G2 Dubai City of Gold | Horse Racing Free Tips

Clapton Headlines ‘Super Saturday’ Meeting At Meydan

by Alan Carasso, Heather Anderson & Adam Houghton

With G1 Al Maktoum Challenge winner Kabirkhan (California Chrome) missing from the entries and instead training up to the G1 Dubai World Cup in four weeks, the 'Super Saturday' meeting at Meydan is deprived of one of its star attractions. But a challenging nine-race program awaits, with no fewer than five of the contests offering free passes into the corresponding race on Mar. 30.

RRR Racing's Clapton (Brethren) should prove a handful in his second start since finishing down the field in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November. A two-time winner at the graded level in the US last season, the chestnut had the services of Antonio Fresu for the Jan. 26 Al Maktoum Challenge and sat a wide trip by design before staying on for third, beaten five lengths over course and distance. William Buick has the call from Chad Summers this time around.

“I'm very happy how the horse has acclimatised since he arrived,” said trainer Chad Summers, a dual winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with Mind Your Biscuits (Posse). “William [Buick] breezed him for us a few weeks ago and was very happy with him.”

Franz Strauss (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) has run well without winning in three starts this season, two of those over the Meydan 1900 metres, including a runner-up effort in the Al Maktoum Challenge. Richard Mullen rides for Bhupat Seemar from barrier nine.

The latter's stable companion Remorse (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) makes a belated return to the races in this spot. A listed winner and runner-up to Hypothetical (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3 back in 2022, the Godolphin-bred 7-year-old was third in Round 2 of the Maktoum Challenge last year, was ninth in the G1 Saudi Cup and filled the same spot when beaten 20 lengths by Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) in last year's World Cup. He runs first-up here. —Alan Carasso

Sheema Pointer High On Quality

A prep race for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at the end of March, the G2 Dubai City of Gold over 2410 metres on grass attracted a quality field of nine runners.

Charlie Appleby saddles a trio of Godolphin entrants in this clash, anchored by Group 3 winner and G1 St Leger runner-up Castle Way (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}). He is the mount of William Buick and breaks from the widest gate in 11.

“Castle Way is probably the horse out of my three with the most scope to progress throughout the season,” said Appleby. “He ended his 3-year-old campaign with a couple of strong efforts and is ready to get going again.”

Both Warren Point (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Bold Act (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) are entering the fray coming off Pattern race victories–the former in the G3 Dubai Millennium S. earlier this month, and the latter in the GIII Sycamore S. at Keeneland in October.

“Warren Point has won over a mile and a half in the past, so stepping back up in trip won't be an issue–he should be bang there at the finish. Bold Act enjoyed travelling last year and put up a good performance to win at Keeneland in the autumn. He heads into this in good nick.”

G1 Deutsches Derby victor Sisfahan (Fr) (Isfahan {Ger}) is another runner of note, and he leaves from stall two.

—Heather Anderson

Swing Vote Looks To Sustain Run In Burj Nahaar

Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal) has been on a serious roll in the Emirates this racing season and will look to take a step towards an appearance in the G2 Godolphin Mile as perhaps the one to beat in Saturday's G3 Burj Nahaar.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, who were represented by the tough World Cup runner-up Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) during last year's Carnival, the 4-year-old won two of four starts on the turf in France last season, but is perfect in three tries on the dirt. Victorious in the lower grades going a mile up the hill at Jebel Ali in December and January, he most recently stamped his authority on the Feb. 10 G3 Jebel Ali Mile, storming home by 3 3/4 lengths.

The veteran Hypothetical earned a ticket to the 2022 World Cup by winning Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge, but was well-beaten behind Country Grammer (Tonalist) in the big race and again in a single handicap test last February. The chestnut rebounded from a thrashing in a grass prep Jan. 11 to defeat Southern Artist (Munnings) by three-parts of a length in the G3 Firebreak S. over track and trip Jan. 26.

