With the first race of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival taking place tomorrow, please find below the Week 1 Meydan Overview and selections written by Racing UK’s Angus McNae
Meydan Overview – Week 1:
It’s the highlight of the racing calendar; where top class dirt racing meets top class turf racing in the magnificent setting of Meydan. Yes, it’s Dubai International Carnival time and I have four selections lined up for you. Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge on dirt is the feature event on a superb card that also features the Singspiel Stakes on turf. The royal blue of Godolphin is well represented in the latter race and that looks set to be a theme in these early weeks of the Carnival, as does the very strong local challenge particularly when it comes to racing on the dirt.
10:05am (ET) Meydan: Ertijaal
Ertijaal has a tremendous course record here and this trip of five furlongs is his optimum. Indeed he is the course record holder. He has won this race for the past two years and despite having to give 11lb and upwards to his rivals he will surely prove too speedy for them all. When he won this race last year he was also giving weight away and was a cosy winner. I expect him to jump and run and add to his already impressive course performances.
11:15am (ET) Meydan: Benbatl
Godolphin should win this race, it’s just a question of with which horse. They have four representatives and I believe Benbatl to be the strongest. He has not had the right trip and ground combination since winning the 10-furlong Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. That day, on fast ground, he posted a very good speed...
