UK Horse Racing Tips: Meydan

In a moderate race for the grade, marginal preference is for the progressive AF ALMOMAYAZ. The eight-year-old caught the eye when finishing second in a conditions event over C&D last month, having been trapped wide around the bend. He was drawn 11 on that occasion but Adrie de Vries should be able to get the rail from box two early on. Subsequent performances suggest that effort was no fluke and he could be hard to pass if able to dominate from the front. That said, Nadelshiba could give him a race based on his Bani Yas second in November, while Yas Xmnsor and Gold Silver are others with strong form claims.
Prediction : 1st Af Almomayaz 2nd Nadelshiba 3rd Yas Xmnsor

This is a wide-open event and the lack of any obvious pace is a concern, but the vote goes to MUTARAFFA. The son of Acclamation struggled in the Etijaal Dubai Dash last time, a race he won last year, but he had shown promise in two dirt starts prior to that effort. The handicapper has given him a big chance by dropping him 4lb for his latest outing and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back here. Similar comments apply to Motafaawit, who caught the eye in the Dash last month and the soft ground is a valid excuse for his subsequent defeat. He is another whose mark has dropped significantly off the back of just a couple of runs. The lack of early pace could help Home City as he may be able to dominate and he was not disgraced over 5f here four weeks ago. Others to note are Boomshalaa, Mcmanaman and Silent Speech.
Prediction : 1st Mutaraffa 2nd Motafaawit 3rd Home City

Mimi Kakushi sets the standard following her impressive victory in the UAE 1000 Guineas last month and she may well be able to confirm that form with the rivals that she beat then. However, Doug O'Neill won the 2000 Guineas last week and he can add another UAE classic to his record here with AMI PLEASE. The daughter of Goldencents was not beaten far in a Grade 3 contest on turf at Del Mar in December and was last seen filling third place at Santa Anita later that month. The switch to dirt should not be a problem for this filly and it would be no surprise to see her score. Asawer remains a maiden but she looks set to relish this step up in trip and can stay on for minor money.
Prediction : 1st Ami Please 2nd Mimi Kakushi 3rd Asawer

NEW KINGDOM bounced back to form when finishing third in a 7f handicap here last month and the first two home from that contest were not disgraced in a Listed event last week. This son of Dubawi made all to win at Doncaster in September and, with a lack of likely rivals for the early lead, he could well return to winning ways here. Aegean Finale outran his odds on his UAE debut last month and he should not be underestimated, despite a 2lb rise in the ratings. Fastnet Crown was a place behind the selection last time and should relish this extra furlong, although a slow pace would not help him. Moqtarreb scored over C&D two weeks ago and is likely to go well once again. Ouzo, Tamborrada and Zainhom all need things to go their way to win at this level but they are more than capable of making the frame.
Prediction : 1st New Kingdom 2nd Aegean Finale 3rd Fastnet Crown

It is hard to oppose SISKANY, who was a very impressive Listed winner over C&D 12 months ago and went on to finish third in the Red Sea Turf Handicap at Riyadh in February. Charlie Appleby's gelding scored again at Listed level at Newmarket in September and he was only narrowly beaten under a penalty at Kempton last time. Ardakan was third to Global Heat in the Al Khail Trophy over this track and trip last month but could easily reverse that form on 10lb better terms here. Kemari can be frustrating but he cannot be discounted in a race of this nature, while the aforementioned Global Heat and Away He Goes complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Siskany 2nd Ardakan 3rd Kemari

Charlie Appleby has won six of the last seven renewals of this contest and NATIONS PRIDE can add to that outstanding record. The son of Teofilo showed his great potential when winning the Jumeirah Derby over C&D last February and readily accounted for the subsequent Derby second Hoo Ya Mal in the Newmarket Stakes on his return to the UK. His own trip to Epsom did not work out but he went on to win at Grade 1 level in the US. When last seen, the four-year-old was a beaten favourite in the Breeders' Cup Turf, but he was far-from disgraced on that occasion and is likely to prove a class above his rivals. Stablemate Ottoman Fleet is the main threat following placed efforts in the Al Rashidiya and Singspiel. He is getting 7lb from the selection but that may not be enough. The rest all have plenty to find with Zagrey and Withering being the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Nations Pride 2nd Ottoman Fleet 3rd Zagrey

EVER GIVEN displayed plenty of promise when finishing fourth in the Firebreak on his debut for these connections late last month. The mile stretched his stamina against some proven Group performers on that occasion and he should relish this drop in trip as well as grade. From stall five, Mickael Barzalona should be able to get the rail early and it would be no surprise to see him get off the mark in the UAE here. Golden Goal disappointed last time but showed some encouraging signs in the Dubai Creek Mile in December and he has to be of some interest on his first handicap start in two years. Western Symphony and Royal Mews both have valid form claims but wide draws do not help their chances. Sifting Sands was useful on turf in the US and he should not be underestimated now switched to dirt, given his connections and he is by Dubawi.
Prediction : 1st Ever Given 2nd Sifting Sands 3rd Golden Goal