Meydan horse racing tips for Saturday, March 28 – Triple Crown glory for Forever Young?
After posting a double-figure profit from his selections last week, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh turns his attention to Dubai.
Meydan plays host to the Dubai World Cup carnival, with nine races on the card, and our resident racing fanatic is very much looking forward to getting his teeth into it.
Kieran McHugh’s racing tips
After another profitable weekend, I have decided to treat myself with a visit to Dubai for the carnival.
Being a bit of a hermit under my rock, I was a tad surprised when everyone warned me off going and even more so after boarding the flight, which seemingly was just for me only.
After becoming comfortable on my flight for one, I was particularly taken by the in-flight food.
The starter was a plate of spam, followed by creamed chipped beef, with the dessert consisting of a nice slither of wacky cake.
Maybe after such success recently, I have earned myself a reputation.
Not many people can say they had a private escort from fighter jets as we approached the airport… or at least I think that is why they were there.
After disembarking the plane, there was a nice fireworks display to cap it all off.
Anyway, enough of my journey as there are more pressing matters at hand, such as nine classy races at the carnival with the eyes of the world on Dubai.
All pondering and hoping for the same thing – Forever Young to finally take out the showpiece event.
There is also the small matter of the highest-rated horse in the world on the undercard.
The Sheema Classic sees the return of the breathtaking, near-undefeatable Calandagan, who returns after conquering Japan.
I repeat: the world’s best turf horse, and a globetrotting champion.
But before I drone on about him, let us start with the first race.
11:45 (Meydan) – Dubai Kahayla Classic (Arabian Group 1)
First Classs was no match for the great Al Ghadeer at Longchamp but is a quality individual and returned by downing Tilal Al Khalediah here at Meydan. He should have the class to see this out.
Mubeed was behind First Classs that day and can come on for that run.
Suggested bets: FIRST CLASSS (WIN), MUBEED (E/W)
12:20 (Meydan) – Godolphin Mile (Group 2)
Commissioner King was impressive in his last outing and has enjoyed his time of late at Meydan. He should have enough quality to take this.
Mendelssohn Bay perhaps did not stay the extended distance last time yet ran Commissioner King close over a mile last time they met. He is the next best in this field.
Suggested bets: COMMISSIONER KING (WIN), MENDELSSOHN BAY (E/W)
12:55 (Meydan) – Dubai Gold Cup (Group 2)
Al Riffa was impressive in the Irish St Leger last year and perhaps a tad unlucky in the Melbourne Cup. He could have the class now back over two miles.
Al Nayyir made a winning return here two months ago and nearly shocked Tower Of London in this event two years ago. He is dangerous if on song.
Suggested bets: AL RIFFA (WIN), AL NAYYIR (E/W)
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13:30 (Meydan) – UAE Derby (Group 2)
A cracking race. Pyromancer comes here with a massive reputation but it is hard to look past Six Speed. He was super impressive when flooring Devon Island in the Guineas and can improve further.
A chance can be taken on Wonder Dean, who was not far behind some classy horses in the Saudi Derby and could have improved for his first run against Pyromancer.
Suggested bets: SIX SPEED (WIN), WONDER DEAN (E/W)
14:20 (Meydan) – Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1)
Lazzat is a consistent horse and he should be hard to beat here, especially with a run under his belt.
Native Approach shocked a few of these when dropped back down to six furlongs and that was not a fluke, so keep him in your calculations.
Suggested bets: LAZZAT (WIN), NATIVE APPROACH (E/W)
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14:55 (Meydan) – Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group 1)
Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Bentornato is feared but could be vulnerable off a break. The ‘Russian Frankel’ Tuz won this two years ago and was narrowly denied by Dark Saffron last year. He was surely in need of his comeback run and will be much fitter for this event.
El Nasseeb has beaten nearly all of these in this field and is certainly in form, beating Dark Saffron last time out.
Suggested bets: TUZ (WIN), EL NASSEEB (E/W)
15:35 (Meydan) – Dubai Turf (Group 1)
This should be straight forward for Ombudsman. He would have to underperform massively to not win this race.
With stamina potentially being an issue for a few, it could also pay dividends to stick with Facteur Cheval. He won this race two years ago and showed an encouraging return on the Saudi Cup undercard.
Suggested bets: OMBUDSMAN (WIN), FACTEUR CHEVAL (E/W)
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16:10 (Meydan) – Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1)
Calandagan is the best turf horse in the world and makes his return. He should have won this last year but had a horrible trip. A global phenomenon, it would be a massive shock if he did not win.
Giavellotto has put in some big performances behind some nice sorts. He could find Calandagan too good but should be able to chase him home.
Suggested bets: CALANDAGAN (WIN), GIAVELLOTTO (E/W)
16:45 (Meydan) – Dubai World Cup (Group 1)
Forever Young is the best dirt horse in the world and he should win this, even if feeling some after-effects from the Saudi Cup.
Tap Leader could be an intriguing outsider. He was a winner at the top flight in Russia and that form seems to work out around here. He can improve for his run at Meydan and could run well.
Suggested bets: FOREVER YOUNG (WIN), TAP LEADER (E/W)
As ever, best of betting luck to you all.
(Selections are correct at time of publishing. Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from race, and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)
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