Epsom Derby Preview Saturday 7th June 2025

Betfred Derby (In Honour Of His Highness Aga Khan Iv) (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £909,628 19 runners 1m4f6y Good ITV

race conditions  £1,500,000 guaranteed For  3yo colts & fillies NOTE: Horses will only be eligible to run in this race provided that they have a current BHA Handicap Rating of 80 or higher at midday of the confirmation stage. Horses which do not qualify for a rating may also be eligible providing the BHA Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including 31 May merit a provisional assessment of 80 or higher. Horses which have not run will not be eligible. Weights  colts 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb pay £3,000 Penalty value  1st  £909,628.40 2nd  £344,860.00 3rd  £172,590.40 4th  £85,974.40 5th  £43,147.60 6th  £21,654.00 

 

19 runners declared for the Epsom Derby, the biggest field since 20003 when Kris Kin came home first of the 20 runners .Ground conditions are likely to be good/soft or softer With further showers forecast .

 

Aidan O'Brien seeks a record-extending 11th victory in the £1.5 million contest with three chances, Delacroix, The Lion In Winter and Lambourn

Ryan Moore will ride Delacroix, with Colin Keane partnering The Lion In Winter and Wayne Lordan aboard Lambourn. The draw was made at 11am on Wednesday with Delacroix in stall 14, Ruling Court in seven, Pride Of Arras in 16 and The Lion In Winter widest of all in 19.

Last month's 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court bids for a Classic double at Epsom, while Dante winner Pride Of Arras will look to provide a first Derby success for trainer Ralph Beckett, who also saddles Stanhope Gardens .

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

2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT  is clear on official BHA ratings on 121, after winning strong  Guineas at Newmarket last month, that looked decent form with second Field Of Gold winning Irish 2000 Guineas next time, though hasn't looked short of speed ,winning both starts at mile this season.There has to be big question mark of staying this half-mile longer trip at Epsom. Not for me with big stamina doubts,especially with more rain forecast .

The unbeaten PRIDE OF ARRAS  should go well for Ralph Beckett & Rossa Ryan, after winning the Dante Stakes in good style at York last month, that looked decent effort on only his second start,beating Damysus and the reliable 110 rated Wimbledon Hawkeye. Looks open to further improvement over this longer trip with trainer Ralph Beckett reporting the horse likely to take big step forward after his Dante victory.Unraced on ground worse than good ,though has soft ground pedigree. Odds 5-1 or above look solid value.

DELACROIX  looks the pick of the Aidan O'Brien three runners, after winning twice at Leopardstown this season, including the Cashel Palace Derby trial in good style last month ,though that didn't look the strongest race, run in slow time.Has Yet to finish outside the first two in seven starts, though the Dubawi colt needs prove his stamina over this longer trip in strongly run race .

Former Ante Post favourite THE LION IN WINTER is difficult to weigh up after finishing disappointing sixth in Dante Stakes,though Can't be ruled out on his useful two-year-old form, has been  weak in market with Ryan Moore preferring Delacroix,will need bounce back over this longer trip .

Chester Vase winner LAMBOURN is one the few guaranteed stayers in the field, needing every yard of 1M 4F trip at Chester to beat Lazy Griff , had previously finished staying on second to Delacroix in 10F Ballysax Stakes in March .Will be staying on in closing stages.Further rain will suit .Place claims .

Of the others the John & Thady Gosden trained DAMYSUS looks the most interesting after finishing promising second in Dante behind Pride Of Arros, staying on nicely in closing stages after having wide trip.The Frankel colt looks open to further improvement over this longer trip on only his third start. Place claims .

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

VERDICT:  

1ST : PRIDE OF ARRAS 

2ND : DELACROIX 

3RD : DAMYSUS 

4TH : LAMBOURN

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

RECOMMENDED BET : PRIDE OF ARRAS 3.30 EPSOM DERBY 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 OR BIGGER WITH FIRMS PAYING 4 PLACES 

(UNPLACED SP 4-1) LOSS -2.00 PTS )

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

FULL RESULT : 

1ST LAMBOURN 13-2 

2ND LAZY GRITH 50-1

3RD TENNESSE STUD 28-1

4TH NEW GROUND 50-1  

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

Epsom Derby History

The Derby Stakes, also known as the Derby or the Epsom Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year, over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres), or about 1½ miles.^[1] It was first run in 1780. 

