Hi there! I’m writing this from Dubai as I'll be attending the Dubai World Cup race meeting at Meydan Racecourse tonight. I only arrived early this morning and have not yet had time to walk round the city, but already I'm getting the feeling that Dubai has changed a lot since I was here last year.
I remember that when I was in Dubai at the same time last year, construction work for the new racecourse was still only at the initial stage. I guess it's fortunate that progress has not been delayed since then by the financial crisis that struck Dubai late last year, as this sensational racecourse will be officially opened this evening. As well as having a grandstand that stretches 1.2 kilometres and can accommodate 60,000 racegoers, the racecourse includes a trackside hotel and many other business and conference facilities.
I’ll be staying at this hotel this time, and attending several racing conference sessions to be held in this racecourse complex over the next few days. That means it will truly be a one-stop service for all as the racetrack and conference venues are all within walking distance. I’ll definitely look around at these hotel and conference facilities and see how they've been incorporated into the racecourse, in case there are any ideas that I can take away for reference and inspiration in planning our future racecourse enhancements in Hong Kong.
With its huge prize money, the Dubai World Cup meeting is one of the racing industry's major focal points of the year and always attracts many of the sport's leading globetrotters. But I think this year’s World Cup races will be especially interesting, as it's the first time they will have been held at Meydan, and also the first time its synthetic Tapeta dirt surface will have been used.
As in the past few years, the international contenders include a number of Hong Kong runners. This year we have three representatives, all of whom have some proven recent experience at international level, having performed well in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races last December. Three-time Hong Kong Mile champion Good Ba Ba will be running in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free, while the two placegetters in the Hong Kong Sprint – John Moore’s One World and Derek Cruz’s Joy And Fun, will be participating in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and Group 3 Al Quoz Sprint respectively.
I’m happy to learn that they've all managed to get decent draws in their respective races, as this will definitely raise their chances and make it easier for the trainers and jockeys to plan out their races. We will simulcast these races live to Hong Kong from Meydan, so you can all join me in giving your cheers and betting support to the Hong Kong trio.
Before I get on the flight in Hong Kong, I also read the comments made by John Moore and Derek Cruz about the preparation of their runners. Both John and Derek are quite confident about their chance, saying they can finish close in these races. So let's hope they can bring a bit of international glory to Hong Kong racing tonight.
In the Al Quoz Sprint, I am expecting a strong pace which I believe it would suit Joy And Fun. If this Derek Cruz’s galloper runs to his best form, I think he will have a place chance in this Group 3 event. Among other runners, home representatives Sirocco Breeze is in great form as he won two handicap races in Meydan in an impressive fashion. This improving runner should be one of the top contenders in this event. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag, Olivier Peslier-mounted War Artist, and Betfair Cup winner Finjaan, are all capable to finish close in this race.
For the Dubai Golden Shaheen, Singaporean raider Rocket Man has come back in terrific form after his injury setback last year. I think he’s the best horse in the field, but the only concern is on whether he can cope with the all-weather Tapeta surface. However, we shouldn’t overlook Godolphin’s Gayego, as he won a Group 1 on the pro-ride track of Santa Anita before being sold and transferred to the Emirates. He will also be a top contender in the field. US-based runner Kinsale King, and our Hong Kong contender One World, are two other interesting outsiders in this Group 1 event.
I think the Dubai Duty Free is quite open, though the Audemars Piquet Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Presvis looks to be the horse to beat in the field. Bankable and Alexandros – both performed impressively in their lead-up races in Meydan, and also Confront, who has won three consecutive races in England last year before his disappointing run in the Hong Kong Mile, all have the credentials to run close in this race. For Good Ba Ba, I think he has a chance to be placed if he does not work himself up too much before the race as he did in his other overseas starts. I know the walk from the stable to the Parade Ring here is long, and I suggest you have a good look at him before the race.
In the Dubai Sheema Classic, I’ll be interested to see the performance of Japanese filly Buena Vista. This Japanese Oaks winner has twice outperformed Dubai World Cup runner Red Desire back in Japan last year, and she was just narrowly defeated when facing other older male opponents in the Arima Kinen. Ridden by Olivier Peslier tonight, I think this consistent filly will be a dominant force in this race. However, she will have to overcome the challenge of Arc placegetter Cavalryman, Grand Prix de Saint Cloud champion Spanish Moon, and the improving home runner Campanologist, in this one mile and a half event.
The highlight race this evening – the Dubai World Cup – will be very competitive. I like Hong Kong Cup winner Vision d’Etat as he’s probably one of the world’s best middle distance runners at the moment. Again, the issue is that whether he can handle the Tapeta surface. Last year’s Breeders Cup Classic runner-up Gio Ponti has proven record on the all-weather track, along with last year’s Dubai World Cup runner up Gloria De Campeao, and Champion Stakes winner Twice Over, these three horses should be in the finish. In-form runner Gitano Hernando may also spring a surprise in this US$10 million event.
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