Last week’s blog yielded good profit with Moqtarreb going down narrowly at good each-way odds and Epic Hero getting the job done in no uncertain style in the concluding race. This week’s action will be somewhat over shadowed by the inaugural Saudi Cup fixture that is taking place in Riyadh on Saturday, and it could be a good weekend on both sides of the Arabian Gulf for Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby.
Race 2: Listed Meydan Classic (1 Mile) (Turf)
Well Of Wisdom ran his race back-to-front when tipped in this column a few weeks ago. He was much too fresh throughout the opening stages under William Buick, and had nothing left to give at when push came to shove. With the benefit of that run behind him, the Oasis Dream colt should be able to reproduce some of his smart European form from the summer of 2019. The Godolphin runner wasn’t beaten far by G1 winner and Newmarket guineas fancy Earthlight at Deauville in July. This race won’t take much winning and Well Of Wisdom could get the ball rolling on a good night for Charlie Appleby.
Race 5: G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (1 Mile, 6 Furlongs) (Turf)
Secret Advisor has always been a talented horse. He won the 2017 running of the Melrose Handicap at York’s Ebor Festival. He missed a year through injury and his two runs in 2019 are best forgotten. He has clearly thrived in the Dubai sun and looked back to his best when landing a listed handicap over this course and distance in January. The gelded son of Dubawi can only improve for that outing and he should take all the beating now reunited with stable jockey William Buick.
Race 6: District One Mansions Trophy Handicap (1m 2Furlongs) (Turf)
If Parsimony is as good as his trainer Doug O’Neill believes he is; he could easily have a stone in hand of his rivals. O’Neill has been effusive in his praise for this 4yo and believes that he could make up into a Dubai World Cup contender this year. His opening foray at the carnival was good. He was drilled to the lead from stall 1, and plugged on into 4th place, beaten just four lengths by a useful yardstick. The grey colt was harried for the lead on that occasion and probably went too fast. This race doesn’t look as though it is laden with early speed and Parsimony may be able to set easier fractions. He needs to win and win well to be considered for the World Cup on March 28th.
Race 8: Listed Curlin Handicap (6 Furlongs) (Dirt)
Charlie Appleby looks to hold strong claims in the concluding race. On The Warpath looks to be the yard’s first string but Velorum is lurking towards the bottom of the weights on a very workable mark. This 4yo son of the great Sea The Stars has been gelded since disappointing in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. Before that he was an impressive winner of two 1 mile handicaps; the form of both have worked out nicely. There is plenty of reason to think that a mark of 96 may only represent the floor of his ability and dropping back to 7 furlongs should suit as there is plenty of pace in the race. Mikael Barzalona is arguably riding Meydan better than anyone at the moment.
