 98.That looked good peforomance in strong looking handicap.This G3 contest will be lot tougher ,though still has to be respected for stable thats won this race for last 7 years, strong claims though not for me at very skinny price . 

 

The ex German six-year old SEE HECTOR looks interesting contender, after finishing promising 4L second to First Conquest on his first start for Jamie Osborne earlier this month, staying on nicely in closing stages,  now meets that rival on 7lb better terms .Had some decent form in Germany in 2023/24,including winning two group 3 races at Dusseldorf .Looks open to further improvement over this longer trip .Odds 5-1 or above look solid win /place value .

Of the others ASAASSI has each-way claims after winning Zabeel Turf handicap in good style over C/D earlier this month.Takes step up in class into group company for first time ,though has decent record on turf (4 out 7) .

 

VERDICT : (1) SEE HECTOR (2) FIRST CONQUEST (3) ASAASS1 

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ONE RECOMMENDED BET 31ST JANUARY 2025 

 

SEE HECTOR 4.25 MEYDAN DUBAI MILLENNIUM STAKES

1PT WIN @ BSP 

1PT PLACE @ BSP 

(UNPLACED BSP 11.99 LOSS -2.00 )