Meydan 23 February 2012
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It is hard to split Sarrsar and Capponi who clashed over C&D twice in January, with the scores currently level at one apiece. Capponi got the better of their latest encounter and reopposes off 1lb worse terms, but in the belief most of the market will be dominated by the aforementioned pair, there may be some juicy prices elsewhere for the likes of DISA LEADER and Club Oceanic. The selection represents the in-form Mike De Kock and shaped as if this longer trip would suit when staying on into fourth over 1m here latest. Club Oceanic has been struggling to land a blow of late but has been eased 1lb for his turf fifth last time out.
Very little has seperated Capponi and Sarrsar in two runs this year, the score currently standing at one apiece. It's not easy to choose between them again, but slight preference is for the former, as he is the more straightforward of the pair and he has the better draw. Club Oceanic offered a bit more last time and can fill the placings.
Jamr has progressed rapidly on tapeta in recent months and, although denied a four-timer when headed into second close home over C&D latest, cannot be ruled out, despite a 2lb rise in the ratings. His conqueror that day, Spring of Fame, also warrants plenty of respect off 3lb higher, but preferred ahead of both is JARDIM. The selection disappointed when eighth on his first run at the Carnival earlier in the month but showed significant improvement when upped to 1m1f here latest. Noted as putting in his best work in the closing stages that day, Mike De Kock's five-year-old is taken to shrug off a 3lb rise now stepped up in trip.
Jardim shaped well behind Zain Shamardal last week, running on strongly as though this step up in trip will suit and he gets the vote on what will be just his third outing for hugely respected connections. Jamr isn't handicapped out of things despite failing to complete the 4-timer behind Spring Of Fame recently, that one also considered given he's unexposed at this trip.
Singapore-based Cash Luck warrants respect as the highest rated runner in the field on official figures. With the benefit of a Carnival run over the first-named, however, FACTORY TIME gets the verdict. The selection landed a 7f conditions event on turf earlier in the month and shaped as if well worth a try over this longer trip. The William Haggas-trained Entifaadha is worth a market check on his first run since October while there may be better to come from Noor Zabeel, who could strip fitter for his last run in Group 3 company when weakening into sixth.
A race lacking depth and one that looks at the mercy of Entifaadha who can take this enroute to the UAE Derby. Matusalen and Cash Luck are unknown quantities having proven prolific in Spain and Singapore respectively, and they should ensure that the selection doesn't have it all his own way.
PIMPERNEL was turned over on her comeback run behind Gamilati in the UAE 1000 Guineas earlier in the month but is entitled to strip fitter for that outing and appears to give Godolphin strong claims of landing yet another UAE Oaks. Frankie Dettori has ridden six of the last eleven winners of this contest and his booking bodes well for the stable first-string. The main danger appears to be stablemate Falls Of Lora, who was well-held in Group 1 company at Longchamp in October but could have been freshened up by a break. Alsindi, third behind the selection when last sighted, rates best of the rest.
All of these are stepping up in trip and in truth none of them are really bred for such a test, particularly at this relatively early stage of their careers. Pimpernel is the pick on Timeform ratings, and her class can see her through. Moon Spun looks the likeliest to improve for a test of stamina and can chase her home along with Falls of Lora.
Better Be The One has been thriving in Singapore, landing two Group 3 races last year, and warrants a market check now moving into handicaps. The vote, however, goes to MONSIEUR JOE, who scored at the Carnival three weeks ago off 4lb lower (the reopposing Inxile a neck second) and is fully effective over C&D. Happy Dubai capitalised on a drop in the weights to land a 6f contest here latest (Green Beret back in third) but has shot up 8lb so minor money may be on the cards here.
An open race, but one in which British trainer Robert Cowell looks to have a strong hand with returning King's Stand hero Prohibit and last-time out winner Monsieur Joe. The latter is narrowly preferred of his duo, but they may both have to give best to Happy Dubai who impressed when winning here last week and is fancied to go in again.
Fanunalter flopped in Round One of the Al Maktoum Challenge last month but merits consideration now operating at conditions level and favoured by the framing of these weights. Marco Botti's charge is, however, taken on with CITY STYLE who has been performing to a high level of late and advertised his well-being with a fine second to the classy Musir in Group 2 company here when last sighted. Rerouted performed creditably when third to Delegator over 7f last week and is also of interest now stepped up in trip.
City Style is sure to be popular after his fine second to Musir over C&D last time, but it could be worth taking a chance on Fanunalter, who ran some cracking races in defeat here last year and is capable of much more than he showed on his return last month. Rerouted is another to consider.
