Dubai World Cup Carnival- Friday 1/20
Jan 18, 2023 9:15:36 GMT -5
Post by tenfurlongs on Jan 18, 2023 9:15:36 GMT -5
Day 3 of the meeting is highlighted by the UAE 1000 Guineas (Listed) for 3yo fillies going a mile on the dirt. Feature race is the Zabeel Mile (GII) for 3up at a mile on the turf, where Master of The Seas (Godolphin/Appleby) returns to the races for the first time since April of 2022.
MEY R2 (9:35am ET)- 6F (Handicap) (Dirt) (3yo+) (90-104)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831212
#1- Rawy (2-1) drops in class from The Dubawi Stakes (GIII) on opening night, showed good early speed but tired late after being pressed by Alkaraama, which re-opposes again on six days rest and draws inside him. #3- My Dubawi (5-2) runs back on six days rest after winning dirt debut easily by 5 lengths at Jebel Ali over the aforementioned Alkaraama which set a moderate pace. My Dubawi was previously trained in GB by the Johnstons, and couldn't run a lick on grass but excelled over the AW. Big chance from off the pace in this, could be one to follow. #5- Colour Up (5-2) is a lightly-raced 5yo by sprint sire Mehmas in the hands of Doug Watson. Broke his maiden over C&D in December, then turned back to 5F but still dominated a handicap field at Jebel Ali 16 days hence. Improving horse drew PP7, will need clever handling by Pat Dobbs but may have the most upside of this bunch.#6- Behavioral Bias (7-1) is a 9yo now, I remember watching him run at Saratoga years ago. His record at Meydan tells you all you need to know (14/0-4-2), he runs around the track and can grab a piece without ever threatening for the win. Still one of the better sons produced by Shackleford (Preakness, Met Mile winner).
EX- 3,5/1,3,5 Result: 1,5,4 Rawy ($3.80) broke sharply and took the rail while Alkaraama dropped out the back and My Dubawi was the pace-presser. Rawy never relented in a battle all the way to the wire with Colour Up. Class drop was key, and he took all the money. Jockey Mickael Barzalona picks up where he left off last week.
MEY R3 (10:10am ET)- 5f (Handicap) (Turf) (3yo+) (90-103)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831213
Bet-against race, as I have little confidence in either of the two m/l favorites, #1- Boomshalaa (2-1) which returns from a 495-day layoff and draws widest from the stands-side rail, and #5- Home City (5-2) off a 329-day rest over a distance short of his best and a surface he's never scored a victory. #2- Hierarchy (7-1) was a fine 2yo in GB that ran close to Twilight Gleaming in the BC Juv Turf Sprint at Del Mar, then lost his good form last summer and went to the sidelines. Had a decent AW prep at Wolverhampton in October, drops back to 5F and gets Saffie Osborne aboard today, who rode well here last week. #3- Taneen (5-1) has been off since February, and probably will benefit from a comebacker, but has reasonable form here and fits at this level. #8- Shamlaan (10-1) is a ?? over the course, also shows a six-month layoff, but is the one true 5F turf sprinter showing here (Roulston Scar seems badly off form). Hard to bet real money on a race like this, but you're supposed to bet against bad favorites, right?
EXBOX- 2,3,8 Result: 4,3,1 The two favorites did run flat, but I couldn't see Thunder of Niagara ($48.40) coming out on top in this. Taneen set the pace and held for second, but Hierarchy found the 5F too sharp today and should improve next time going 6F. Exacta came back $225.20, ouch.
MEY R4 (10:45am ET)- 1m UAE 1000 Guineas (Listed Race) (Fillies) (Dirt) (3yo)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831214
Watched all the replays of the five that have been running against each other this winter. #1- Asawer (7-2) gets PP3, ran well in debut behind speedball Here We Are, then was the only filly to close in behind perfect-trip Guineas Trial winner Mimi Kakushi. #2- Awasef (5-2) won 6F debut over Here We Are, then had no punch despite a good inside trip in the Trial.#4- Here We Are (5-1) is the speed, drew inside in PP2, but will have to deal with the other likely pacesetter to her inside. #5- Mimi Kakushi (5-2) turned it up a couple of notches in third start, winning the Guineas Trial (as a maiden) while mostly hand-ridden after a perfect stalking trip in second. #7- Unjokable (6-1) was fourth in the Trial on debut, set a solid pace and only gave way grudgingly. Normal second-start improvement would put her in the mix, but she may be hard used early in this. #6- Nafas (20-1) has been overmatched in three tries against today's foes and is opposed. That leaves #3- Cite D'or (5-1), the outsider with no dirt experience for Harry Eustace and Nick Bradley Racing. Their stated goal is the UAE Oaks next month (9.5F dirt, GIII). {Pia Brandt’s Silva was the last European-based filly to win this race in 2019 and Cite D’Or will try to emulate her for UK-based handler Harry Eustace. “She travelled out to Meydan on December 29th,” said Nick Bradley, majority owner of the dual turf winner. “She’s done everything right to date but the dirt is an unknown. She’ll go from here to the UAE Oaks which has been her target since November.”} Cite D'or (6/2-2-0) was boldly placed into GI company in her last race at Saint Cloud in France, where she sat in the back before closing moderately into a soft pace, beaten seven lengths in the end. Jockey booking of William Buick will raise eyebrows and cost a point or two to the price. Wildcard.