It is Britain's richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is sometimes referred to as the "Blue Riband" of the turf. The race serves as the middle leg of the historically significant Triple Crown of British horse racing, preceded by the 2000 Guineas and followed by the St Leger, although the feat of winning all three is rarely attempted in the modern era due to changing priorities in racing and breeding, and the demands it places on horses. 

The name "Derby" (deriving from the sponsorship of the Earl of Derby) has been borrowed many times, notably by the Kentucky Derby in the United States, and to describe many other key racing and sporting events. The term "Epsom Derby" is often used in the United States and elsewhere, in order to differentiate The Derby from other races such as the Irish Derby or German Derby.^[2] The Derby run at Epsom is usually referred to as "the Derby" in Great Britain. It is one of Britain's great national sporting events^[3] and has a large worldwide TV audience.^[4]

 Initially, the Derby was run on a Thursday in late May or early June, depending on when Easter occurred. In 1838 the race was moved to a Wednesday to fit in with the railways' timetables, but still followed the moveable feast of Easter. In the 20th century, the race was run mainly on a Wednesday in late May or early June until 1994, after which it was changed to a Saturday in early June.^[8] From 1915 to 1918 (during World War I), it was on a Tuesday, with the race's latest ever date being 31 July 1917.^[9] From 1942 to 1945 (during World War II), 1947 to 1950, and in 1953, the race was run on a Saturday.^[7] From 1969 to 1994, it was on the first Wednesday in June. From 2003 to at least 2022, it has been on the first Saturday in June, apart from a race on 4 July 2020 without spectators, owing to COVID-19.

^{DERBY STAKES RECORDS} 

WINNING TRAINERS

10 wins (2001-2024) Aidan O’Brien

WINNING JOCKEYS

9 wins (1954-1983) Lester Piggott

FASTEST TIMES  

2 min. 31.33 sec. WORKFORCE 2010

WINNING DISTANCE LONGEST 

10 lengths SHERGAR 1981

LONGEST PRICED WINNERS

(100-1  JEDDAH 1898)(100-1 SIGNORINETTA 1908) (100-1 ABOYEUR 1913)

SHORTEST PRICED WINNERS 

(2-9 LADAS 1894) 

FIELD LARGEST 

34 – 1862

FIELD SMALLEST 

4 – 1794

FAVOURITES TO £10 WIN LEVEL STAKE (Joint favourites , stakes divided )

1780 – 1829        -£25.54

1830 – 1879        -£29.17

1880 – 1929         -£5.25

1930 – 1979     +£194.66

1980 – 2024        -£16.85

TOTAL + £117.85 

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

(2025 Epsom Derby preview will be posted on Thursday 5th June 2025 ) 

Craven Meeting Preview Day One (Tuesady 15th April 2025 )

The Feilden Stakes is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old horses. It is run over a distance of 1 mile and 1 furlong (1,811 metres) on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in mid-April.

The event was established in 1978, and it was originally called the Heath Stakes.^[1] The first running was won by Hawaiian Sound.

The event can serve as a trial for various Classic races. The runner-up in 1994, Erhaab, subsequently won The Derby, as did the 2015 winner, Golden Horn. The 2013 winner, Intello, went on to win the Prix du Jockey Club. 

The Feilden Stakes is currently held on the first day of Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting. It is run the day before the Craven Stakes. 

bet365 Feilden Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £31,191 8 runners 1m1f Good To Firm ITV4 (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £55,000 guaranteed For  3yo Weights  colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 11lb Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Pattern race 5lb Entries  18 pay £275 Penalty value  1st  £31,190.50 2nd  £11,825.00 3rd  £5,918.00 4th  £2,948.00 5th  £1,479.50 6th  £742.50

 

JBB FOR RATINGS : (1) GREEN STORM (107) (2) NIGHT WAKER (99) (3) KING OF CITIES (91) 

 

Intresting line up for 9F Feilden Stakes. The once raced Charlie Appleby trained Siyouni colt MASAI MOON  has been put in strong favourite at around 15-8, after winning weak novice stakes at 2-5 on All Weather at Kempton back in October.Won the race in good style, though the form is nothing special the two horses he beat only rated 78 .Looks open to plenty improvement over this slightly longer trip, has Dante entry later in the season, though not for me at short price .

