Meydan Overview & Selections – Week 2:
The action at Meydan last week has really whetted the appetite for a very good card this week where Round 1 of the Maktoum Challenge on the dirt takes centre stage. I have four selections this week, but before them here is a quick summary of what happened last week.
Race 1: Bin Battuta – Off a big lay off he wins a turf race that was run at a crawl. He sprinted better than his rivals.
Race 2: Al Hayette – Tough filly, faced kickback. Guineas and Oaks contender. A proper dirt horse.
Race 3: Faatinah – Best fresh, wins off a break in an evenly run turf sprint.
Race 4: Ravens Corner – Wins the feature off a perfect trip and pace scenario. Life will get tougher.
Race 5: Dream Castle – Classy performer finally rediscovers his mojo after a gelding operation.
Race 6: Another Batt – Trainer George Scott (UK) wins with Al Fahidi Fort bound campaigner who is tough and consistent.
Here are my 4 for this week:
10:05am (ET) Meydan: Estihdaaf
Saeed Bin Suroor and Christophe Soumillon teamed up for two winners in week one and can keep up the good work here. This horse has only raced three times winning on his final start last year. His raw form looks solid enough and his time figures are ok but his potential is enormous. I expect him to step up markedly on his two year old form which he will have to do to beat Sporting Gesture who clearly sets a tough standard but who will have to break well from stall 1 and could face pressure for the lead.
10:40am (ET) Meydan: Walking Thunder
Good turf...
