UK Horse Racing Tips: Meydan

In a wide-open event marginal preference is for UNLEASHED, who was third in a competitive turf handicap at Abu Dhabi last time. That followed an encouraging effort in the opening round of the Al Maktoum Challenge over C&D and he looks to have a big chance at this level. Af Layth is another solid pick back on his preferred surface and he was second over 7f in a handicap here a couple of starts ago. Fleets Ace Aa has to be of interest on his UAE debut, while Muthabir and Basem Al Wathba are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Unleashed 2nd Af Layth 3rd Fleets Ace Aa

Condor Pasa appears to have plenty in his favour and looks to be the most likely winner, although this is a big step up in trip and he's not certain to see it out. With that in mind, preference is for ALGERNON, who was a neck behind Ezaj (second) when third in a similar event over 1m2f here last month. The selection was held up on that occasion and only just failed to catch Ezaj, who is also more exposed than Musabbeh Al Mheiri's gelding. Chef De Partie is also closely matched with the pick based on their encounter at Abu Dhabi and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Algernon 2nd Ezaj 3rd Condor Pasa

A race that lacks depth and most likely revolves around AUTO BAHN, who could prove to be a class above these rivals having won his only start in Argentina last year. If he's ready to go after a lengthy break, then it would be no surprise to see him dominate this field with Mickael Barzalona an eye-catching booking. On form, Destructive looks to be the main threat based on his encouraging effort over an extended 1m1f here a week ago, but a quick turnaround following a big performance on dirt is a red flag. Falcon Of Arabia would not have to be a superstar to go well on his racecourse bow, while Where's The Wayya is next best.
Prediction : 1st Auto Bahn 2nd Falcon Of Arabia 3rd Destructive

Mountbatten may be able to reverse form with Aswan, after the pair finished fifth and third respectively in a 7f handicap here last month. The former was making his first start in the UAE off the back of a 233-day break on that occasion and improvement can certainly be expected. That said, preference is for MOSTAWAA, who tired late on when attempting to make all over an extended 1m1f in a much stronger race here a few weeks ago. He should be much better at this trip and the veteran could surprise a few as a result. The unexposed Wild Tiger has to be noted making his first start since winning on debut back in 2022.
Prediction : 1st Mostawaa 2nd Mountbatten 3rd Wild Tiger

The unexposed and progressive Nevershow Weakness has to be of interest following his impressive success over C&D last month. That said, he is 11lb higher in the ratings now and takes on much better rivals. As a result, the vote goes to LAHRESH, who was a detached last before staying on into third behind the subsequent Group 1 winner Kabirkhan over C&D last month. If the son of Iffraaj can hold a slightly better position from the start, then he could easily account for this field. Ajuste Fiscal is a player based on his win in a similar event here in December, but the fact that he bled after his defeat at Sharjah last time is a concern. Aldous Huxley was useful when trained in the UK and could make his presence felt on his UAE/dirt debut.
Prediction : 1st Lahresh 2nd Nevershow Weakness 3rd Aldous Huxley

Given how impressive Star Of Mystery won the Blue Point here a couple of weeks ago, it is hard to oppose STARLUST here. The son of Zoustar only found Charlie Appleby's filly too good in the Al Wasl over C&D last time and a reproduction of that performance would see him home in front. Seven Questions was third in the same contest and was not disgraced when seventh in the Blue Point subsequently. He could prove to be the main threat, although Great Truth was not far behind him last time and is open to more improvement.
Prediction : 1st Starlust 2nd Seven Questions 3rd Great Truth

With so many of these having questions to answer, the vote just goes to SCOTTISH ANTHEM. The five-year-old is 1lb lower than when filling second place over C&D two starts ago and he was not disgraced on his most recent outing in the Listed Al Khail Trophy over 1m6f. Webinar remains unexposed over this distance and his success over track and trip last month suggests that he could play another big role here. William Buick keeps faith with Ruling Dynasty but he is hard to be confident about on the back of two very poor efforts. Al Nafir edges out Global Heat to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Scottish Anthem 2nd Webinar 3rd Ruling Dynasty

A case can be made for most of these but none more so than the consistent AL ARBED, who looks set for an ideal trip from stall one. The four-year-old won a turf maiden here last month and was only beaten a head into second over 5f on his most recent outing at Jebel Ali. The son of Dark Angel is going in the right direction and he appears to be the safest pick in an open event. Desert Safari could give the selection plenty to think about if the seven-day turnaround, following his second over 7f last week, is not an inconvenience. Border Edge and Mr Kafoo have strong form claims following recent victories but their draws will make life tougher for them.
Prediction : 1st Al Arbed 2nd Desert Safari 3rd Mr Kafoo

Keffaaf is bound to be popular following his unlucky third over an extended 1m1f here three weeks ago, where he would have gone close but for late interference. However, he was put up 2lb for that effort and LAW OF NATURE was arguably just as eye-catching as he got no run at all when sixth in the same contest. The son of Siyouni was repeatedly blocked in the straight after travelling well that day and would have been right in the mix with a clear run. Somehow, he was dropped 1lb for that effort, which should only bring him further into contention. Sari Dubai also ran well that day and should not be underestimated. Others to consider are Wanees, Al Maysan and Intricacy.
Prediction : 1st Law Of Nature 2nd Keffaaf 3rd Sari Dubai