Big-Race Perspective: Balanchine Sponsored By Meydan

Features / Timeform / 26 February 2010 / Leave a comment

Olivier Peslier was victorious aboard Deem in the Balanchine at Meydan

Timeform share their views on the Group 3 Balanchine, which took place at Meydan on Thursday...

"Deem is still lightly raced, and, despite not being at her best in Saudi Arabia recently, she returned to form here, although slightly fortunate to beat Aspectoflove who was ridden to beat Zirconeum..."

The pace was steady but the best horses (in an admittedly weak Group 3) were still able to stamp their authority on matters.

Deem is still lightly raced, and, despite not being at her best in Saudi Arabia recently, she returned to form here, although slightly fortunate to beat Aspectoflove who was ridden to beat Zirconeum, Dettori seemingly not banking on Deem finding plenty inside the final furlong.

Aspectoflove probably has a better performance in her at some stage but Zirconeum has been disappointing in light of what she was capable of in South Africa, getting the run of this but readily brushed aside and beaten at short odds for a second time at the Carnival.

The remainder were put in their place, Purple Sage making the running this time but at least suggesting her effort in the Cape Verdi isn't as flattering as it appeared at the time, while Ahla Wasahl hasn't got going at all, allowing she was forced very wide off the home turn.

Sent in loose-leaf parts throughout the season, Timeform Perspective builds up into an in-depth account of the racing year.