Chase Finds A Word Or Two On The Ground At Meydan
What is the local name at Meydan?
This week has brought great excitement to race-goers around the world.
I was fortunate to be in Meydan during the week where the racing greats and greats-to-be were doing their final training for the big night.
Most of the athletes did incredibly well in their preparations, but the Japanese contingent definitely prevailed this week with impeccable standouts.
The best 3-year Equinox – big runner for Japan (Image – Dubai Racing Clib / Liesl King)
Starting with the Champion Equinox, the Japanese Charles Dickens, if you will, who is the highest rated three-year-old in Japan, much like his South African counterpart. There’s been a lot of thought this week as to why he’s not taking his place in the World Cup, but the lingering assumption is why he should compete in a race where he could be beaten versus a race where there’s practically a shoe to win the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Gr1.
Personally, I think the Russian Emperor could very well run a drum in this race if his last run was anything else, but he might have a bit to do to beat Equinox.
The map itself is difficult overall, but one race that is probably the easiest to work through is the 1:30pm opener, the traditional Arabian race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr1, which seems like first class is about to return collect the winner’s prize.
Japanese challenger Win Carelin has been consistent in his last two starts and deserves today’s win, his work has been perfect and his preparation is ideal.
At the next race, Aidan O’Brien’s stablemate Broome could be spending his day in the sun with Ryan Moore on board. His last start wasn’t great and if he doesn’t find the tough race a challenge then I feel like he has a chance today.
Oisin Murphy could also find himself in the winning box with Hugo Palmer’s Flaming Rib. Any horse that has a career behind Non-Alcoholic has to be respected, but one interesting runner is Al Dasim, who is practically two years old. If it’s not too much for Harry Angel’s son, he might be in the frame.
On the UAE derby world tour, Frankie might see him in the winner’s enclosure with Worcester. Bob Baffert is not here to see the desert. Continuing with my speech on the Japanese flag bearer, could Vin de Garde be the one to beat at the Dubai Turf?
Coming off the Dubai World Cup, I have the respect of the world for Country Grammer and Panthalassa.
Remember if Panthalassa wins he will be the highest earning horse in history but I believe draws will be against these individuals. My three choices of Vela Azul, Cafe Pharoah, Geoglyph.
The first starts at 1:30 p.m.
- Report by Chase Liebenberg