Horse racing has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons over the last week or so but hopefully on Saturday it can get back to writing the right headlines when some decent action takes place in the UK and overseas.
The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival is now in full swing but while we’re keeping an eye on who is hot and who isn’t ahead of that, our betting attention on Saturday comes from the desert where we’ve picked out a couple.
1.45 Meydan
Preview
A mile on the dirt for this Group 3 Burj Nahaar sees a large field of 16 going to post. It’ll be tough for anything drawn in double figures so the value has to lie with the lower drawn horses. Midnight Sands & North America are battling it out for favouritism but both are opposable. The former won 4 handicaps on the spin at this track 12 months ago but since then has been well held in 3 starts over in the US. On last years form he holds every chance but a trip overseas & a 4 month absence is a worry. The latter is another course specialist having won 4 Group races here but hasn’t been seen on the track for a year & it’s hard to see him improving at the age of 9.
Blown By Wind is capable but a wider than ideal draw coupled with his slow starting nature will mean he may need luck in running. Kimbear was impressive here last year but hasn’t quite returned to that form this time around whilst Golden Goal holds the track record over 7 furlongs but didn’t back that up last time out when 5th of 10 over this trip.
Betting
Just in front of Golden Goal last time out was Tuz and he’s the one we’re siding with here. He won a pair of races in Russia by a combined 42 lengths before heading over to Dubai where he was 2nd on this card last year from a very wide draw. He’s had one prep run this time around & just less than 3 lengths 4th to Hypothetical who runs in a Group 1 later on this card. He travelled as well as any that day but just ran out of steam on his first start for a year. He’s sure to strip fitter for that & has a nice draw in 5 whilst his prominent racing style is another plus. The final big tick is the eyecatching booking of William Buick & he’s taken to go very close.
Tips
PLACED – Back Tuz (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 8.50 William Hill (⅕ odds 1-4)
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2.55 Meydan
Preview
11 runners for this Group 1, the Al Maktoum, over a mile and a quarter where only 4 of the field are trading at 16/1 or less. There are 3 standout contenders with Salute The Soldier the current favourite. He won a Group 2 last time out & could go well but faces the rival he beat that day in Thegreatcollection on the same terms. Both are going up in trip & cannot be backed at the current prices. Secret Ambition won the Group 3 Firebreak last time out, comfortably clear by 3 lengths and is sure to make a bold bit to follow up but might not get his own way in front from a wide draw.
Betting
That day, Secret Ambition beat Hypothetical but we’re taking the runner up to turn the tables today. He’ll be suited by this bigger field and this step up in trip, having finished well that day. Last time out, he won the handicap in which Tuz was 4th, making good progress and finishing best of all to land the spoils. He travelled sweetly, quickened up in fine style & looked like another 2 furlongs would be right up his street. What’s even more interesting is that since arriving in Dubai, he’s raced 4 times, winning twice & both of those wins were with Barzalona on board who retains the ride today. That’s a massive point and he looks hard to keep out of the frame, given we’re being paid out 4 places in a race lacking depth.
Tips
PLACED – Back Hypothetical (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 8.00 William Hill (⅕ odds 1-4)
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