Hi all,

In today’s main piece I’ve decided to look not at the big race action on these shores but go to World Cup Night at Meydan.

If you’re not intending to have a bet on the Meydan action you can skip over today’s thoughts. However, if you’re thinking about betting here are some pointers for Saturday’s card.

Meydan World Cup

Dubai World Cup Night is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the global flat racing calendar. Hosted at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it features a spectacular lineup of top-quality races and attracts some of the finest horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners from around the world.

Featuring a dazzling lineup of competitors hailing from Europe, the USA, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, the Dubai World Cup Night epitomizes international racing excellence. While some editions of this prestigious event have left audiences exhilarated, others have been more subdued. However, this year's meeting promises excitement aplenty, boasting a stellar $30.5 million prize pool spread across nine riveting races.

The evening’s feature race is the illustrious Dubai World Cup, offering a staggering $12 million in prize money. With such substantial rewards at stake, this dirt contest solidifies its status as one of the most financially rewarding flat races of 2024, promising an electrifying spectacle for racing fans.

Apart from the concluding feature I haven’t looked at any of the dirt races preferring to concentrate on the four turf contests.

12:40 – Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) – 2m

Tower Of London, trained by Aidan O’Brien, got up on the line to win a Group 3 (1m 7f) in Saudi Arabia last month. He would have been an unlucky loser if he hadn’t prevailed as he had to be switched 2f out to get a clear run.  The 4-year-old is a progressive stayer who should be capable of further improvement for the step up to two miles. Drawn 14 of 16 isn’t ideal but he’s the right favourite and 4/1 are fair odds.

Siskany was beaten a neck by Broome in this race 12 months ago. He’s won both this year’s starts (1m 6f) at Meydan and has solid claims at track that suits.

Trawlerman is drawn out widest of all in stall 16 but is another with a chance on ratings.

English St Leger winner (2022) & Irish St Leger winner (2023) Eldar Eldarov would have a good chance but probably prefers a bit more ease in the ground.

1:15 – Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By AZIZI Developments (Group 1) – 6f

Hong Kong Challenger California Spangle won a Group 1 at Sha Tin 20 days ago and should have the speed to go close dropped back to 6f.

Another Hong Kong challenger Sight Success has disappointed on his last two starts but was a close-up 4^th in last years race and Ryan Moore who rode him that day is back in the plate.

Last year’s winner Danyah has been placed on both starts here (7f) this winter and has good claims of back-to-back successes.

Diligent Harry has looked better than ever in victory on his last two starts on the all-weather. However, he might not maintain that level of form back on turf.

William Buick can’t do the weight on ante post favourite Star Of Mystery which means Frankie Dettori comes in for the ride on the 3-year-old who has been running well here this winter. Frost Of Dawn looked much improved when beating Star Of Mystery 2 ½ lengths in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (5f) earlier in the month. It’s likely she was on the better of the track than the runner-up that day and wouldn’t be certain to confirm with that filly here over a furlong longer.

3:10 – Dubai Turf Sponsored By DP World (Group 1) – 1m 1f

Lord North bids for hat trick of Dubai Turf wins and fourth win in the race overall. He will be sharper for last months run at Southwell and can be discounted even at the age of 8. Stablemate Nashwa is a classy mare on her day but stall 16 isn’t ideal on seasonal return.

Luxembourg was runner up to stablemate Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes and occupied the same position in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup on his final start of 2023. The 5-year-old ran well in Saudi Arabia on a return from a 10 week break and has a handy draw in stall 3.

Danon Baluga was beaten ¾ length by Lord North in last year’s race and wasn’t disgraced when an 8 ¾ length 6th of 18 to Equinox in Japan Cup on his latest start. This race has likely been the plan.

Namur was just behind Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile last time. Voyage Bublle has since gone onto win a Group 1 in Hong Kong and finish runner-up to Romantic Warrior there last month. Namur is a Grade 1 winner (1m) in her native Japan and might be well be suited to this intermediate trip and looks a big price at 20/1.

4:00 – Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) – 1m 4f

Japan takes on Ireland here.ItsLiberty Hunter vs Auguste Rodin.

Liberty Hunter is a four time Grade 1 winner in Japan and was a good 4 length runner-up to Equinox in the Japan Cup on her latest start. Auguste Rodin needs no introduction he’s a dual Derby winner, won the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders Cup turf on his final start of 2023.

We haven’t seen Emily Upjohn since she ran poorly in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last summer. However, she has won first time-up for the last two season’s and her best form puts her close to Liberty Hunter and Auguste Rodin.

Besides Liberty Hunter the Japanese have three other horses who aren’t of this. Stars On Earth was just a length behind Liberty Hunter in the Japan Cup. Justin Palace has good form behind Equinox and was just over a length behind Stars on Earth in a Grade 1 at Nakayama in December. Shahryar won this in 2022 but was only 5th to Equinox in last year. He didn’t get the best of runs when a 1 ¼ length 3rd to Auguste Rodin in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

That's my Meydan World Cup night preview done. Hopefully there will be a winner on Meydan World Cup night in the above musings.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John