 

At the prices the Charlie Johnstone Circus Maximus colt GREEN STORM  looks the each-way value at around 6-1.On official ratings sets fair standard on mark 107, only won in maiden company last season , though finished second 3 times , including finishing lengh second in group three Zetland Stakes here at Newmarket over 10 furlongs.Solid each-way claims.Guide price 6-1 .

 

 

Of the others the former Sir Michael Stoute Frankel colt NIGHTWALKER  looks most interesting on his first start for John & Thady Gosden, had some fair form last season, including finishing fair third in Autumn stakes here at Newmarket.This longer trip should suit, though most stable runners have seemed to need the race  . 

 

Both SALLAAL & ALMERIC  novice & maidens winners for inform stables,both look promising sorts who look be players in interesting contest

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

VERDICT : (1) GREEN STORM (2)  NIGHTWALKER (3) SALLAAL

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

 

 The Earl of Sefton Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of 1 mile and 1 furlong (1,811 metres) on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in mid-April. 

 

The event was established in 1971, and it was initially called the Rubbing House Stakes.^[1] The first running was won by Pembroke Castle. 

 

The race was renamed the Earl of Sefton Stakes in 1973^[2] in memory of Hugh Molyneux (1898–1972), the seventh Earl of Sefton. 

 

The Earl of Sefton Stakes is currently held on the first day of Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting, the day before the Craven Stakes. 

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

bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £48,204 6 runners 1m1f Good To Firm ITV4 (STALLS Centre)

 

 race conditions  £85,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ Weights  colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb; of a Group 2 race 5lb; of a Group 1 race 7lb Entries  8 pay £850 Penalty value  1st  £48,203.50 2nd  £18,275.00 3rd  £9,146.00 4th  £4,556.00 5th  £2,286.50 6th  £1,147.50  

 

JBB FORM RATINGS (1) AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (118) (2) OTTOMAN FLEET (117) (3) PERSICA (114) 

 

The course specialist OTTOMAN FLEET  can land this race for third year running for Charlie Appleby & William Buick, has fantastic record here at Newmarket on rowley mile course (11121) Had excellent season in 2024 , winning three time , including winning twice in U.S.A at Churchill Downs , also finished respectable fourth in two starts at Meydan this season in G1 & G2 company , though will suited returning to Newmarket in this lesser race .Should be difficult to beat .Guide Price 6-4 .

 

Epsom Derby runner up AMBIENTE FRIENDLY looks interesting runner here dropping down in class , obviously would be difficult to beat if repeating his Derby form behind City Of Troy , though looked very disappointing on his final two starts last season , drops back to 9 furlongs , though was well beaten over this trip at this meeting last season. Has question marks .

 

Of the Others PERSICA can't be ruled out on his best form , showed progressive form last season winning three times, including winning listed race at Ayr .Finished fair 3rd on seasonal reappearance in Winter Derby at Southwell.

 

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

VERDICT : (1) OTTOMAN FLEET (2) AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (3) PERSICA 

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

 

The Nell Gwyn Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in mid-April. 

The event was established in 1961, and it was initially called the Spring Fillies' Stakes.^[1] The first running was won by Verbena. 

The race was renamed the Nell Gwyn Stakes in 1962.^[2] It was named after Nell Gwyn (1650–87), a long-time mistress of King Charles II. 

The Nell Gwyn Stakes can serve as a trial for various fillies' Classics in Europe. The last winner to achieve victory in the 1000 Guineas was Cachet in 2022. The last to win the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches was Valentine Waltz in 1999. 

The race is currently held on the first day of Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting. It is run the day before the Craven Stakes. 

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

Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £48,204 10 runners 7f Good To Firm ITV4 (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £85,000 guaranteed For  3yo fillies Weights  9st 2lb Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 3lb Entries  16 pay £850 Penalty value  1st  £48,203.50 2nd  £18,275.00 3rd  £9,146.00 4th  £4,556.00 5th  £2,286.50 6th  £1,147.50 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) ARABIAN DUSK (105) (2) CELESTIAL ORBIT (100) (3) VERSE OF LOVE (93)

 

The feature race on day one the 7f Nell Gwyn stakes for three-year-old fillies .