RRR Racing's Sound Money (Flatter) was fourth to Tuz (Oxbow) in Group 3 company on seasonal return and was forced to miss the Firebreak. Saturday's contest is his first try at a mile since finishing second to US champion Cody's Wish (Curlin) in the 2022 GIII Westchester S. at Belmont Park.

“He was a bit ring rusty [in the Dubawi S.],” said eight-time UAE champion trainer Doug Watson. “He had a bit of a foot issue four days before and pulled a shoe in the race, so I don't know how much that affected him. He trains like a proper horse and he's a beautiful animal. It was disappointing to miss the Firebreak S., but we had to get him right.”

Adding depth to the field are the former American-based gallopers multiple graded stakes winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) for Juddmonte Farms and Three Chimneys Farm's stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed King Ottoman (Curlin). Laurel River was seventh in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint Jan. 26, but the latter makes his first local appearance. Both are trained by Bhupat Seemar. —Alan Carasso

Ras Al Khor Riches Up For Grabs

Staged as a Group 3 for the first time, the 1400-metre Ras Al Khor on grass sees a pair of runners owned by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and trained by Michael Costa lock horns on Saturday.

Marbaan (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) is the choice of rider Ben Coen, and will race with the addition of a tongue tie and shadow roll. The G2 Vintage S. hero ran 10th in the 1800-metre G2 Singspiel S. behind Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) last week and will begin from gate 10 in the 16-horse field. Stablemate Yonafis (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}}) has already been in action twice in February, running second in the Listed Dubai Sprint on Feb. 2, and fifth in the Listed HH The President Cup at Abu Dhabi on Feb. 17.

“Marbaan will be better suited to this race with the gear change and application of tongue tie and shadow roll,” said Costa, this season's leading trainer in the UAE. “Yonafis could not look any better, so it was a flip of the coin who Ben wanted to ride.”

Godolphin's Noble Dynasty (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is looking for his third victory on the bounce after taking a Newmarket contest and a Lingfield all-weather race in the autumn of 2022. However, he lines up coming off an 15-month break.

“Noble Dynasty runs well fresh and looks in great shape,” said Appleby. “He has a nice draw in stall four and should be involved in the finish.” –Heather Anderson

Go Chrome Go Makes Local Bow In Mahab Al Shimaal

While Kabirkhan swerves Saturday's meeting, his sire is represented by Go Chrome Go (Arg) (California Chrome), who rates a live chance in the 1200-metre G3 Mahab al Shimaal, the final lead-up into the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen.

The Southern Hemisphere 5-year-old, now under the care of Julio Olascoaga, is a winner of nine from 15 in Argentina, and rides a five-race winning skein which includes a one-length success in Group 3 company over a mile at La Plata back in July.

“He makes his first start a little late in the season, as he had some health issues related to travel that made him lose some time,” said Olascoaga. “He will catch the eye on Saturday as he is a very nice-looking horse by California Chrome.”

Freedom Fighter (Violence) is one of three in the race for the Seemar yard, having improved from a first-up sixth in listed company to finish second–albeit a distant one–to the impressive Moubeeb (Flatter) in the Al Shindagha Sprint.

The Friday scratchings of the undefeated 3-year-old Ma Yetal (Flameaway) and 110-rated Mubakker (Speightstown) leaves a field of eight Saturday. —Alan Carasso

Star Of Mystery Bids To Continue Winning Sequence

Improving 3-year-old filly Star Of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) puts her unbeaten record at Meydan on the line when she features in a 15-strong field for Saturday's AED1.2-million G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint sponsored by Emirates Skywards.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, Star Of Mystery is seeking her third straight victory at the track and her second over the 1000-metre distance having run out a decisive winner of the G2 Blue Point Sprint when meeting older horses for the first time on last month's Fashion Friday card.

Appleby said, “Star Of Mystery has enjoyed a little break since the Blue Point Sprint and a repeat performance of that will make her very competitive again. It's a good field but we are very happy with her.”

Czech raider Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) is 1.5kg better off at the weights with Star Of Mystery on Saturday having been beaten 1 3/4 lengths by that rival when runner-up in the Blue Point Sprint, while William Knight's Frost At Dawn (Frosted), the other 3-year-old filly in the line-up, will be bidding for a deserved win after finishing in the money in three of her four starts at Meydan to date, albeit in lesser company.

