MEYDAN MAGIC
WEST COAST (5.50) can emerge as the latest equine superpower by winning the $10m Dubai World Cup at Meydan today.
With the retirement of Arrogate and Gun Runner, there is a place at the top table for a new global star.
West Coast is the heir apparent after his clear second to Gun Runner in the Pegasus Invitational back in January.
Trained by three-time World Cup-winning trainer Bob Baffert, the four-year-old is the hot favourite but he has to go out and prove himself on the track.
He also has to repel a typically strong Godolphin contingent, which includes André Fabre’s Talismanic and Saeed bin Suroor’s Thunder Snow.
There is a strong British challenge on a a sparkling eight-race card at Meydan and DAL HARRAILD (1.50) can spring a minor shock in the Dubai Gold Cup.
Ryan Moore gets the leg-up on the late maturing stayer who was impressive when winning at Chelmsford on his reappearance.
William Haggas won the Lincoln last weekend and his team is clearly in very good heart.
And although this Grade Two is a big step-up for Dal Harraild, who has won in Listed company, he still looks to be improving. But he will have to show further improvement to see off Vazirabad, who is bidding for a third straight win in this race.
Rare Rhythm beat Vazirabad in their prep race for this and is another lively danger. However, Dal Harraild, at around 10-1, looks decent value.
Another Ryan Moore ride who looks too big in the betting is IDAHO (5.10), who goes in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Last year’s Hardwicke Stakes winner has been globetrotting in search of group race success, with modest results so far. But at around the 12-1 mark he looks to have been dangerously overlooked.
He will have to be on top of his game to repel Poet’s Word, Hawkbill and Cloth Of Stars.
Aidan O’Brien is doublehanded in the Dubai Turf with Lancaster Bomber and War Decree but they will struggle to cope with the talented BENBATL (4.35).
He was fifth in last year’s Epsom Derby, won the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot and has been in strong form at Meydan.