 

The Charlie Appleby trained Siyouni filly VERSE OF LOVE  is sure be popular after bolting up on debut over C&D at Newmarket last October , beating former stablemate Wild Angel by 5 lenghs. though the form is nothing special the second only has official rating of 78, the style of victory did suggest she could be useful filly, though bookmakers taking no chances here at odds 13-8, not for me at such short price .

 

At the prices CELESTIAL ORBIT looks interesting after showing progressive form last season , including winning Star listed Stakes in good style at Sandown, that form looks decent with second & third going on to win listed & group races since .Not raced since July 2024 , though looks open to improvement this season .Guide Price 8-1 .

 

ARABIAN DUSK   sets the standard with official BHA rating of 108 , had some decent form last season , including winning 6f Princess of Cambridge G2 stakes at Newmarket and finishing third in Cheveley Park stakes behind Lake Victoria , though looks far from certain to stay this longer trip .

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

VERDICT : (1) CELESTIAL ORBIT (2) VERSE OF LOVE (3)  

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

 

NEWMARKET CRAVEN MEETING DAY ONE RECOMMENDED BETS :

 

GREEN STORM 2.25 FEILDEN STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 6-1 BET365

(FOURTH SP 7-2 LOSS -2.00 PTS)

 

OTTOMAN FLEET 3.00 EARL OF SEFTON STAKES 

3PTS WIN @ 13-8 BET365

(SECOND SP 2-1 LOSS -3.00 PTS)

 

CELESTIAL ORBIT 3.35 NELL GWYN STAKES

0.50 PTS EACH-WAY @ 8-1 BET365  

(SECOND SP 9-1 PROFIT 0.30 PTS )

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

1/4 PT EACH-WAY TREBLE @ 164-1 BET365

(6-1) (13-8) (8-1) (FOURTH (SECOND)(SECOND ) -0.50 PTS

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

TOTAL LOSS 5.20 PTS  

Fred Darling Stakes & Greenham Stakes Preview (Newbury 12th April 2025)

The Fred Darling Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) at Newbury in April. 

The event was established in 1949, and it was initially called the Lambourn Stakes.^[1] It was named after Lambourn, a nearby village associated with racehorse training. 

For a period the race was contested over 7 furlongs and 60 yards. It continued with its original name until 1954,^[2] and was given its present title in 1955.^[3] It was renamed in memory of Fred Darling, a successful local trainer who died two years earlier.^[4]

The Dubai Duty Free company started to sponsor the Fred Darling Stakes in 1996. From this point the race was also known as the Dubai Duty Free Stakes. It used to be run on a left-handed course, but it was switched to a straight 7 furlongs in 1999. 

The race can serve as a trial for various fillies' Classics in Europe. The last participant to win the 1,000 Guineas was Elmalka, the third-placed horse in 2024. 

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

Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes) (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £48,204 15 runners 7f Good ITV (STALLS Centre)

 race conditions  £85,000 guaranteed For  3yo fillies Weights  9st 2lb Entries  23 pay £850 Penalty value  1st  £48,203.50 2nd  £18,275.00 3rd  £9,146.00 4th  £4,556.00 5th  £2,286.50 6th  £1,147.50 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) SIMMERING (108) (2) HEAVENS GATE (104) (3) TIME FOR SANDALS 

Big field for competitive looking Fred Darling Stakes over 7 furlongs on fast ground on straight track at Newbury . 

The Ollie Sangster Too Darn Hot filly SIMMERING  is clear on ratings after running with plenty credit in group one company last season, including finishing excellent second in G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at Curragh behind the unbeaten Lake Victoria , just getting outstayed in closing stages by the useful Aidan O,Brien filly, had previously won well in G2 company at Deauville.Also finished fair fourth in G1 Prix Marcel Bussac at Longchamp at the end last season.Will be suited by this drop in class .Christophe Soumillion also looks significant jockey booking .Guide price 7-2 or bigger .

Of the others TIME FOR SANDALS looks the most interesting after finishing good second in G2 Lowther stakes At York in August, unproven over 7 furlongs , though looks open to improvement after just three starts .

