RACE DAY INTERNATIONAL - MEYDAN

Toby Darby takes a look at Friday's card from the UAE as he previews the best of the action at Meydan.

14:05 MEYDAN

William Buick would have had the pick of a few of these and it is telling he has chosen Mysterious Night, not much separates him and Al Qudra on ratings so that must be worth something. However I can’t believe the price of Marbaan, he beat Mysterious Night twice earlier this year before running well in the Al Quoz at the end of the season. He’s had a reappearance run in Abu Dhabi and is drawn well in stall 2. Perhaps not for today but later in the season in a handicap over slightly further Mountbatten would be of interest and one to keep an eye on here.

MARBAAN (WIN)

15:15 MEYDAN

A fast and furious turf sprint here, Dubai Treasure was backed off the board a couple of months ago at Newmarket, he was clearly expected to run a big race and duly obliged, if he can keep that form up here then he is a worthy favourite. Joining him at the head of the market West Acre, who was a revelation here last season but didn’t quite show the same form back on home soil, I think he can return to form after having a prep race at Southwell. It’s not ideal that he has to carry a penalty but I still believe he’s a top class sprinter and can show us today.

WEST ACRE (WIN)

16:25 MEYDAN

The big turf race on the card is dominated by the blue of Godolphin and the top rated globetrotter Nations Pride is not the pick of William Buick. This may be a surprise to some but Opera Ballo has been held in high regard for some time and I do think Zeus Olympios is an absolute freak who beat him LTO. He should have no issue with the extra distance round here I think we could see a top performance. Sadly there is little to no each way interest in this race with the 7 runners and the pricing of the godolphin runners.

OPERA BALLO (WIN)

written by Toby Darby