“She's thriving in Dubai and Abbie, who looks after her, is delighted with her,” Knight said of Frost At Dawn. “To be honest, I wish this race was over six furlongs [1200m], but she's shown she's got plenty of toe. It is hard for these 3-year-olds up against the seasoned sprinters, but I'd like to think she has a chance of running in the top three.” –Adam Houghton

Does The Shoe Fit?

The discussion on who will be the next winner of the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas Sponsored by Emirates SkyCargo begins with the three-for-three Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal). Just like subsequent G1 1000 Guineas heroine Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), the Charlie Appleby-trained filly won the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic at the beginning of the month, and Mawj was an 8 1/2-length winner of the 2022 edition of this race, also in the royal blue of Godolphin.

“Cinderella's Dream is in great order and stepping back up to a mile is going to suit,” said Appleby. “The form of her latest win has been franked by Beautiful Love and she looks the one to beat.”

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners has been involved in some noteworthy wins on an international scale far from their California base–G1 VRC Oaks heroine Pinot (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) to name one–and their Geologist (GB) (Territories {Ire}) looms the main danger in the 1600-metre turf affair. Well-seasoned with nine starts, especially compared to some of her rivals, the listed winner and Group 3 -placed filly was most recently fourth to Cinderella's Dream in the Jumeirah Fillies' Classic after taking the overland route the whole way around. –Heather Anderson

Legend Of Time Has The Hat-Trick In His Sights

Appleby is also responsible for the standout contender in the AED800,000 Listed Jumeirah Classic sponsored by Arabian Adventures which concludes the card, namely Legend Of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who has emulated Star Of Mystery by winning his two previous races at Meydan in 2024, including a two-length victory in last month's Jumeirah Guineas.

Legend Of Time, who will be suited by stepping up to 1800 metres, is joined in the line-up by stablemate Musical Act (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) to give Appleby another very strong hand in the Jumeirah Classic, a contest in which he saddled the first three home when Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) beat One Nation (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Highbank (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) in 2023.

“Legend Of Time has done well since the Jumeirah Guineas and this was always the target,” said Appleby. “Musical Act was a bit unfortunate in the Jumeirah Guineas, when he got caught up in an early speed duel and didn't finish his race. I'm hoping he can do everything the right way round this time and will be disappointed if he doesn't make the places.”

Runner-up to Legend Of Time in the Jumeirah Guineas, Athan (Arg) (Orpen) should keep the Godolphin duo honest once again after chasing home Appleby's Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) over the same course and distance last time, while Uruguayan raider Quartier (Uru) (Matterhorn) finished a good third in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas back in January and is another with place claims if proving as effective now tried on turf for the first time in his career. –Adam Houghton

The post Clapton Headlines ‘Super Saturday’ Meeting At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Jebel Hatta A Means To An End For Real World

by Alan Carasso, Emma Berry, Brian Sheerin & Heather Anderson

Runner-up to Cartier Horse of the Year Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in last year's G1 Lockinge S. and G1 Queen Anne S., Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) makes his first trip to the races in nearly nine months verus 14 rivals–including four others from Godolphin–in Saturday's G1 Jebel Hatta S. at Meydan Racecourse. The race, part of Super Saturday which is a World Pool event, is the final lead-up test prior to the G1 Dubai Turf in three weeks' time.

Real World defeated Shadwell's Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the G2 Zabeel Mile over this turf course last January, but never lifted a hoof on the dirt in the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai World Cup. He acquitted himself nicely in those two subsequent efforts over a mile on turf back in England, but is unraced since and trainer Saaed bin Suroor feels there will be some ring-rustiness come Saturday.

“When he comes back for the race he will be at 80 or 85%, but he will need the race to improve from it,” bin Suroor told PA Sport. “We've given him a lot of time but he's back now, in training and working well.”

