Best bets for the horse racing from Meydan the Dubai Carnival Thursday 6th February 2020

They race again at Meydan in Dubai as the Carnival continues to the big Dubai World Cup night at the end of March. There are a cotchel of Godolphin runners that I have discussed at one time or another plus plenty more on a card including a Group Two, a Group Three and a Listed heat. I am once again getting involved and have four bets for you to consider.  

They get underway at 2.30 with the 7f Meydan Classic Trial Sponsored By Sanad Aerotech (Conditions) on the Turf track. Well Of Wisdom is an interesting runner for Charlie Appleby last seen finishing second in the G.3 at Baden-Baden in the summer, twice second at G3 level in Europe last season. With Buick doing the steering the son of Oasis Dream has a big chance. Final Song is one I have talked of, and backed before, the Saeed bin Suroor trained filly having finished third at odds-on in the UAE 1,000 Guineas last time – tipped on here. She looked to be going well turning for home that night didn’t look to get the mile trip and the drop back to seven will be a benefit. She has form on turf and with the 4lb she receives from the colts is fancies to take this. Hills went 3-1 early.  

At 3.40 it is the 1m Group Three UAE 2000 Guineas Sponsored By Masdar on the Dirt track. Laser Show was beaten out of sight in the Trial eased by Stott and then came out and won well in a Conditions race two-weeks ago. I would expect to see him ridden prominently again and to make this a real test. Saeed bin Suroor said: “Laser Show won nicely over nine and a half furlongs in the Al Bastakiya Trial, when the visor helped him focus. He is dropping back in trip but I am hoping that the visor sharpens him up again. He really wants further than a mile but heads into this race in good form.” 9-2 was available with Hills on Wednesday lunchtime.  

Old friend of Triple G Benbatl goes in the extended nine-furlong Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 at 4.50, racing on dirt for the first time. Saeed bin Suroor said: “Benbatl won well in the Singspiel Stakes and has improved for his first start of the year. He is in good form and has been working well on the Tapeta at home, although racing on dirt for the first time will be different. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed approved of the decision to try Benbatl on dirt to see if he enjoys the surface, so that we can make a decision on his future. He is a class horse and we want to see him win.” Basically, a World Cup trial for the six-year-old I fancy him to pass the test with flying colours. Get on at 15-8.  

At 5.25 Godolphin has strong claims in the nine-furlong Strata Trophy handicap with four contenders. Key Victory got back in the Winners Enclosure last time helped by being held up in strongly-run race. Royal Marine has never reached the heights I thought he might but wasn’t beaten far in the Aliyah Handicap last time not getting a clear run and Soumillon wasn’t exactly tough on him when his chance had gone. Extra furlong here and that run having blown away the cobwebs I fancy him to get back to winning ways and the 6-1 Coral went early might look huge afterwards.  

Be lucky