IN THE SPOTLIGHT, Racing at the Dubai Carnival, is being prepared for the World's richest race, to be run over 3,200 m, two Metric Miles. Her first run is tomorrow, Thursday, over 2410 m.
Race 6: $110,000 Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises Handicap 2,410 meters (2 furlongs) – Turf
This has the look of a very well-balanced race as far as the pace is concerned.
#3 IN THE SPOTLIGHT is en route to the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, getting the two-mile trip. This is shorter for the champion mare from India, but fits within the plan, and she rarely runs a bad race. When she has, it’s been a function of a very fast pace and moving too soon. Her last such event took place when she was asked to go over 2,200 metres and the pace was mis-judged from the start. This bunch is far from top notch and she fits well in the weights. She is a deserving favourite and while the overall class of her competition is the best she’s ever faced, she’s spent most of her time toying with them back home. For much more on the background of this mare, check out the Dubai Racing Comprehensive, where we identified her as a key one to follow at the Carnival.
#9 AHZEEMAH is just always in the mix. Through ten starts, he’s been out of the placings only twice, but overall, he’s just a middling handicapper looking to get a Carnival win. Those performances at the end of last season are definitely enough to put him in the mix on Thursday. The top-weighted Godolphin runner #1 ANATOLIAN showed up once in three starts last season, but that win in September 2011 got our eye. The victory over Tmaam stands out in that he is now in the UAE, and has done nothing in five starts this season. We are more interested in Ahzeemah.
#10 ART SCHOLAR is another middling handicapper who has won 10 of 41 lifetime, including a brilliant stretch last season where he had two wins and two seconds in four starts. When asked if he can beat In the Spotlight, we just don’t think so.
#8 SHAM SHEER ran well considering the step-up in company, the drop back in trip, and his first run off a significant break. He verified his Bahraini form as legitimate, and now a second start over farther has us interested.
#12 SADEEK’S SONG is going to have to shock us – two starts in 2012 off a 6.5 month break and he’s beaten a combined 76 lengths. Prior to that, he was in the mix. #15 CHICAGO was a former Ballydoyle runner and gets a eight break in this spot, hoping to go better for new connections. Rarely do these runners improve outside the care of Aidan O’Brien, hence why they were sold, save potentially Mike de Kock’s magic. We won’t be shocked by any result.
1st – #3 IN THE SPOTLIGHT, 2nd – #9 AHZEEMAH, 3rd – #8 SHAM SHEER
IN THE SPOTLIGHT is the DAY'S BEST for most US and UK tipsters tomorrow at 5/2.
For some interesting Data, go to:
http://www.dubairacenight.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-2013-Dubai-Racing-Comprehensive2.pdf
