Not so easy without Tapeta but let's give it a crack:
Meydan 3.20 - Wow. What a race to unpick. Not easy.
Monsieur Joe would be the pick over 5f, but not convinced will see out the 6f.
My Catch not in great form and dont think handicapped well. Kernoff is very
interesting. I am going to bet he will be last coming round the bend and then
pelt it home. I just think in a big field at Meydan that can be dangerous
though. Just don;t know with Whistle Shop yet but De Kock's lot normally come
on for runs. Ertijaal is decent, but think needs to come down a few lbs. Line
of Reason flopped last time so need to see the form again. Ajjaadd is a 5f
Espom horse not for this I don't think. Almargo was always going to find
handicaps hard after win at Glorious Goodwood and now needs to come down in
weights although claimer might help. Ninjago
6/1 is one of my soft spots,
but really is a very good 6f handicpper. Will need to come through traffic, but
goes well fresh, Hannon's lot in good nick. A good favourites chance. Am worried
about Merhee because 6f def his trip but maybe slightly to high in weights. Sholaan 8/1 is tempting as really has come
down the weights and did really well in the Sprint last year despite poor
start. Dark Emerald drops 2f and not sure if will suit. Master of War 20/1 was a 6f specialist and every chance
could spring a surprise as on a decent mark.
This is tough!!
Meydan 3.55 - hmm, don't yet know how good a few of these are and
I can't pick who will have improved the most, but it’s worth punting Ad Item 9/4 will the most as De Kock’s
horses always do!
Meydan 4.30 - Burnt
Sugar 3/1 should walk this on
ratings. De Kock has a few but the only one with a run is Mastermind 4/1 who could take advantage if Burnt
Sugar is not fit
Meydan 5.05 - most of these have to prove this distance and
willing to cross most out who haven't including high class Meandre. Never
thought would see him in a race like this. Famous Kid is very tempting here but
want to see him do the distance first. Suggestion is he can. Elidor really does
have the class to win a race like this off this weight, but a couple I fancy
more and obvious picks. Ahzeemah 7/2
is the class act, but off these weights last time over C&D Star Empire 4/1 beat Ahzy. It’s fair to
say Ahzy has improved since then and SE is getting older, but Star Empire does
have the fitness edge. Rio Tigre doesn’t look well handicapped but I can’t
assess French form and the same message for Bank of Burden. Will forecast the
two top weights
Meydan 5.40 – African Story on paper very good, but has not been
tried on dirt and first run of season. Similar story for Prince Bishop. Capital
Attraction looks a big price but must be the trip so will leave. I’m torn
between 3 of these. Cooptado 12/1 ran
a quick time over C&D but Le
Bernardin 12/1 ran a very quick time over C&D and Surfer 5/1 we know has the class. Not sure where to turn and also
ruling out African Story and Prince Bishop is not really that sensible. Tough
Meydan 6.15 – A few of the reserves are very tempting but won’t
know if they are running until later. Our Channel will break early from the low
draw and try to make all. Not sure he will hold on. Captain Lars might improve
but not sure if well handicapped. Hannon/Hughes could have a blinding day and Magic City 10/1 could be another
winner. Again the issue he’ll have is traffic as is a hold up horse, but if
gets the breaks could go close as the pace will be set up Our Channel. Don’t
think Samuri Sword is well handicapped. Flying The Flag could be well
handicapped but need to see it and first run back. Professor probably too high
in weights and better over shorter. Wee Jean needs to bounce back.
Slumdogmillionaire looks too high in weights. Avon Pearl, Mufarrh and Van
Rooney will find it hard from the draw. Short Squeeze has all kinds of headgear
on to help him settle, but again tough draw and risky, but is well handicapped,
but will wait for York with him. Nolohay an unknown so will leave. Music Theory 6/1 was flying late on and
if does not blow start might be hard to beat. De Kock has two decent change
today. Royal Ridge 12/1 is calling
me as would have been closer if didn’t fluff start and have to check on home
run in, but is he good enough to win? Maybe. Ajeeb 5/1 on the other hand could be good enough to win, but is
pretty short.
Bloody hell another tough handicap!
