Bachelard waiting for his luck to change at Meydan

Ed Marnane

Racing returns to Meydan for an attractive seven-race card, particularly for punters, tomorrow.

The opening 1200m maiden, Race 2, looks a good opportunity for the consistent Shanaghai City to finally open his account after a string of solid efforts in similar company.

The step back to 1200m is ideal, as this three-year-old possesses plenty of pace and historically it pays dividends to be positive on dirt at Meydan.

He can provide a welcome winner for Rashed Boursely, the Kuwaiti trainer has his team in good order and Shanaghai City should prove too strong for his eight rivals in a moderate event.

Dubai-based French trainer Nicholas Bachelard has made a low-key start to the new season, failing to saddle a winner with a handful of runners. He can enjoy a welcome change of luck in the second maiden, run over 1400m and restricted to two-year-olds, with the once-raced Laa Baas.

Doug Watson enjoyed an unforgettable and historic night at

Meydan two weeks ago, saddling all six winners. Meydan specialist Thegreatcollection spearheads his challenge in the 1600m rated race, Race 5, that has drawn a decent field.

Conceding weight to his 12 rivals on his comeback, he looks vulnerable returning from a seven month break and doesn’t appeal off a career high mark.

It looks significant that stable jockey Pat Dobbs has elected to ride the unexposed Canvassed, a new recruit for Watson who makes his local debut having left Newmarket-based Roger Varian.

The switch to dirt is an obvious query, but his pedigree fuels hope he can handle the underfoot conditions. He looked an exciting prospect earlier in the year, slamming his rivals in a novice event at Kempton on his seasonal debut.

He wasn’t disgraced when stepping up in class at Ascot next time, finishing a creditable fifth behind Zaaki in a Listed race that worked out very well.

Racing closes with competitive 1400m handicap, with Speedy Move and Zaajer having to give weight all round. The last-named, trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi, took a big step forward at Sharjah last time, showing improved form thanks to a change to front-running tactics. He’s been no favours with his draw (13) today but can’t be overlooked. Best Bet: 6 Shanaghai City [Race 2]

Best Value:

[Race 7]

Best Swinger: 6 Shanaghai City and 9 Weld Aldar [Race 2] Jackpot [Races 4-7]

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3

Leg 2: 1, 2, 4, 8

Leg 3: 1, 4, 7

Leg 4: 1, 11

11 Davy Lamp