Monster pots up for grabs in the deserts of Dubai
THE DUBAI World Cup (6.05pm) is the richest race in the world with a prize fund of $10million, but it’s still yet to attract a really top-class field and tomorrow’s edition is another hard one for punters.
Since the 10-furlong contest moved to the Tapeta of Meydan, not one favourite has even placed and it’s easy to have reservations about the current jolly Ruler of The World.
The Epsom Derby hero has landed a poor draw in stall 12 and has yet to run on artificial surfaces. More concerning for me, however, is the fact he is unlikely to have the speed for this trip round here.
My two against the field are PRINCE BISHOP and one half of the Hong Kong contingent, AKEED MOFEED. The former’s chance is plain to see. The seven-year-old is a three-time course and distance winner who is tactically versatile and has struck up a great relationship with Kieren Fallon.
The latter was thought of as a potential Derby winner when winning his maiden for the same connections as the great Sea The Stars. He’s certainly improved since going to the Far East and, at the prices, I prefer the five-year-old to his compatriot Military Attack.
There are some really trappy races on a glittering card but LONG JOHN should take all the beating in the UAE Derby (2.25pm) for Godolphin. It does look a match between the ex-Australian gelding and Aidan O’Brien’s Giovanni Boldini, but Long John looked a monster when making his reappearance. Providing he settles, he looks the best bet of the day.
The Fugue goes for the Dubai Duty Free (4.39pm) but she’s been a beaten favourite in five Group Ones previously and looks opposable over a trip probably short of her best.
It’s the Japanese runner JUST A WAY who boasts astounding form claims having got his act together to thrash the classy Gentildonna two starts back and he could just be too good for these.
Pointers…
LONG JOHN 2.25pm Meydan (tomorrow)
JUST A WAY 4.39pm Meydan (tomorrow)
PRINCE BISHOP e/w 6.05pm Meydan (tomorrow)
AKEED MOFEED e/w 6.05pm Meydan (tomorrow)