Race 1 is for Arabian pure-breds and I must admit I know nothing about them except that they are much more difficult to train than thorougbreds!
Race 2, 1m3f Handicap. Indications are that this race will go to Godolphin, unless Jamr decides otherwise. The Blue team have leading duo Holberg and Spring of Fame to count on and I think the winner will come out of these 2. Holberg has serious form from last year and is coming back after a year layoff. He might need the run. Spring of Fame came a good second to Prince Bishop about 3 weeks ago, and should improve on that run. My preference goes to Spring of Fame as a Place. Mr Brock always gives a good account of himself but the age and distance will play against him. Should be at good odds to be laid against for layers.
Race 3, 2000 Guineas. An open contest which should go to either a Godolphin colt or Mike de Kock's Mickdaam. Let me say here that Dark Matter from Singapore is possibly the best horse in the race and has beaten many of the same opponents before. However, he has run an extra race since he beat all these and is bound to lack some freshness as a result. He's a current lay at his current odds of 4/1. Of the Godolphin representatives, I like Kinglet the most and the way he finished his last race means that the distance will suit him perfectly. I recommend him as an each-way.
Race 4, 1m4f Handicap. This is quite an open contest and I will be interested to follow Irish Flame, who was one of last year's main disappointments from the de Kock stable. Word is that he's in much better shape now than last year, but he'll have to show it on the track first. If he's fit and at his best, he should be in the first 3, but that's not certain. Too open to call.
Race 5, 1m Group 3. Bold Silvano makes his comeback in this mile race. He's bound not to be 100% for this race after coming from such a layoff and with his main aim being World Cup night. Still, if he's serious about the World Cup, he has to show he's still got ability against some useful sorts in that race. My recommendation is an each-way on him.
Race 6, 1m1f Group 2. The main race of the card and one main prep for the DWC. This is going to be a hot contest and it won't escape the grasp of either de Kock or Godolphin again. Dubai Prince is without doubt top-notch but there are many questions regarding him. He's a lightly-raced colt that has been beset with injuries. His odds look way too short. I think Mendip and Master of Hounds will run well. They have the benefit of a run a month ago and will have the necessary improvement in them. Prince Bishop has been impressive in his win 3 weeks ago and could be involved in the placings. My selection would be a Win couple on Master of Hounds and Mendip, and that should provide cover if one of them wins.
Race 7, 1m1f Handicap. Mutahadee was impressive on his last win and should at least be in the placings. I have him as a Place.
Win: Master of Hounds/Mendip
Place: Spring of Fame, Mutahadee
Each-way: Kinglet, Bold Silvano.
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