Obviously, the Dubai World Cup is my favorite race. But beyond those, two races I look forward to each year are the King's Stand and Golden Jubilee, the sprints at the Royal Ascot meeting. Such great drama in those races.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ5ZZDEiKh4
You might want to take a look at this video we took at Meydan, putting his performance in perspective
Just an awesome race on a great night of racing from a real up-and-coming racing jurisdiction, Singapore. Considering that the 2008 winner of the race was the Dubai Duty Free winner, the 2009 winner was the eventual 2010 Dubai World Cup winner, and the 2010 Dubai World Cup runner-up was the 2010 SAI Cup winner...well, you get the point. Get your horses to Dubai, then prepare for Singapore - big money to be won in both destinations and the treatment of connections and media couldn't be better...time for the world to wake up and realize life exists beyond their internal, national bubbles.
I don't think they believe Mendip is a major contender...time will tell, and so will the UAE Derby.
Mike De Kock thinks highly of him and is really looking forward to him getting a run in the Dubai Sheema Classic
Mendip's run was, in my opinion, a real illusion. He ran 1 3/16 miles in 1:59.42 - strangled back the speed, the top two under the wire the first time were the top two past it at the finish...Super Thursday at Meydan was the fastest the racecourse has been all meet, and they ran the third slowest 1,900 meters in the Al Bastakiya. I think laying down the law on Mendip needs to be withheld until a more truly run race.
I don't think it is set in stone that Cavalryman will go for the World Cup, but rather, Godolphin will make a call after this week's racing.
That was a stellar race from him, especially coming from off the layoff. The photo finish shot is posted in the page for the race. I think he has a real chance to continue improving and get the big one. He should move forward off this race.
I am fairly certain that Gladiatorus is in Dubai and is likely to reappear later in the Carnival. Luca Cumani said he got nothing from the Presvis run, and I have to agree. A complete dodgy pace that kept him from showing his form. They are likely to try again. I might have to agree that Alexandros was the most impressive performer so far, given the way he won. Gloria De Campeao showed much grit staying on, rerallying at the rail and the second home in that race, Forgotten Voice, really caught my eye as an improving colt.