G2 – 1600m – Dirt
1 | Ambassadorial | Would need to improve on anything he achieved in four races during last year’s visit to Meydan. One or two decent performances back in the UK last year and found 1400m too short last time. |
2 | Avant Garde | Finished well from off the speed in a G3 and a G2 at Gulfstream Park over this distance this year, and with a good winning record in lesser races last year. Meydan debut for this consistent gelding. |
3 | Blown By Wind | In great shape earlier in the year, booted clear of 11 rivals in a G3 at Jebel Ali in January. Hasn’t shown the same flair to two starts since including in a G3 here this month. |
4 | Chiefdom | Returning after a year, he tired late here last month. Then, going off fast and leading much of the way to his credit he kept galloping to the end when second in a G3 last time. A player on that evidence. |
5 | Dieu Du Vin | A winner over this distance in Tokyo last May and has finished purposefully from off the pace when fourth in an 1800m G2 on his only start this year. Frankie Dettori booked for this Meydan debut. |
6 | Dubai Mirage | Can race too freely but that didn’t stop him twice finishing second in Meydan handicaps this year. But always well behind in a 2000m G1 here earlier this month. |
7 | Golden Goal | Has a solid record in dirt handicaps at Meydan and proved he could handle group company when fourth in a G3 this month, especially as he had to race wide. Has a better gate to operate from here. |
8 | Midnight Sands | A winning machine in handicaps here before a disappointing stint in the US. In great form on this month’s return when sitting chilly off a fast pace and then pouncing to win that G3 easily. Chance. |
9 | Parsimony | A big horse this US-trained gelding was convincing when winning a 2000m handicap in a visit to Meydan last year. Second twice at Santa Anita on his last two starts suggests he’s in good shape. |
10 | Rodaini | In winning form, his jockey not having to get hard on him when proving easily too strong for 14 rivals at Jebel Ali. However he has struggled when tackling Meydan group races in the past. |
11 | Roman Rosso | Always near the front, he was being squeezed along some way out in a 2000m G1 here this month but kept responding and did well to finish third, a career best. Ryan Moore rides him for the first time. |
12 | Secret Ambition | Slow at the gates last time, the possible reason for a modest performance in that 2000m G1. Much happier previously when getting to the front early and stylishly winning a 1600m G3. |
13 | Snapper Sinclair | An interesting US raider, making his Meydan debut. A specialist at this trip though effective on both turf and dirt. Finding plenty in the straight he arrives here fresh off a win at Oaklawn Park in February. |
14 | Tuz | Has an interesting history having begun his career in Russia. His three Meydan runs have all been good, and, though slowly away in a G3 this month, he was a strong-finishing third to Midnight Sands. |
15 | Urban Icon | Mostly raced on turf in the UK but did win the only time he competed on an all-weather surface. A good third in a valuable 1351m turf event at Riyadh last month. Meydan debut now. |