Form comments, ERA.....
Paveroc (GB) 2005 b c Royal Applause – Take Liberties (Warning) 11 starts 1-1-0 Former Stan Moore inmate, who ran respectably in some top juvenile races in the UK last year. Made his UAE bow when finishing second to Ablaan here on January 3, and showed the benefit of that experience on dirt, when coming through the kickback to post a reasonable effort in fifth behind Honour Devil last time. A similar show would be an achievement.
Siberian Tiger (Ire) 2005 b c Xaar – Flying Millie (Flying Spur) 8 starts 3-0-1 Trainer has a decent record in the UAE, and his representative was a Listed winner on his penultimate effort. Was stepped up in grade on his last start when coming fifth of six in a Group 1 race in France. Will be dropping down in trip here but may need this outing.
Change Alley (USA) 2005 b c Elusive Quality – Fortune (Night Shift) 5 starts 0-1-0 Has run twice for new local connections coming fourth behind Ablaan on his first start here, before finishing 20 lengths behind Honour Devil on his last outing. Has it all to do.
Etched (USA) 2005 ch c Forestry – Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled’s Song) 2 starts 2-0-0 Won both his races very impressively when trained by Kiaran McLaughlin in the US, including a Grade 3. Has long been earmarked for this race by Godolphin, as well as being a flagship three-year-old for the bang in-form Saeed bin Suroor stable. A big imposing colt, who could be anything, and is likely to give the Mike De Kock string most to fear.
Ablaan (USA) 2005 ch c Sunday Break – La Danzadora (El Sembrador) 5 starts 2-1-0 Showed very little for powerhouse stable in three starts in the UK, before winning two from two here. Neither time was overly impressive, just doing enough to get the job done. Has long been touted as a UAE Classic contender, and this extra 200m will be right up his alley.
Honour Devil (ARG) 2004 b c Honour And Glory – Diamond Fitz (Fitzcarraldo) 2 starts 2-0-0 Impressed hugely following his debut win in Argentina - a maiden in which the form worked out very well. Was purchased afterwards by the same connections as Asiatic Boy, and last month duly won the same race the UAE Triple Crown winner had won 12 months previously. Is inexperienced but has huge potential and faces many of the rivals he put to the sword here three weeks ago.
Free Tussy (ARG) 2004 br c Freelancer – Perlada (Cipayo) 4 starts 2-0-1 Joined Herman Brown after landing his last two starts on the dirt in Argentina, including a Group 3 by seven lengths in August. However, he dropped out tamely after disputing the early lead with the eventual winner Honour Devil and third Aquino on his UAE debut last month. Presumably better than that.
New Jersey (IRE) 2005 br c Statue Of Liberty – Shinkoh Rose (Warning) 9 starts 1-2-0 Formerly trained in the UK, where he ran nine times for one win. Has a Listed race second to his name, but looks to be up against it here on his first start in the UAE in a classy-looking race. Is taking a big step up in trip too, but trainer is in form.
Numaany (USA) ch c AP Indy – Munnaya (Nijinsky) 2 starts 1-0-0 Formerly ran under the Darley banner for trainer Tom Albertrani in the US, where he won the second of his two starts over 200m longer than today’s trip. Hard to gauge on his UAE bow, and looks Godolphin’s third string on jockey bookings.
Aquino (URU) 2004 ch c First American – Perla Fighter (Irish Fighter) 3 starts 2-0-1 A Listed winner in Uruguay by a wide margin on his last start there, and was the subject of very bullish comments from his trainer in the build-up to his UAE bow. He looked set to battle it out with Honour Devil all the way up the straight, but eventually gave way and may have needed the race. Has stamina to prove now but looks an exciting prospect.
Choisky (IRE) 2005 b c Choisir – Vinicky (Kingmambo) 12 starts 0-0-2 Formerly trained in the UK where he ran 11 times with no success. Finished 25 lengths behind Honour Devil on his UAE debut last month and cannot be considered.
Palm Court (GB) 2005 b c Green Desert – Amenixa (Linamix) 11 starts 2-1-2 Formerly trained in the UK, where he won two of his 11 starts in lowly company. Was third behind Ablaan on his UAE debut but looks outclassed here.
Royal Vintage (SAF) 2004 ch c Rich Man’s Gold – Derry Wood (Fort Wood) 2 starts 2-0-0 A winner of both his starts in his native South Africa, the latter coming in Grade 2 company. Has been likened to 2004 UAE Derby winner Lundy’s Liability by his trainer and fancied to take a hand in the finish on his UAE and dirt bow here, despite a wide draw.
Mutabayen (USA) 2005 b/br c Doneraile Court – La Frou Frou (Night Shift) 4 starts 1-0-0 By the same sire as last week’s UAE 1000 Guineas heroine Cocoa Beach. Ran three times in the UK, where he managed a fifth in Group 2 company. Made his UAE bow here, when finishing ninth behind Ablaan, and looks to have it all to do here.
My Indy (ARG) 2004 br c Indygo Shiner – My Light (Southern Halo) 3 starts 2-1-0 Bought by Godolphin after winning both his starts in Argentina, including a 1800m Grade 2 on ground described as heavy in October. Appeared to lack the pace to move into a challenging position on his first start here in the race won by Honour Devil, but came home well to claim second when getting into the clear. Appears the Godolphin second string and will do well to reverse placings with Honour Devil
Toolittletoolate (USA) 2005 b/br c Harlan’s Holiday – Spirit In The Sky (Gulch) 4 starts 1-0-0 Won one of his three starts in the UK before finishing down the field behind Honour Devil on his first run here. Drawn 16 of 16 and appears to have little chance.
Reserves El Victory (AUS) 2004 b c Galileo – Bountiful Lady (Irish River) 2 starts 0-0-0 Has shown little on his two starts, both coming here, and will be outclassed if gets a run.
Katzrin (GB) 2005 ch c Observatory – Courtlandt Queen (Deputy Minister) 1 start 0-0-0 Finished 10th of 10 behind Ablaan on his only start and cannot be considered.
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