The Dubai World Cup Meeting: Timeform Tips

Tipping / Timeform / 27 March 2010 / Leave a comment

The impressive paddock at Meydan racecourse

Timeform's Dubai handicapper Stephen Molyneux identifies his best bets for Meydan's showpiece meeting.

"The Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe form is strongly represented in the Sheema Classic with Youmzain, Cavalryman and Dar Re Mi all re-opposing. Youmzain comes out on top on Timeform ratings but it’s well documented that he isn’t totally reliable and hasn’t finished better than third in three previous attempts in this race"

1.20 It's the inaugural running of the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night, and what's more it will be just the second race to take place on the straight six-furlong turf course, so there is an element of guesswork into how things will pan out regards any draw or pace bias, but California Flag is expected to keep things very simple, fancied to make all. Still lightly raced, he won his first three starts last year, including the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, and on his final outing he again showed blistering speed when fifth in the Hong Kong Sprint where, to his credit, despite going so hard, he was reeled in only in the final furlong. If anything, the straight track at Meydan should theoretically play to his strengths, at the very least giving his backers on Betfair the opportunity to lay off in-running. Sirocco Breeze has had a fantastic Carnival, impressive in winning two handicaps, though they were over seven furlongs, and the combination of the step back in trip and step up in class could catch him out. More of a threat could be British raider Finjaan who still has potential as a sprinter with few miles on the clock, and the form of his win in the Betfair Cup when ahead of Regal Parade is rock solid.

3.15 Sticking with the sprints (at least we will know our fate quicker), and Rocket Man is taken to get the better of Gayego in the Dubai Golden Shaheen. This race has suffered slightly for the addition of the Al Quoz Sprint and only ten go to post, but it is still competitive with runners from Hong Kong, Australia, England, Japan, UAE and Singapore. Rocket Man has had his problems since chasing home Sacred Kingdom in the Krisflyer International Sprint in Singapore last year but looked to retain most, if not all, of his ability when a comfortable winner in February, barely leaving the bridle. Gayego needed the run behind War Artist on his reappearance and should fare better but arguably lacks the potential of Rocket Man, while Regal Parade won the Haydock Sprint Cup on softish ground last year and could well find things happening too quickly for him here on his reappearance.

4.35 The Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe form is strongly represented in the Sheema Classic with Youmzain, Cavalryman and Dar Re Mi all re-opposing. Youmzain comes out on top on Timeform ratings but it's well documented that he isn't totally reliable and hasn't finished better than third in three previous attempts in this race. Cavalryman has a bit to prove following a below-par comeback, which leaves Dar Re Mi as the most solid of that trio, but it could be worth taking a chance on Anmar who boasts a very similar profile to last year's winner, Eastern Anthem. A progressive performer with a fine turn of foot, he was set far too much to do when fifth behind Campanologist last time and, hopefully, Richard Hills can keep him in closer touch from stall 3. Odds of [28.0] on Betfair are certainly on the generous side.

5.45 It would be slightly remiss of us not to offer up an opinion on the feature Dubai World Cup, although it has to be said this looks the most open renewal in years. Gio Ponti heads our ratings, a figure of 130 achieved when chasing home Zenyatta last year, and perhaps the shorter trip was behind his surprise defeat more recently. Both Twice Over and Gitano Hernando have sound claims representing Britain, but Red Desire made a lasting impression when getting the better of Gloria de Campeao on her reappearance and there is every chance she will have more to offer, lightly raced as she is. Anything around [8.0] on Betfair represents value and she will do for us.

1.20 Back California Flag to win
3.15 Back Rocket Man to win
4.35 Back Anmar win and place
5.45 Back Red Desire to win

Racecards for Dubai World Cup night are available from timeform.com