Meydan 16 January 2016
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SOOTH AL SSALAM is a 16-race maiden, but was regularly placed in similar events here last season and this is a notably weak affair. He also has the benefit of a recent run in Oman and is taken to finally get off the mark here. Baroot has obvious claims after a good second in a handicap last time, when shaping as if this longer trip was needed now, while Skygazer could go well for an in-form yard.
LIFE PARTNER does struggle for consistency, but ended last season with victory in a valuable turf event in China in April and was a good second to Ajraam here on return, when shaping as if the return to further would help. The latter has disappointed since and though should bounce back with Hanagan on board, the main threats could well come from the in-form pair of Conquerant and Padlock.
TAJHEEZ sprung a bit of a surprise when winning over C&D last time, but there seemed no fluke at all about that effort. He's been raised 5 lb, but it's worth bearing in mind he was rated considerably higher in the past. A good run from Double Dealer looks likely, for all his losing run is a long one, while State Law has hinted at better recently and can go well in spite of the drop back to 7f.
ROOSSEY boasts some strong handicap form last term for William Haggas and after a couple of runs for this yard on dirt (not disgraced on first of them), is taken to get back to best returned to turf. The ex-John Gosden pair Kasb and Taayel are respected, the former after a good debut for this stable here on dirt, while the latter could be very well treated if retaining ability after a long layoff.
MURASIL belatedly won a maiden here back in November and though disappointed last time, is on a fair mark and the return to this track will suit. The longer trip should also help him along with Sky Jockey, who was runner-up behind the selection in the same maiden before going one better at Jebel Ali. Elsewhere, Tadmir beat a host of these at Sharjah last month and should give another good account.
UDODODONTU was progressive for Richard Guest in 2015, winning twice before finishing runner-up in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot and he's been found a good opportunity to get off the mark at the first time of asking for Godolphin. Pupil has claims returned to turf on just his second run for this stable, while Need To Know has often run well on his rare starts on this surface.
