Hats off to Barcelona; they have Madrid and Mourinho in their pocket in direct encounters. They know how to beat them whether it is on the road or at home. It's a lesson learned not to go against Guardiola's men when they are up against their fierce rivals these days.
Let's focus on racing at Meydan where, touch wood, the selections have been pretty good and very satisfying for the initial couple of weeks. Godolphin are out in force this week and it would not surprise me that they rack up the bulk of the races.
The first race certainly gives them a great chance to strike with their double entry of Club Oceanic and Measuring Time. The 11-furlong distance should suit both horses and I see recommend them as an each-way couple. It will pay if one of them wins.
Ditto for Godolphin for the second race. I like both Prince Bishop and Spring of Fame and I think one of them will win the race. Coupling them each-way is the recommendation as well.
The 12:10 Handicap in the 3rd race will go to either of the powerhouses of Godolphin (again) or Mike de Kock. Viscount Nelson comes from Ballydoyle and has solid European form. He should do well for de Kock and it remains to be seen how fit he is after a layoff. Same for his stablemate Mutahadee. The Blues are represented by the Emerald Commander who has good form behind him as well, and Sea Lord who came up an interesting 4th a fortnight ago. The winner will come from one of these 4 horses and it's a tough call choosing, so I'll abstain giving a recommendation here.
The 6-furlong Conditions fourth race is very much open, so there are no certainties there as well.
The Group 2 Cape Verdi Stakes looks weak and Mahbooba stands out. I just cannot see her out of the first 3. If she runs to form, she should win this. She is worth the confidence for a straight Win and that's the recommendation.
The Handicap in the last race looks open and I will pay particular attention to Disa Leader, the champion from Mauritius. The last champion from Mauritius to go to Dubai was Mr Brock and he certainly flew the flag high for the local fans there. Disa Leader is widely acknowledged to be even better than Mr Brock, so he carries serious form with him. If he's fit and takes to the left-handed track (Mauritius has a right-handed track), he should be in the placings. His odds suggest that he might be the value bet of the day as Place. Certainly worth a punt if the evening up to that point has been rewarding. Let's hope it is!
Win: Mahbooba
Each-way: Club Oceanic/Measuring Time
Place: Disa Leader
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