There are no delusions of grandeur this time round, as the Dubai Turf is next on the dance card assuming all goes well at the weekend. “That's the target for him, he will hopefully come on to be just right for that,” he said.

Real World has also been gelded since his last run and bin Suroor sees that as a positive. “He's more relaxed than before and I hope it will also improve him in the future,” the trainer said.

In the absence of Real World, Alfareeq ran out a 1 1/4-length winner of last year's Jebel Hatta before finishing seventh in the Dubai Turf. The 6-year-old has finished second in each of his three outings during the current season, including a narrow defeat at the hooves of Godolphin's in-form Valiant Prince (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the course-and-distance G2 Singspiel S. Feb. 3.

I Am Superman (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) nearly won the G1 Rupert Clarke S. over 1400 metres at Caulfield last September and has hardly been disgraced in two appearances at the Carnival, finishing third to the 'Boys in Blue's Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Jan. 20 Zabeel Mile and fourth in listed company over seven furlongs Feb. 10.

Hong Kong-based Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) adds a bit of international flavour to Super Saturday. Last-out winner of the Listed H H The Amir Trophy in Qatar, the Douglas Whyte-trainee shortens up in trip for the Jebel Hatta before stretching back out on World Cup night.

“This weekend's race is not the main goal,” the South African said. “Obviously, our main goal is the Sheema Classic but I wanted him to go around this weekend, have a look at the track and hopefully be competitive but I can't see him winning a race like that–it's purely a stepping stone for the Sheema Classic.”

Bendoog May Be Up To the 'Challenge'

Saturday's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 lost some of its lustre earlier in the week when defending champion Hypothetical (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) was withdrawn, leaving a field of 10 chasing Group 1 glory over the Dubai World Cup distance of 2000 metres.

Trainer Bhupat Seemar seeks a first win in the race and will be represented by no fewer than four runners. Of those, Bendoog (Gun Runner) would appear to have the greatest upside and brings consistent form to the table. The scopey colt, a pacesetting fourth in last year's G2 UAE Derby on World Cup night, has amassed a record of 1-2-1 in four starts since the racing season in the Emirates kicked off last November. After besting Quality Humor (Distorted Humor) in a rated conditions test over a mile on Dec. 1, the bay was runner-up in listed company three weeks later and followed that with a third behind Salute the Soldier (Ger) (Sepoy {Aus}) and Atletico El Culano (Uru) (Alcorano {Brz}) in a course-and-distance test Jan. 13. Bendoog exits a distant second to top World Cup chance Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 Feb. 3, but needs to prove he can see out this trip.

“He's a forward-going horse with a good draw, so hopefully he'll get a good break,” Seemar said.

Stablemate Kafoo (Curlin), fourth to Hypothetical in this event last term, was well below his best when a well-beaten 10th to Algiers in the Maktoum Challenge R1 going the 1600 metres Jan. 6, but hinted there might be better to come when staying on well up the rise to be fourth in the G3 Jebel Ali Mile last time on Feb. 11.

Salute the Soldier, who won this race by 5 1/2 lengths in 2021, could not build on his conditions success, as he finished better than 11 lengths behind Algiers in Round 2. He is capable of better for trainer Fawzi Nass and will need it to be a factor.

“Last time he stumbled coming out of the gate, overreached and pulled a shoe,” explained jockey Adrie de Vries. “That cost him his position early on and he was at the back of the field and got a lot of dirt, which he doesn't really like. You can forget about that run.” –Alan Carasso

Rebel a Lost Cause as Kemari Steps Up

The defection of Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) knocked a huge dent in the line-up for the G2 Dubai City of Gold with the dual Group/Grade 1 winner having looked the stand-out on class. His absence still leaves Godolphin with four runners, led by Kemari (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was last seen running fourth in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

“Getting that run under his belt has done him good,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “He ran well behind Rebel's Romance over this distance a couple of times last season and should be a player.”

The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Global Heat (Ire) (Toronado {Ire}) has had an active winter in Dubai with victory over 1m6f in the Listed Al Khail Trophy and drops back in trip for this race, in which another Appleby contender, Global Storm (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was third last year and reappears for the first time since September.