EX- 1,5/1,2,5,7 Result: 5,2,7 Exacta $25.40 Mimi Kakushi ($4.20) sat just off of pacesetter Awasef, then drew away from the field through the stretch. Impressive performance by daughter of City of Light [Pegasus Inv (GI), Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (GI)], she'll point to the UAE Oaks (9.5F) in four weeks. Asawer was taken up sharply just as the real running began heading into the far turn, never recovered but that left Asawer all alone to finish a distant second. Cite D'Or: not a dirt horse.
MEY R5 (11:20am ET)- 1m Zabeel Mile (Group 2) (Turf) (3yo+)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831215
#6- Master of The Seas (9-5) drew the rail for first race since April of last year. MGSW has always run well when fresh, but doesn't have to win this, with bigger goals (GI Jebel Hatta & GI Dubai Turf) on the stretch out later in the meet. #7- Modern News (7-2) is the logical favorite in here for me. Consistent 5yo (13/5-4-2) is already a Listed-winner, may not have the talent to get to the GI level, so this is a great chance to annex a GII win. James Doyle has four winners already, he can ride prominently from the 3-hole and get the jump. #8- Shelir (7-1) deserves a mention, ran very well two weeks ago to be third in the GII Al Fahidi Fort behind runaway winner Al Suhail, now stretches out to his best distance from a cozy draw in PP2.
WIN- 7 EX- 6,7/4,6,7,8 Result: 6,8,3 Exacta $17.60 Track record (1:34.28) for Master of The Seas ($3.00) and William Buick. They sat in behind pacesetting Modern News, who set solid early fractions and faded, then split horses and drew away on his comeback. Huge late run from Shelir which bulled his way through horses and got to the winner's saddlecloth at the wire. Full speed ahead to Super Saturday and the Jebel Hatta (9F, GI) for the winner.
MEY R6 (11:55am ET)- 1m6f Al Khail Trophy (Listed Race) (Turf) (3yo+)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831216
Trying to think outside the box. #7- Tides of War (7-1) is one of four entered by David Simcock, this one for Fitri Hay. 5yo son of Galileo is reasonably consistent, running in handicaps in France with occasional forays into Group-company. Today's distance is right in the wheelhouse, close third behind Manobo and Kemari at Longchamp on Arc weekend 2021 stands out among this group. Goes well fresh, drew nicely in PP4. Win bet at m/l or higher. #10- New Comedy (6-1) is 4yo Sea The Stars gelding which has done little wrong in six non-dirt starts (6/2-1-1). Third in first turf start against elders in rich Abu Dhabi Championship, then surprising and notable run for second behind Enemy two weeks ago here going 12F at a huge price. Still has to prove himself at the distance, but is progressive and can jump up again. PP6 should be fine.
EX- 7,10/3,5,7,8,10 WIN- 7 >= 7-1 Result: 6,4,3 Godolphin wins with their only runner as Global Heat ($24.40), two-for-twentyone lifetime, makes his second start at this year's Carnival a winning one, despite an outside draw and uninspiring recent form. Saeed bin Suroor is very good at getting one ready on the day.
Tides of War
New Comedy
MEY R7 (12:30pm ET)- 7f (Handicap) (Turf) (3yo+) (95-110)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831217
All the fancied Godolphin runners have drawn wide or wider. #2- Fastnet Crown (15-1) has spotty form at best, but won an AW prep at Dundalk (7F) before shipping here, then inexplicably was stretched to 9F in GII company here last week, and he split the field while never threatening the leaders from an impossible PP11. Turns back to 7F today, draws the rail and gets Colin Keane (remember him?) in the saddle, who was onboard for the Dundalk win. Fargin' sneaky bastiges. Michael O'Callaghan trains. #7- New Kingdom (4-1) got PP8, with James Doyle up. Million $+ son of Dubawi has underwhelmed to be honest (gelded), but ran well in two starts last year at Meydan going longer. Gets blinkers today, maybe he is just a sprinter/miler after all. Using some longshots which drew well underneath. Not for the faint-hearted.
