Real World (Ire) | Horse Racing Free Tips

Where The Real World Begins, As Baker’s Dozen Clash In Zabeel Mile

The Dubai Racing Carnival continues at Meydan on Friday, with a pair of group races on tap for the turf milers and main-track sprinters, with the G2 Zabeel Mile the highlight of the nine-race card.

Godolphin's Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is the clear standout on ratings, and won this contest in 2022 before placing second in both the G1 Lockinge S. and G1 Queen Anne S. back on UK soil for trainer Saeed bin Suroor. Now seven, the gelding is aiming at a return to form after running a too-keen fifth in the G2 Al Rashidiya to fellow royal blue colourbearer Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) locally on Dec. 22.

“Real World won this contest a couple of years ago and ran two excellent races over a mile in Europe the same season,” trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said. “He has been running over further since but should appreciate the drop back in trip. It looks as though he has improved for his run in the Al Rashidiya.”

A former steady fixture in Italian group company, G3 Premio Ambrosiano hero Sean (Ger) (Excelebration {Ire}) now races in the Barratt Racing silks and will make the Godolphin runner's task more difficult.

“It's his first run for us so this is a bit of a fact-finding mission,” said Jamie Osborne, whose multiple Dubai successes include Toast Of New York in the G2 UAE Derby. “It's possible he will need further on this track.”

American ex-pat Doug Watson will saddle the Classic-placed San Donato (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum and he has drawn widest in stall 13. The multiple listed winner ran second in the Listed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi on Dec. 3.

“It's a bit tough from out there but it's a great race for him, albeit Real World is in there and Marbaan for Michael Costa,” said Watson. “I'm looking forward to seeing how he finishes. Hopefully he can get some nice splits from off the pace.”

The race is further enhanced by the presence of G2 Vintage S. hero Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) for Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum and trainer Charlie Fellowes.

Sprinters Primed For Dubawi Stakes

In the G3 Dubawi S., one race earlier on the card, Watson will saddle both Sound Money (Flatter) and Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). The former won the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on Super Saturday last March and was unplaced in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup night, while the latter, a dirt-loving son of Mehmas, earned his first listed badge in the Al Garhoud Sprint last out on Dec. 8.

“Both Sound Money and Colour Up are in really good shape,” said Watson. “The draws are good for both of them; they're horses who don't need to go to the lead; they can settle off it. Colour Up has to step up a bit, with Mouheeb (Flatter) and Tuz (Oxbow) and Sound Money in there, so it will be interesting to see how he goes. I'm really happy with Sound Money and looking forward to getting him started.”

Successful in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas at three and the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint over Group 3 winner Tuz at four in 2022, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Mouheeb went winless in 2023.

“He's had a kind first half of season with the aim of heading towards 8f [1600metres] later on,” said trainer Michael Costa of Mouheeb. “He's a much more relaxed horse this year.”

Another Mahab Al Shimaal hero alongside Sound Money, Eastern World (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will attempt to bounce back to form after making just one start in 2023–a 12th place to Tuz in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint in February.

The post Where The Real World Begins, As Baker’s Dozen Clash In Zabeel Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Inaugural Festive Friday Draws International Cast At Meydan

Friday marks the first edition of the Festive Friday card at Meydan, featuring two group races, three listed races and AED4.5 million in prize-money across the nine-race stand.

Returning to the scene of his 2023 G2 Godolphin Mile victory is Isolate (Mark Valeski), who will step out in the AED1-million G2 Al Maktoum Mile for trainer Doug Watson. Tyler Gaffalione will fly in for the race from the States.

“That was a great day and he's moving better this year than he did last year,” said trainer Doug Watson, who also runs Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), winner of this race in 2022. “They do a nice job out at Sheikh Rashid [Bin Humaid, owner]'s farm and he had a good summer off and came back looking a million dollars.

“We've worked him a few times over at Meydan–he loves going over there. There might be Saudi [Cup meeting] plans but we'll see how he runs here first.”

Royal Mews (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is one of nine rivals signed on, and he will be ridden by Tadhg O'Shea.

“We're really looking forward to having Royal Mews back,” said Ryan Tongue, Racing Manager for owners Deva Racing of the three-time winner. “Isolate is the one to beat, but Tadhg O'Shea worked Royal Mews last week in blinkers for the first time and apparently he worked very well.”

Already in action this season is Road Bloc (Street Sense), who was third in a 1200-metre race at Sharjah on Nov. 26.

“He needed his first run and he's working very well at home,” said owner Sayed Hashish. “The draw is not ideal but we believe he will appreciate the distance.”

Godolphin & Shadwell Out In Force In Al Rashidiya

Seven of the 11 entrants of the G2 Al Rashidiya will bear either the royal blue of Godolphin or the blue with white epaulettes of Shadwell. Charlie Appleby sends out Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), and he is gunning for his fourth title in five years in the 1800-metre grass affair.

Not to be outdone, is fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who is already a six-time winner of this race. His Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a multiple group winner who was placed twice at Group 1 level last year, will break from stall seven.

G1 Jebel Hatta hero Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is one of three in the race for Shadwell, and holds pride of place, as he is the chosen mount of retained jockey Jim Crowley. The duo will leave from stall two.

Friday's Supporting Card High On Class

A trio of listed races anchor the supporting card, among them the AED500,000 Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash over the minimum trip of 1000 metres on grass. The youthful Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2022, squares off with desert veterans Equilateral (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), and Miqyaas (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Johnny Murtagh sends the progressive 4-year-old filly Ladies Church (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) into the fray, as well. She ran second ot Miqyaas in the G2 Blue Point Sprint in February.

