UK Horse Racing Tips: Meydan

In an open event marginal preference is for FIRST CLASSS, who won the Kahayla Classic here back in March 2022. The seven-year-old was slightly disappointing when third behind Barakka (second) in the same race last year, but that performance was not a true reflection of his ability. He put in an encouraging display on his debut for Doug Watson at Abu Dhabi last month and it would be no surprise to see him return to winning ways. The aforementioned Barakka is a consistent performer on dirt and merits plenty of respect from an ideal draw. Rb Frynchh Dude left some disappointing efforts behind him when second in The Madjani Stakes last time and that form gives him an each-way chance.
Prediction : 1st First Classs 2nd Barakka 3rd Rb Frynchh Dude

In a very weak renewal of this Group 3, WESTERN SYMPHONY just gets the vote following his eye-catching fourth in The Entisar over an extended 1m1f here last month. The six-year-old clearly failed to stay the trip that day and had previously won over this C&D off a mark of 100 in November. Stall 11 is a big concern but he has the early pace to overcome that in this company. Saleymm is an obvious threat having filled third place on his UAE debut in the Al Garhoud Sprint over 6f here recently, but he is arguably at his best over 7f and he could be vulnerable late on. One who will finish well is Thegreatcollection, who bounced back to form when winning a 7f handicap at this venue a couple of weeks ago.
Prediction : 1st Western Symphony 2nd Saleymm 3rd Thegreatcollection

DANYAH finished a head second behind Vafortino in a Listed race over C&D last month, but the seven-year-old appears to have every chance of reversing that form here. He is 2lb better off at these weights and was entitled to have needed that first outing since winning the Al Quoz here on World Cup night in March. With that run now under his belt, the son of Invincible Spirit could take some stopping. The reopposing Vafortino and Mysterious Night are obvious threats once again, but the main danger could prove to be Marbaan. Michael Costa's colt was second on his UAE debut in the Zabeel Mile, over a trip that stretches his stamina, and that should have been an ideal prep for this contest.
Prediction : 1st Danyah 2nd Marbaan 3rd Vafortino

LAUREL RIVER makes his debut for Bhupat Seemar having won a 7f Grade 2 with ease at Del Mar on his final outing for Bob Baffert back in August 2022. The son of Into Mischief wouldn't have to be at that level to score on his UAE bow, given that this race lacks strength. Colour Up did not get a great trip from a wide draw when third in the Dubawi Stakes over C&D earlier in the month and he is best judged on his previous success over this track and trip. Leading Spirit has taken a step forward this season and is another to note, while Mouheeb has some questions to answer but could easily make the frame if back to his best.
Prediction : 1st Laurel River 2nd Colour Up 3rd Leading Spirit

Star Of Mystery is bound to be popular given her connections and victory in the Al Wasl over 6f here two weeks ago. That said, the drop in trip against proven older rivals is a big concern. With that in mind, preference is for EMARAATY ANA, who could make a winning debut for Jamie Osborne following his 160,000gns purchase in October. The former Group 1 winner confirmed his well-being when scoring in a Listed race over this trip at Ascot when last seen and he may have a slight class edge over his rivals here. Logo Hunter has to be of interest on his return to action having been beaten just a head in this race last season. Ponntos showed his usual outstanding pace to make all over C&D last month and he is likely to be hard to catch once again, while Seven Questions should appreciate this drop in trip.
Prediction : 1st Emaraaty Ana 2nd Ponntos 3rd Logo Hunter

Clapton won a Grade 2 over 1m1f at Churchill Downs in September before struggling in the Breeders' Cup Classic on his most recent outing. Chad Summers' five-year-old has more than enough ability to make a big impact in the UAE this season. However, he likes to be held up and that can be a negative on the dirt at this venue, although not as much so far this season. With that in mind, marginal preference is for KABIRKHAN, who won with a lot in hand off a mark of 97 over 1m2f here two weeks ago. The relatively quick turnaround is not ideal but the former Russian-trained colt looks the safest pick. There is not a huge amount of early pace in this contest and that could help Military Law (second) reverse form with Atletico El Culano (first) from their meeting in The Entisar last month, while Desert Wisdom could surprise a few if ridden aggressively from stall two.
Prediction : 1st Kabirkhan 2nd Clapton 3rd Military Law

The Classic-winning Mawj clearly sets the standard on the back of her narrow defeat in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita in November. That said, she is arguably at her best over shorter than this distance and that could leave her vulnerable to MEASURED TIME. Charlie Appleby's colt took a big step forward when winning the Al Rashidiya over C&D last month with plenty in hand. With the benefit of that recent outing and further improvement likely, the son of Frankel just gets the vote. San Donato is a player based on his success in the Zabeel Mile, while the consistent Ottoman Fleet is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Measured Time 2nd Mawj 3rd San Donato

Oasis Boy has to be of interest having won a Group 2 with plenty in hand over a mile on his most recent outing in Argentina in July. However, QUARTIER displayed plenty of promise when chasing home a talented rival in the trial for this race over 7f earlier in the month. That recent run and proven ability to handle this track just gives the son of Matterhorn the edge over his stablemate. Killer Collect readily scored in a maiden over C&D last month and should not be underestimated, while Turjman and Military Artist also make the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Quartier 2nd Oasis Boy 3rd Killer Collect

It is very hard to oppose SISKANY, who has won both of his previous starts over this C&D and that includes a success in this race two years ago. On his sole other start at Meydan, the son of Dubawi was only beaten a neck in the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night last year and a reproduction of that level of form would see him home in front here. Al Nayyir was hugely progressive in the UAE last season and wasn't beaten far behind the selection in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy. Now trained in France, he has subsequently won twice at Listed level in Europe and should not be underestimated. Dhahabi could go well but does have to prove his stamina over this trip, while Gallerist is another French raider to consider.
Prediction : 1st Siskany 2nd Al Nayyir 3rd Dhahabi