Secret Advisor should give Appleby a hattrick

2020-02-27 -

Ed Marnane

– With the Dubai World Cup less than five weeks away, today’s Group 3 feature at Meydan, the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (Race 5), should provide some insight into the $1.5m Dubai Gold Cup, the stayers’ showpiece on Dubai’s biggest night of the season.

First run in 2010, Charlie Appleby has dominated the race in recent years, winning the past two renewals with Ispolini (2019) and Rare Rhythm (2018). He mounts a strong challenge with recent course and distance winner Secret Advisor, the choice of jockey William Buick, joined by Dubhe, the pair sporting the blue silks of Godolphin.

Secret Advisor, winner of three of his nine races, bounced

Dubai

back to winning ways when causing a minor shock in the Meydan Cup having struggled in two starts in 2018. He should be sharper for the run and is fancied to cement his claims for the Dubai Gold Cup for his red-hot stable.

Dubhe, less than two lengths behind Secret Advisor, is entitled to respect as he was returning from a lengthy layoff and has enjoyed success at Meydan, winning a valuable 3200m handicap at last year’s Dubai Carnival. He can’t be overlooked under the inform James Doyle.

British raider Spanish Mission, trained by David Simcock, made massive strides last year, culminating in his victory in the $1m Belmont Derby in the USA last September, two months after landing the Bahrain Trophy, a top prize for three–year–old stayers in Britain.

The son of Noble Mission, the highest rated runner in the lineup, has fitness concerns after a near six month break, and is unlikely to be fired up and primed with bigger targets ahead, most likely the Dubai Gold Cup or Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night.

Charles Kingsley, a progressive stayer for Mark Johnston last year, is an interesting runner on his local debut for new trainer Salem bin Ghadayer, who has been banging in the winners recently.

By New Approach, he has minor claims if finding further progress for his new yard.

The Meydan Classic (Race 2) lacks depth and looks a weak renewal, with several out of sorts and not many that really appeal. Of the 14 three-year-olds declared, the Charlie Applebytrained Well Of Wisdom is the only runner that can boast a three-figure rating with a mark of 102.

He pulled too hard on his comeback in the Meydan Classic trail, fading late to finish a respectable eighth. He’s drawn nicely in stall four and is fancied to bounce back.

The 2000m dirt handicap, the Curlin Stakes (Listed, Race 6), named in honour of the 2008 Dubai World Cup winner, has attracted many of the top local dirt handicappers, notably Grand Argentier, George Villiers and Dehbashi, all multiple winners under the conditions. Of the trio, preference is for George Villiers as he comes here in good heart, winning a course and distance handicap on his latest visit. He has to defy a career high mark to follow up but has obvious claims.

Best Bet:

(Race 8)

Best Value:

(Race 2)

Best Swinger: 6 Behavioral Bias and 9 Moqarrar (Race 4) 1 On The Warpath 14 Silent Night

Place Accumulator (Races 2-8)

Leg 1: 4, 6, 14

Leg 2: 3, 8

Leg 3: 6, 9

Leg 4: 2

Leg 5: 2, 6, 7

Leg 6: 1, 6