Outside the Godolphin quartet, which is completed by White Wolf (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), the most credible challenger looks to be the Caspar Fownes-trained Senor Toba (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), a dual Group 3 winner in Hong Kong. The second of those wins came as recently as Feb 5 before the 5-year-old shipped to Qatar for the HH The Amir Trophy a fortnight later, in which he was seventh in a decent field.

Away He Goes (Ire) (Farhh {GB}), whose lifetime best came when he ran second to Trueshan (Fr) in the 2021 Goodwood Cup, was runner-up to Global Heat back in January and has since been fifth in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy. –Emma Berry

Al Dasim Aiming for Five-Timer

Plenty of contenders bring good recent form into the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, with 3-year-old Al Dasim (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) lining up on the back of four straight wins for George Boughey, including two over this trip at Meydan.

Gordon Elliott's attention will be focussed on the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival but he could well be provided with another winter warmer by the dual listed winner Coachello (Fr) (Dunkerque {Fr}). The 5-year-old had the measure of Godolphin's City Walk (Ire) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) when they met in January but the latter has since bounced back to win over course and distance.

Miqyaas (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) snared the G2 Blue Point Sprint over five furlongs last month but he has also been effective over six and can't be ruled out, while Acklam Express (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) returns in an attempt to improve on his seventh-place finish in this race last year after two decent efforts over a shorter trip so far this carnival. –Emma Berry

Wide Open Burj Nahaar

There are three Group 3s on the card, the first of which is the Burj Nahaar Sponsored By Smirates Skywards, where last year's winner Desert Wisdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), trained by Ahmad Al Shemaili, defends his crown.

His rider Adrie De Vries said that Desert Wisdom (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) will need to be at his best to make it back-to-back wins.

“Desert Wisdom hasn't been the same horse as last year,” he said. “Last time he was ridden quite positively after a bad start and when I rode him first time out he didn't get a good run as well.”

He added, “Back at a mile, I wouldn't count him out. I haven't galloped him but I see him in the mornings and he looks really good in his coat. I was very lucky with him last year, with draws, and a nice run along the inside, so that is what I'm going to look for again.”

Desert Wisdom's rivals include 2021 G2 Godolphin Mile winner Secret Ambition (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), the mount of Tadhg O'Shea, while Doug Watson sends out three–Everfast (Take Charge Indy), Canvassed (Ire) (Shamardal) and Fanaar (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who beat Secret Ambition in the G3 Jebel Ali Mile last time out. –Brian Sheerin

Seemar Has Three Chances In Mahab Al Shimaal

Trainer Bhupat Seemar will saddle a trio of runners in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal Sponsored By Emirates Skycargo on Super Saturday. Leading the charge in the $250,000 1200-metre contest for the trainer is Dakki Stable's Tuz (Oxbow), who defeated Isolate (Mark Valeski) by three lengths after leaving from the one post in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint on Feb. 3.

“Tuz was very impressive in his last run, but he was drawn very favourably, in one,” said Bhupat Seemar, who has also entered RRR Racing's Sound Money (Flatter) and Al Rashid Stables, LLC's winning Western Symphony (Ire) (Shamardal). “He's drawn 10 this time, but he has plenty of early speed, which is his asset. He might have to go fast and furious from 10 but this would be the plan.”

Added Seemar of Sound Money, who was placed in the GIII Westchester S. and GII True North S. in consecutive starts Stateside for Klaravich Stables and trainer Chad Brown and is making his Meydan debut, ” He stays a bit further but he has plenty of class and speed so he should not be far off in a six furlong [1200metre] race.”

Also sporting the black and orange silks of RRR Racing is the aforementioned Isolate, who is a dual stakes winner and took third in the 2020 GIII Nashua S. The 5-year-old was previously trained by Tom Amoss for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing.

Sayed Hashish's Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) has already won three of his six starts in the Emirates, and he enters off a runaway win in a track-and-trip handicap on Feb. 24. The Doug Watson trainee has been assigned post five. –Heather Anderson

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