Aidan O Brien is represented by HEAVENS GATE, winner of three races last season from 8 starts , including winning in G3 company at Curragh , though was well held fourth in Lowther Stakes at York

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

VERDICT (1) SIMMERING (2) TIME FOR SANDALS (3) HEAVENS GATE   

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

The Greenham Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old colts and geldings. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) at Newbury in April. 

The event is named after Greenham, the civil parish where Newbury Racecourse is located. It was established in 1906, and was initially contested over a mile.^[1]

The race continued with its original length until the start of World War II.^[2] It was not staged from 1941 to 1948, and resumed with a distance of 7 furlongs and 60 yards in 1949.^[3] It was shortened to 7 furlongs in 1956.^[4]

The Greenham Stakes can serve as a trial for various colts' Classics in Europe. The last winner to achieve victory in the 2000 Guineas was Frankel in 2011, and the most recent 2,000 Guineas winner to compete in the Greenham Stakes was Night of Thunder, the 2014 runner-up.  

Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £56,710 10 runners 7f Good ITV (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £100,000 guaranteed For  3yo colts & geldings Weights  9st 2lb Entries  16 pay £1,000 Penalty value  1st  £56,710.00 2nd  £21,500.00 3rd  £10,760.00 4th  £5,360.00 5th  £2,690.00 6th  £1,350.00

 

JBB RATINGS : (1)RASHABAR (112) (2) AL QUDRA (108) (3) CHANCELLOR (102)

 

10 Runners declared for Greenham Stakes over the straight 7 furlongs at Newbury .

 

The Brian Meehan colt RASHABAR  looks progressive sort, having won the Coventry stakes at 80-1 last season,however showed improved form in France at backend of last season, finishing excellent second in both G1 Prix Morny & Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, that looked decent effort in Prix Jean-luc Lagardere , just getting touched off by Camille Pissaro, the form looks solid with fifth from race going on to win Breeders Cup Juvenile next time & Red Rocks stakes .Solid claims .Guide Price 7-2 or bigger  

 

Of the others CHANCELLOR looks the most interesting after winning twice at Doncaster, including winning Novice Stakes in good style back in September.Had to be withdrawn from Champagne Stakes on final start last season, bit to find on official ratings.though looks open to further improvement this season . 

 AL QUDRA  has already had nine starts, winning three times , has fitness edge over his main rivals ,having already ran twice this season , winning weak G2 contest at Qatar last time .Place claims , though others make more appeal.

 

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

VERDICT : (1) RASHABAR (2) CHANCELLOR (3) AL QUDRA 

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

RECOMMENDED BETS NEWBURY SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2025 

 

SIMMERING 2.00 FRED DARLING STAKES

1PT WIN @ 7-2 BETVICTOR.LADBROKES.UNIBET.888SPORT 

(SEVENTH SP 5-2 LOSS 1.00 PT )

 

RASHABAR 2.35 GREENHAM STAKES  

1PT WIN @ 4-1 BET365

(SECOND SP 6-1 LOSS 1.00 PT

 

0.50 PT WIN DOUBLE @ 21.5-1 BET365  

UNPLACED & SECOND LOSS 0.50 PTS

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

TOTAL LOSS 2.50 PTS 

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 

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

 

 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 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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  

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

RECOMMENDED BETS MEYDAN SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2025 

 

TRAWLERMAN 2.10 DUBAI GOLD CUP 

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

(FIFTH SP 11-4 LOSS 2.00 PTS)

  

REBELS ROMANCE 5.50 SHEEMA CLASSIC 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 7-2 WILLIAM HILLS 

(FOURTH SP 9-4 LOSS 2.00 PTS )

 

ROMANTIC WARRIOR 5.15 DUBAI TURF 

FOREVER YOUNG 6.30 DUBAI WORLD CUP  

3PTS WIN DOUBLE @ 1.47-1 BET365 (8-15 & 8-13)

(SECOND & THIRD ) LOSS 3.00 PTS )

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

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

(FIFTH ) (FOURTH) (SECOND) (THIRD ) LOSS 0.50 PTS )

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

TOTAL LOSS -7.50 PTS