Timeform Dubai Daily: Meydan Classic, Thursday 15:45

Dubai / Timeform / 23 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Is Entifaadha your idea of the winner?

"A race lacking depth and one that looks at the mercy of Entifaadha who can take this enroute to the UAE Derby".

Timeform take a look at the field for the $150,000 listed Meydan Classic...

Kenny Powers got better with each run last year in the face of some stiffish assignments, and returned as good as ever when second to Factory Time. Stamina not assured, and does need to improve again.

Cash Luck has won 5 of his 11 starts in Singapore, including a minor event in January when blinkered. Has the highest official rating of these and clearly respected despite conceding weight to most.

Burano was steadily progressive at 2 yrs without getting his head in front. Pleasing reappearance when fifth to Factory Time over inadequate trip and different surface an excuse on latest. Respected.

Matusalen was unbeaten in 4 races in Spain, all his successes coming in minor events. Clearly going the right way and no surprise to see him go well.

Factory Time won first 2 starts, and better form in defeat subsequently, particularly when sixth in the Dewhurst. Back to form when winning last time but did dictate and this looks tougher.

Cody Maverick was well beaten on debut before seeming to show a fair level of form when ninth behind Factory Time in a minor event. Below that form when third in a maiden next time and vulnerable here.

Strait of Zanzibar is a useful if quirky performer, and was fortunate to break his duck in a listed race at Tipperary in August. Limitations and flaws exposed subsequently and others more convincing.

Entifaadha won first 2 starts, including Acomb Stakes at York. Not disgraced subsequently, including in a Group 2 at Doncaster and must have leading claims with extra 1f promising to suit.

Noor Zabeel won a maiden at York last year for Mick Channon before running with credit in minor and listed company. Fair start for this yard when sixth in UAE 2000 Guineas and has place claims in this.

Energia Dust was formerly trained in Brazil where he won 1 of his 3 starts. No real threat in a couple of minor events at Meydan this season and difficult to fancy at present.

Old Pal won minor event in Germany last year when in the care of Werner Hefter. Not the most consistent otherwise and finished well held behind Factory Time here earlier this month. Cheekpieces now on.

Fiscal showed signs of ability in 2 starts for John Gosden despite never truly threatening. Improved significantly when third behind Factory Time here recently and claims if that doesn't flatter him.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Entifaadha
2. Matusalen
3. Cash Luck

Timeform Verdict: A race lacking depth and one that looks at the mercy of Entifaadha who can take this enroute to the UAE Derby. Matusalen and Cash Luck are unknown quantities having proven prolific in Spain and Singapore respectively, and they should ensure that the selection doesn't have it all his own way.

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Click HERE to listen to Timeform's Dubai Handicapper Stephen Molyneux previewing three races on Thursday's Meydan card.

Visit timeform.com to download a race card for Thursday's meeting at Meydan.