EX- 2,7/2,7,13,15,16 WIN- 2 Result: 14,16,7,2 See: Saeed bin Suroor in Race 6 above. Shining Blue ($22.60) was forwardly placed, appeared to blow the turn heading into the straight, but Danny Tudhope got him squared away and he held off the cavalry. Fastnet Crown was absolutely last all the way around, turned on the afterburners into the stretch and finished a never-nearer fourth, beaten 3 lengths.
Fun fact: Richard Dimitri, who played Roman Moroni in "Johnny Dangerously" (above), also played Tony 'Cheeseburger' in "Let It Ride."
Fastnet Crown
Another disappointing Carnival night, but not a shutout at least. Bet: $79.00 Returned: $43.00 Loss: $36.00
Meet record// Bet: $201.00 Won: $55.40 Loss: $-145.60
TW
MEY R2 (9:35am ET)- 6F (Handicap) (Dirt) (3yo+) (90-104)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831212
#1- Rawy (2-1) drops in class from The Dubawi Stakes (GIII) on opening night, showed good early speed but tired late after being pressed by Alkaraama, which re-opposes again on six days rest and draws inside him. #3- My Dubawi (5-2) runs back on six days rest after winning dirt debut easily by 5 lengths at Jebel Ali over the aforementioned Alkaraama which set a moderate pace. My Dubawi was previously trained in GB by the Johnstons, and couldn't run a lick on grass but excelled over the AW. Big chance from off the pace in this, could be one to follow. #5- Colour Up (5-2) is a lightly-raced 5yo by sprint sire Mehmas in the hands of Doug Watson. Broke his maiden over C&D in December, then turned back to 5F but still dominated a handicap field at Jebel Ali 16 days hence. Improving horse drew PP7, will need clever handling by Pat Dobbs but may have the most upside of this bunch.
EX- 3,5/1,3,5 Result: 1,5,4 Rawy ($3.80) broke sharply and took the rail while Alkaraama dropped out the back and My Dubawi was the pace-presser. Rawy never relented in a battle all the way to the wire with Colour Up. Class drop was key, and he took all the money. Jockey Mickael Barzalona picks up where he left off last week.
MEY R3 (10:10am ET)- 5f (Handicap) (Turf) (3yo+) (90-103)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831213
Bet-against race, as I have little confidence in either of the two m/l favorites, #1- Boomshalaa (2-1) which returns from a 495-day layoff and draws widest from the stands-side rail, and #5- Home City (5-2) off a 329-day rest over a distance short of his best and a surface he's never scored a victory. #2- Hierarchy (7-1) was a fine 2yo in GB that ran close to Twilight Gleaming in the BC Juv Turf Sprint at Del Mar, then lost his good form last summer and went to the sidelines. Had a decent AW prep at Wolverhampton in October, drops back to 5F and gets Saffie Osborne aboard today, who rode well here last week. #3- Taneen (5-1) has been off since February, and probably will benefit from a comebacker, but has reasonable form here and fits at this level. #8- Shamlaan (10-1) is a ?? over the course, also shows a six-month layoff, but is the one true 5F turf sprinter showing here (Roulston Scar seems badly off form). Hard to bet real money on a race like this, but you're supposed to bet against bad favorites, right?
EXBOX- 2,3,8 Result: 4,3,1 The two favorites did run flat, but I couldn't see Thunder of Niagara ($48.40) coming out on top in this. Taneen set the pace and held for second, but Hierarchy found the 5F too sharp today and should improve next time going 6F. Exacta came back $225.20, ouch.
MEY R4 (10:45am ET)- 1m UAE 1000 Guineas (Listed Race) (Fillies) (Dirt) (3yo)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831214
Watched all the replays of the five that have been running against each other this winter. #1- Asawer (7-2) gets PP3, ran well in debut behind speedball Here We Are, then was the only filly to close in behind perfect-trip Guineas Trial winner Mimi Kakushi. #2- Awasef (5-2) won 6F debut over Here We Are, then had no punch despite a good inside trip in the Trial.
EX- 1,5/1,2,5,7 Result: 5,2,7 Exacta $25.40 Mimi Kakushi ($4.20) sat just off of pacesetter Awasef, then drew away from the field through the stretch. Impressive performance by daughter of City of Light [Pegasus Inv (GI), Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (GI)], she'll point to the UAE Oaks (9.5F) in four weeks. Asawer was taken up sharply just as the real running began heading into the far turn, never recovered but that left Asawer all alone to finish a distant second. Cite D'Or: not a dirt horse.
