Meydan stages a full Carnival meeting on the Thursday before Super Saturday for the first time, and the card has some very open events – meaning there is plenty of value to be found. That said, the Group 3 UAE Oaks, with only three runners, is the least competitive race in Meydan history, and Polar River [Meydan, 16.10] should hack up…
The presence of Argentinian Group I winner Vale Dori does add some interest, but it is hard to envisage anything other than a walk in the park for Doug Watson’s unbeaten filly. The Listed Meydan Classic, on turf over seven furlongs, is much more open, and can go to the Godolphin filly Pure Diamond, [Meydan, 15.35] who was very unlucky not to beat the re-opposing Comicas last time out.
First Selection, a Group 3 winner in the UK, can also have his say. The Group 2 Balanchine is the official feature, and it should provide Marco Botti’s Euro Charline [Meydan, 16.45] with a good opportunity to regain the winning thread. The five-year-old hasn’t won since the 2014 Beverly D at Arlington, but faces a much easier task here, with only Cape Verdi winner Very Special, from whom she gets weight, looking a serious danger.
Saeed Bin Suroor trains Very Special and he can collect another handicap success with Musaddas [Meydan, 18.30] fancied to make it two in a row in the ten furlong turf event. Khusoosy, one from one in the Emirates, also appeals at a likely bigger price. The Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy is a prep for the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, and lacks a stand out performer. Therefore, Roger Varian’s Battersea [Meydan, 17.55] is worth taking to follow up his course and distance win of last time out. He did a strong piece of work on the Tapeta training track on Tuesday, and can continue on his upward curve. Sheikhzayedroad is another going well in the mornings and can go close, while Certerach is better than he has shown so far this term. Brendan Powell’s popular Dark Emerald has his final chance in the seven furlong turf handicap, but he was well-held last time, and I’m sticking with Mastermind [Meydan, 17.20] – often tipped here – to finally oblige. He again ran well in defeat last time, and is a kilo better off with Fils Anges, who beat him then. Another wide draw will mean that Paul Hanagan will have to be at his best, however, but he usually is.
Hanagan was most complimentary when returning from a first canter on the Arabian Handassa [Meydan, 15.00] on Tuesday morning. His form is much the best in the race and he should be able to win this en-route to World Cup night.