Thunder back at Meydan
CHAMPION: LAST YEAR’S WORLD CUP WINNER WARMS UP TO DEFEND TITLE
Majestic Mambo makes Meydan debut. Dubai
Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow’s eagerly awaited comeback is the headline act of a top-class card at Meydan on Super Saturday tomorrow, which will provide plenty of clues for the Dubai World Cup meeting on 30 March.
Trained by Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin, Thunder Snow lines up in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round I, a stepping stone for the $12-million Dubai World Cup. Thunder Snow, not seen since finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, had a very hard race at Churchill Downs under regular pilot Christophe Soumillon, a ride that caused plenty of controversy. There is a concern the race may have left a mark, so at prohibitive odds on his return from a break, he’s passed over.
New Trails, trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, has blossomed since switching to dirt at Meydan, winning two of his four races and soaring in the ratings. He produced a personal-best in Round II behind the classy North America, a leading hope for the Dubai World Cup, on his latest appearance. New Trails can spoil Thunder Snow’s return and cement his claims for a tilt at Dubai’s biggest showpiece in three weeks.
The Jebel Hatta, the second Group 1 contest and a trial for the $6-million Dubai Turf, looks a good opportunity for the progressive Dream Castle to extend his winning streak to three at Meydan this year.
He has thrived since being gelded, winning the Singspiel and the Al Rashidiya, both times with ease.
Charlie Appleby is enjoying a very successful carnival with his powerful team and last year’s winner Blair House needs to improve on his 4.50-length fourth to Dream Castle in the Al Rashidiya to defend his crown. His stable companion, Wootton, the choice of stable jockey William Buick, has leading claims having caught the eye on his local debut in the Zabeel Mile last month. He met trouble in running at a crucial stage before staying on strongly in closing stages to run fourth behind Mythical Magic, beaten less than four lengths.
Janoobi, representing Mike de Kock, was third in last year’s renewal and is joined by stable companion Majestic Mambo in a twopronged assault for South Africa. The last-named is well regarded and can boast Grade 1 form in his homeland. Facing a formidable home team without the benefit of a recent run, he’s likely to have to settle for minor role. Janoobi hasn’t recaptured his best form this season and makes little appeal.
Godolphin holds the aces in the Dubai City of Gold, a race they have won four of the last five renewals. Old Persian, trained by Charlie Appleby, can land the spoils. He enjoyed a productive campaign in the UK last season, winning the King Edward and Great Voltigeur, when defeating subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter.
De Kock, chasing a fourth Dubai City of Gold, saddles Marinaresco. He needs to take a big step forward to make an impact, based on recent evidence of his two appearances at Meydan this year.
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