UK Horse Racing Tips: Meydan

Folk Festival has an obvious chance after beating No Retreat into second on his debut over a mile at Abu Dhabi a couple of weeks ago. That said, a wide draw is a concern now that he takes on more seasoned rivals. With that in mind, preference is for THE ICE PHOENIX, who caught the eye on his UAE/stable debut over an extended 1m1f here last month. Lucie Botti's colt clearly didn't stay the trip on that occasion but was a dual winner over a mile when trained in the UK. A 2lb drop in the ratings also helps his cause and much more can be expected from him here. The aforementioned No Retreat is another with strong form claims, while Expert Choice and El Bosnia complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st The Ice Phoenix 2nd Folk Festival 3rd No Retreat

Ab Sacar showed ability to handle dirt in Oman and his placed effort in a Listed event on turf at Abu Dhabi last month suggests that he could play a leading role here. Al Fatih was a place in front of the selection that day but stall 14 suggests that he may be up against it now. However, the vote goes to AA RX BURN, who was last seen filling second place in a Grade 3 in the US in October. In receipt of weight from all of his rivals here, the four-year-old could prove to be a class above on his UAE debut.
Prediction : 1st Aa Rx Burn 2nd Ab Sacar 3rd Al Fatih

It is very hard to oppose SYMBOL OF HONOUR, who beat most of these when taking the Al Wasl over C&D a month ago. That form was boosted when the second impressively won the Blue Point Sprint next time and Charlie Appleby's gelding is likely to be a class above these rivals. Dark Saffron was third that day and is likely to be in the mix for the places once again. Rebel Diamond, a Listed winner over 6f in Ireland last year, edges out War Socks to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Symbol Of Honour 2nd Dark Saffron 3rd Rebel Diamond

ON THE WAY confirmed the promise that he displayed on debut at Jebel Ali by once again filling second place at the same venue on Saturday. He was able to lead on the latter occasion and may do so once again here, given that there are doubts about those drawn inside of him. With that in mind, Salem bin Ghadayer's colt tops the shortlist ahead of Galactic Star, who beat the selection on his racecourse bow but stall 10 here is not ideal. More can be expected from Arabian Story with the benefit of a run, while Arabian Angel and Poet Orten also merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st On The Way 2nd Galactic Star 3rd Arabian Story

ARABIAN LIGHT failed to reward his supporters when sent off heavily odds-on for a similar event over C&D last month, but the son of Kingman found trouble in running on that occasion. With more luck here, it would be no surprise to see the unexposed four-year-old make amends. However, Ouzo and Silent Film also suffered from difficult passages in that contest and they should not be underestimated. Kalidasa showed plenty of pace when only caught late on over 1m4f here a month ago and he should be suited by this drop in trip, while Galen and Mountbatten merit each-way consideration.
Prediction : 1st Arabian Light 2nd Kalidasa 3rd Ouzo

In a wide-open event marginal preference is for TOPPER BILL, who was only narrowly denied when third in a similar C&D event last month. Off the same mark he just tops the shortlist ahead of Thunder Of Niagara, who was third over 5f here two starts ago and finished in front of a few of these when second at Abu Dhabi last time. Power Mode got no luck in running in that contest on his UAE debut and he should not be written off, while Jumaira Bay and Jungle Mac are also noted.
Prediction : 1st Topper Bill 2nd Thunder Of Niagara 3rd Power Mode

New London has the ability to be successful in a race of this nature but, despite being by Dubawi, he is far from certain to relish the dirt. As a result, preference is for PRINC ROUZ, who won two local Group 1 contests when trained in Russia and he merits the utmost respect given his connections. Those looking for an each-way alternative should consider First Constitution following an encouraging effort off 4lb higher here last month and he may have more improvement to come on just his third start for Julio Olascoaga. Others to note are Go Soldier Go and Elyabri.
Prediction : 1st Princ Rouz 2nd New London 3rd First Constitution

Cases can be made for most of these but none more so than EL CORDOBES, who remains unexposed and looks sure to relish this step up in trip. The son of Frankel caught the eye when staying on into second over 1m2f here last month and a mark of 95 may still underestimate him. Endless Victory was third on that occasion and is likely to be the main threat once again, although Royal Power and Thundering also arrive here with strong form claims.
Prediction : 1st El Cordobes 2nd Endless Victory 3rd Royal Power