“Miqyaas is doing well,” said Abo Bakr El Hefnawy, assistant trainer to Rashed Bouresly. “He raced once on dirt to be ready for this race.”

This season's G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) makes his return on Friday in the 1400-metre Listed Business Bay Challenge on grass. His task is not the easiest, as among his 15 foes is GI Summer S. victor Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby.

Rounding out the listed races is the Entisar S., conducted over 1900m on dirt. Bhupat Seemar saddles a pair of horses, including Western Symphony (Ire) (Shamardal) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

“Godolphin thought Walk Of Stars was good enough to run in the Epsom Derby as a 3-year-old so he is a very exciting horse to have,” said Seemar. “We're going to experiment with Western Symphony and try him over the 1900m. His pedigree suggests he has a chance of getting in, albeit he is a Shamardal, because there is a lot of stamina on the dam side.”

The post Inaugural Festive Friday Draws International Cast At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Baaeed On Top Of Longines WBRR

Shadwell's undefeated Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has improved to a mark of 128, two pounds better than his nearest challenger on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday. The dominant winner of the G1 Queen Anne S. defeated the 122-ranked Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) at Royal Ascot. Nature Strip (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus}) is co-second on the ratings at 126 after a win in the G1 King's Stand S., alongside GI Metropolitan H. hero Flightline (Tapit).

Japan's Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) set a course record in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen defeating Hishi Iguazu (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) (120) and is now equal with Life Is Good (Into Mischief) at 124. State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is now at 122 after taking the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot, one pound better than Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the victress of the G1 Coronation S. at the same meeting.

Fresh off his victory in the GI Woody Stephens S., Jack Christopher (Munnings) is ranked 123, as is Classic hero Vadeni (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), who won the G1 Coral-Eclipse S. In the latter's wake were Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) (122), Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) (122), Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (121), Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {GB}) (120) and Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) (120). Northumberland Plate H. winner Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) is at 121, while Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo) (120) won the GI Belmont S. Two other horses at 120 are GII Stephen Foster S. scorer Olympiad (Speightstown) and G1 Irish Derby hero Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}).

The post Baaeed On Top Of Longines WBRR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Baaeed the Star Turn in Royal Opener

Royal Ascot 2022 will kick off with the cream of the crop, as Shadwell's Baaeed (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) was confirmed Sunday for the meeting's opening G1 Queen Anne S.. William Haggas' unbeaten 4-year-old has six rivals to deal with as he looks to cement his place at the head of the World's Best Racehorse Rankings having got there with an emphatic return win from the re-opposing Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the G1 Lockinge S. at Newbury May 14. It hasn't escaped anyone's attentions that he is in the race that crowned Frankel (GB) as officially the greatest 10 years ago, but connections are staying away from that discussion. “Only you lot are doing the Frankel comparison,” Haggas said. “Frankel was an outstanding horse and was brilliantly-trained, because he was difficult. This horse is not difficult. Frankel was extremely strong and powerful, whereas this horse is much easier. Whether he's as good we'll have to see, but that's up to you lot to decide, not me.”

Set For The Strip Race

Only one pound below Baaeed in the Longines-sponsored rankings on 124 is the G1 King's Stand S.-bound Nature Strip (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus}), who meets Coolmore and Westerberg's Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) in an enticing international head-to-head over five furlongs, with 16 others looking to get involved including The Queen's May 21 G2 Temple S. winner King's Lynn (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}). He is the first to represent the monarch during the Platinum Jubilee edition, but it will take serious improvement to see him upstaging the eight-times group one winner Nature Strip who looks to bring home a first Royal prize for Australia since 2012. “Nature Strip has really matured into a foolproof horse,” trainer Chris Waller said this week. “As it has worked out with him missing the last couple of Royal Ascot meetings due to Covid, we are now bringing a horse who is winning more often than not.”

Coroebus Faces Dozen

Godolphin's Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has failed to scare away the opposition in Tuesday's G1 St James's Palace S., with the 2000 Guineas hero set to be taken on by 12 rivals but the draw has been kind in two and Charlie Appleby is bullish about his prospects in a renewal that is probably under-par. “His work's been more than pleasing of late and he'll be the horse they've all got to beat,” he said. “The Guineas is rock-solid form and he's the one everyone's excited to see. Going round the bend should suit him, as he's a strong traveller and it should allow him to come back behind the bridle a little bit and allow William to ride more of a race on him.” As will be the case all week, William Haggas will have a say with Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's May 22 G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2000 Guineas) winner Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) and Sunderland Holding's May 19 Listed Heron S. winner My Prospero (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).

No Noble Style In The Coventry

While Coroebus is on target for Royal Ascot day one, Appleby's TDN Rising Star Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) will be missing from the line-up in the G2 Coventry S., it was revealed on Sunday morning. Having made a striking debut over five furlongs at the track last month, the exciting juvenile had traded as ante-post favourite for much of the intervening period but was ruled out by the trainer via the Godolphin twitter feed. “Noble Style pleased in his work yesterday, but he has since had some unsatisfactory blood results back. As a result, he will not run in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot,” he explained. Aidan O'Brien will have two in the 17-strong line-up, with Frankie Dettori booked for TDN Rising Star Age of Kings (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) alongside Ryan Moore's already-accomplished mount Blackbeard (Ire) (No Nay Never).

The post Baaeed the Star Turn in Royal Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post