Dubai Daily: Al Rashidiya, Thursday, Meydan 17:15

Dubai / Timeform / 26 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Can Musir (pictured) get the better of last year's winner Presvis?

"No surprise if Musir and Presvis fight this out with ready preference for the former."

Luca Cumani's Presvis bids for back-to-back victories in the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored Al Rashidiya at Meydan on Thursday but faces a strong opponent in Mike de Kock's Musir...

Le Drakkar was a Grade 1 winner in South Africa in 2008 but hasn't won since then. Struggled behind Musir in Maktoum Challenge (Round 1) last time and can't be fancied to reverse form.

Trois Rois was back to his best last year, running especially well when third to Psychic Ability off a mark of 110. No show behind Mahbooba on return and faces another stiff task in this.

City Style is temperamental but capable on his day, as he showed when winning at this track on his last 2 outings. Deserves a crack at this level but does need to raise his game once more.

Rajsaman was a smart performer for Freddie Head, winning twice last year including a Group 2 at Longchamp in October. Ran as well as entitled to in Hong Kong Mile last time and should go well for new yard.

Marcret was steadily progressive in Italy for Steffano Botti last year, his victory in a minor event in September his third success. Best effort when placed in a Group 2 on final outing and not yet exposed.

Presvis is a globetrotter who did really well at Meydan last year, winning this corresponding event as well as the Dubai Duty Free. Not disgraced in Hong Kong and Singapore after and expected to bounce back.

Musir was the UAE Derby winner in 2010 and has taken his form to a new level in winning the last twice, easily drawing clear of Master Of Hounds at this track more recently. Should go well again.

Win For Sure was a smart miler in Germany for Andreas Wohler, and improved again when winning a handicap off a mark of 110 here last year. Not disgraced upped in grade next time but limitations rather exposed.

Sandagiyr was far from exposed for Alain de Royer Dupre, winning 2 of his 6 starts. Fair effort when seventh behind Rajsaman last time but that does suggest he needs to improve to figure at this level.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Musir
2. Presvis
3. Rajsaman

Timeform Verdict: No surprise if Musir and Presvis fight this out with ready preference for the former. He has the advantage of a recent run, is clearly still going the right way and, perhaps most importantly, will be well equipped to cope should things become tactical (which seems likely given there are no front-runners). Rajsaman can also reach a place.

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