Meydan | Race 5 | UAE Derby

5-Derma Sotagake : Competitive third in the Saudi Derby, he should appreciate having more ground as he has run well at a little longer distances before. Christophe Lemaire takes over riding duties on the up and comer.

3-Cairo: Mendelssohn connections try and emulate that UAE Derby win with the ultra consistent Cairo, who uses an all weather win at Dundalk as a stepping stone to here. Homebred has never run on dirt before but I see no issues from the sire’s kids and he has a sibling with a few dirt wins. Can never count out Ballydoyle in these spots; though I would watch him closely as there is indication he could come unglued the night of.

13-Worcester: Maiden was 3rd in the Bob Lewis at his California base and is bred to relish more real estate. Looked like he got over the ground well in a 5 panel breeze, but we have seen in past years a difference in the morning surface versus raceday surface. Also, of all the trophies lining Baffert’s walls, he has yet to claim this one.

8-Goraiko: Last year's winning trainer Koichi Santani sends his charge off a well beaten 5th last time out in the Hyacinth won by Perriere that day. In keeping with our footsteps theme, Crown Pride was also soundly defeated in that prep before taking the UAE Derby last year. I like to think that was a prep going shorter than preferred and he can come back with a solid effort.

Wagers:

Exacta Box: 5,3,13,8

$10 Win-Place 5

Meydan | Race 9 | Dubai World Cup

4-Country Grammer: Defending champ is aching to get back to 10 furlongs and he was able to parlay a Saudi runner-up into a win last year. If you want to see a horse with pure guts watch this years running as he was nowhere to be found turning for home. Ultra consistent performer needs to reel in Panthalassa, but has the extra ground to do so and is the top pick.

9-Panthalassa: Outside draw is not my favorite spot for my need the lead Saudi CUp champion. He was able to ride the rails in Saudi to a win and took no pressure. With other speed to him inside here, that will be an all out commitment to get to the front and a battle will need to be won early before fighting the war late. There is an off chance he sits off someone and is content, but I think he is best when making each post. I could see him winning, but I could see him flopping if he doesn’t get on the lead. Not off the bandwagon, but not my top play today.

3-Cafe Pharoah: Good showing in Saudi just a head behind Country Grammer. He made a mid-move up the rail to put him in good position and was grinding down on the winner late. If Country Grammer for some reason doesn’t fire, this horse has a shot.

1-Algiers: Draws near the outside, but he has overcome that recently with a 6-length score in the Maktoum Challenge Round 1, which he followed up with a facile score in Round 2. This will be a first attempt in against top-class foes, but certainly has an affinity for the local strip. Post allows him clear sailing and he has been pointed towards this race. Not without a chance to run well here.

2-Bendoog: What to do with a local horse who has been playing the bridesmaid (groomsman?) recently behind several of these, but could do so again just because of the nature of the beast. Sire Gun Runner was a runner-up in this race and, at 50-1, you wouldn’t be unhappy if he manages to eek out another workmanlike performance.

Wager:

Exacta Part-Wheel: 4 over 2,3,1,9