Dubai Carnival 2010 Discussion

[PatCummings]

I think Khor Dubai's biggest issue is the distance - otherwise, Gitano Hernando didn't improve "leaps and bounds" since then - he won a single race. I think it helps his form. I'm not overwhelmed by any in that race.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

I think Khor Dubai's biggest issue is the distance - otherwise, Gitano Hernando didn't improve "leaps and bounds" since then - he won a single race. I think it helps his form. I'm not overwhelmed by any in that race.

Gitano Hernando was over about 60-70% fit that day, so he did improve a lot after that, and he was given an exceptional ride at Santa Anita when he was far from expected to win. Cesare disappointed badly in the race on the AW, and an unfit Gitano Hernando benefited.

If you've got it right, I'll hold my hands up, but with proven good level handicappers and group horses in that race, I cannot see anything but Khor Dubai being outclassed over a distance that will already stretch him.

[PatCummings]

Could be...average field here too - so who knows. Art of War is nothing special. Question is how good the Godolphin horse goes.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

Could be...average field here too - so who knows. Art of War is nothing special. Question is how good the Godolphin horse goes.

It is a real head scratcher, for sure. I've just made my selections, and I've tried to make sure the horses I have picked tend to race to the fore in their races as I think they could hold an advantage tomorrow, even if that's not the case for further days at Meydan.

The track staff are likely to air on the side of caution for the first race day and it will probably ride a fair amount slower than the dirt of Nad Al Sheba (although it wouldn't be the first time if Godolphin get their way with how the track is riding )

We shall see. I'm quite keen on Tartan Gigha, as he is usually very competitive in this sort of race, he tries hard, usally dictates his own pace and he is trained on the Tapeta surface at home, so that should hold no fears.

[brockguy]

One horse I am looking forward to seeing race is Beauchamp Xeres. While his form doesnt look too inspiring, his 3 all weather races at the end of last year may have been a few runs too many. Distance should suit and Smullen should give him a more forceful ride than Spencer or Hughes have previously.

Also on the back of his great year last year, bin Shafya will be very interesting to watch this year with his horses. All of them (with the possible exception of Cafe Racer) have a touch of class about them and Im intrigued by how Topclas will fare as he was a decent 3yo in France last year.

[PatCummings]

My personal projection, Brock, is that Bin Shafya backs up. Pop and stop. Over under on Carnival wins - 3.5

Just a thought. His local season has been awful, granted, running lesser company. Just a hunch, so to speak.

[PatCummings]

Some pictures from angles not seen before - posted on the site...

http://dubairacenight.com/meydan-is-...viewing-picks/

[brockguy]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

My personal projection, Brock, is that Bin Shafya backs up. Pop and stop. Over under on Carnival wins - 3.5

Just a thought. His local season has been awful, granted, running lesser company. Just a hunch, so to speak.

Yep you could well be right, his pre carnival form is patchy at best, but seeing his ridiculous and quite franky dodgy wins in the Carnival last year, Ill be keeping him on my side..