UAE 2,000 Guineas: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Timeform
13 February 2013

Mickael Barzalona takes the ride on Godolphin's Fortify

Join

Twitter

Facebook

Timeform preview the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas, the highlight of Thursday's Carnival card at Meydan.

"Fortify is taken to come out on top, his form behind Shanghai Bobby very solid and he has more to offer."

Filfil made a winning debut and belatedly built on that when taking a weak nursery off a mark of 79 in November. Not disgraced in a couple of minor events this season but won't be good enough at this level.

Deauville Prince was generally progressive last season, winning a listed race at Ripon before running with credit in better events subsequently. This just as competitive and will need to improve to feature.

Snowboarder won 3 of his 5 starts last year, but not as progressive as that suggests. Creditable return when third to Soft Falling Rain and likely to find that rival too strong once more.

Fortify showed smart form in 4 outings for Kiaran McLaughlin last year, winning a maiden and running particularly well when in frame behind Shanghai Bobby all other starts. That form is strong and a player.

Zahee is a 3-time winner in New Zealand, ending last year with a pair of victories in minor events. Stayed on into fourth behind Soft Falling Rain here last time and frame claims again.

Pure Excellence kept busy last year but improved with her racing, winning 3 times in total including a listed race at Newmarket. Disappointing in UAE 1000 Guineas last week and hard to fancy after that.

Glass Office was progressive last season and improved a chunk on final outing when winning a Group 3 at Kempton. Not given a hard time on return when behind Soft Falling Rain and should finish much closer here.

Soft Falling Rain is unbeaten in 5 outings, winning a Grade 1 in South Africa and confirmed wellbeing with comfortable win here more recently. Upped in trip again but bred to stay and obvious contender.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Fortify
2. Soft Falling Rain
3. Glass Office

Timeform View: Soft Falling Rain is likely to be all the rage after his impressive win here last time but this will be no penalty kick, Godolphin having several entries and no surprise if they ensure it is a real test of stamina. Fortify is taken to come out on top, his form behind Shanghai Bobby very solid and he has more to offer. Glass Office should leave his reappearance well behind and is feared.

Download your Timeform card for Meydan now!