MEY R5 (11:20am ET)- 1m Zabeel Mile (Group 2) (Turf) (3yo+)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831215
#6- Master of The Seas (9-5) drew the rail for first race since April of last year. MGSW has always run well when fresh, but doesn't have to win this, with bigger goals (GI Jebel Hatta & GI Dubai Turf) on the stretch out later in the meet. #7- Modern News (7-2) is the logical favorite in here for me. Consistent 5yo (13/5-4-2) is already a Listed-winner, may not have the talent to get to the GI level, so this is a great chance to annex a GII win. James Doyle has four winners already, he can ride prominently from the 3-hole and get the jump. #8- Shelir (7-1) deserves a mention, ran very well two weeks ago to be third in the GII Al Fahidi Fort behind runaway winner Al Suhail, now stretches out to his best distance from a cozy draw in PP2.
WIN- 7 EX- 6,7/4,6,7,8 Result: 6,8,3 Exacta $17.60 Track record (1:34.28) for Master of The Seas ($3.00) and William Buick. They sat in behind pacesetting Modern News, who set solid early fractions and faded, then split horses and drew away on his comeback. Huge late run from Shelir which bulled his way through horses and got to the winner's saddlecloth at the wire. Full speed ahead to Super Saturday and the Jebel Hatta (9F, GI) for the winner.
MEY R6 (11:55am ET)- 1m6f Al Khail Trophy (Listed Race) (Turf) (3yo+)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831216
Trying to think outside the box. #7- Tides of War (7-1) is one of four entered by David Simcock, this one for Fitri Hay. 5yo son of Galileo is reasonably consistent, running in handicaps in France with occasional forays into Group-company. Today's distance is right in the wheelhouse, close third behind Manobo and Kemari at Longchamp on Arc weekend 2021 stands out among this group. Goes well fresh, drew nicely in PP4. Win bet at m/l or higher. #10- New Comedy (6-1) is 4yo Sea The Stars gelding which has done little wrong in six non-dirt starts (6/2-1-1). Third in first turf start against elders in rich Abu Dhabi Championship, then surprising and notable run for second behind Enemy two weeks ago here going 12F at a huge price. Still has to prove himself at the distance, but is progressive and can jump up again. PP6 should be fine.
EX- 7,10/3,5,7,8,10 WIN- 7 >= 7-1 Result: 6,4,3 Godolphin wins with their only runner as Global Heat ($24.40), two-for-twentyone lifetime, makes his second start at this year's Carnival a winning one, despite an outside draw and uninspiring recent form. Saeed bin Suroor is very good at getting one ready on the day.
Tides of War
New Comedy
MEY R7 (12:30pm ET)- 7f (Handicap) (Turf) (3yo+) (95-110)
www.racingpost.com/racecards/1231/meydan/2023-01-20/831217
All the fancied Godolphin runners have drawn wide or wider. #2- Fastnet Crown (15-1) has spotty form at best, but won an AW prep at Dundalk (7F) before shipping here, then inexplicably was stretched to 9F in GII company here last week, and he split the field while never threatening the leaders from an impossible PP11. Turns back to 7F today, draws the rail and gets Colin Keane (remember him?) in the saddle, who was onboard for the Dundalk win. Fargin' sneaky bastiges. Michael O'Callaghan trains. #7- New Kingdom (4-1) got PP8, with James Doyle up. Million $+ son of Dubawi has underwhelmed to be honest (gelded), but ran well in two starts last year at Meydan going longer. Gets blinkers today, maybe he is just a sprinter/miler after all. Using some longshots which drew well underneath. Not for the faint-hearted.
EX- 2,7/2,7,13,15,16 WIN- 2 Result: 14,16,7,2 See: Saeed bin Suroor in Race 6 above. Shining Blue ($22.60) was forwardly placed, appeared to blow the turn heading into the straight, but Danny Tudhope got him squared away and he held off the cavalry. Fastnet Crown was absolutely last all the way around, turned on the afterburners into the stretch and finished a never-nearer fourth, beaten 3 lengths.
Fun fact: Richard Dimitri, who played Roman Moroni in "Johnny Dangerously" (above), also played Tony 'Cheeseburger' in "Let It Ride."
Fastnet Crown
Another disappointing Carnival night, but not a shutout at least. Bet: $79.00 Returned: $43.00 Loss: $36.00
Meet record// Bet: $201.00 Won: $55.40 Loss: $-145.60
TW