Thursday has arrived which means that there is another decent card out in the desert at Meydan as we head nearer to the conclusion of the World Cup Carnival. Six races take place over in the UAE over the course of the day.
After a winner the last time we dabbled in this part of the world, we have had a good look down the card for Thursday and have come up with bets in two of the six races as we look to back up a decent start to the season.
3.05 Meydan
Preview
A 14-strong field for this handicap over 9 furlongs where Godolphin saddle 4 of the front 5 in the market, as well the first 2 reserves. The Charlie Appleby pair Ya Hayati & Bright Melody both have very strong claims, finishing 1-2 in a similar handicap here 4 weeks ago. Both go up in the weights and given neither were well fancied last time out, there’s a chance they may not build on it here. Dubai Mirage is the mount of Dettori having finished 2nd in a handicap last time and gets in here off the same mark but given the blanket finish & the fact he had the run of the race, he’s worth opposing too.
Betting
The first of our 2 bets is the final Godolphin challenger, Stunning Beauty. She’s seen the track just 3 times so there’s surely improvement in her. On her 2 starts in the UK, she won a pair of novice events as easy as you like; winning by 4 lengths in a 15 strong field before a 7 length success in a field of 11. She arrived here with a big reputation & was pitched straight into Group 2 company where she went off a well fancied 9/4 favourite. She pulled too hard and put in a very disappointing performance, finishing last of 7, but she must be better than that given her price & the company she held on her debut in the UAE. The cheekpieces go on and that, coupled with a bigger field, should see her to much better effect here.
The second of our selections is Prompting who is another to come here after a promising campaign in the UK. He won 3 on the spin last summer before a close up in an excellent renewal of the Clipper Logistics handicap on his final start in the UK. Stepping up in trip here, he finished 4th of 16 over course and distance almost 2 weeks ago when he was unsuited by being held up in a race favouring those front rank. He made up more ground than anything off the home turn & 4 lengths down at the line, just half a length off 2nd. On his 2nd run back, in a field with more pace & a good jockey change, he should go close to upsetting the Godolphin dominance.
Tips
Back Stunning Beauty (e/w) for a 0.75/10 stake at 10.00 William Hill (⅕ odds 1-4)
Back it here:
PLACED – Back Prompting (e/w) for a 0.75/10 stake at 9.00 Betfair (⅕ odds 1-4)
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5.25 Meydan
Preview
14 runners again for a listed handicap over 7 furlongs where again the boys in blue hold a strong hand. Only 3 confirmed runners for them this time but it does include the favourite in Well Of Wisdom, as well as fancied Light And Dark. The former has a wide draw and a big weight but should be in the mix whilst the latter is up in class with 5lbs more to carry following a win when last seen on the all weather at Kempton.
Betting
The Irish challenger Could Be King could be hard to keep out of the frame here. Since moving to his current trainer, he’s been running with immense credit; he won twice over this trip in Ireland & was then 4th in a Group 3 and 2nd in a Listed event. Coming here for a winter campaign, he started out finishing 5th of 10 in a Group 2, not far behind the excellent Group performers D’bai & Glorious Journey. Stepping down in trip last time, he was 4th of 14 over the straight 6 furlongs when taking off his feet early but finishing to decent effect. In a race that looks to be lacking real quality despite its Listed handicap billing, he looks as solid as anything and, at a nice each way price, is the bet in the finale.
Tips
Back Could Be King (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 Skybet (⅕ odds 1-5)
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