3 minute read

As a guide to the Dubai World Cup Saturday's races provided few clues.

It did start off well with Cinderella's Dream winning the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas with an incredible ride from William Buick who had to ride without irons after the saddle slipped quite early in and the surprise at seeing how wide Cinderella's Dream was on the turn soon became even more of a surprise seeing her jockey maintaining his balance without the stirrups and then getting home by an easy 5 ½ lengths back to the nearest chaser, Geologist.

The Burj Nahaar over the 1600m saw former American runner Laurel River come out on top for Bhupat Seemar and Tadgh O'Shea 5/1 with the placegetters Qareeb and Everfast both on 33/1.  Swing Vote was a well-beaten favourite and Sound Money was scratched.

Frost At Dawn 33/1 won the race and the entry into the Al Quoz in the Nad Al Sheba turf sprint defeating favourite Star of Mystery with Logo Hunter third.

The Dubai City of Gold was a useful prep for the Sheema going to Godolphin's second string Bold Act with Warren Point continuing his good work in second and German raider Sisfahan third.  Favourite Castle Way was 4th but this was a first up for a while.

Another shock winner in the Al Maktoum Classic in Military Law who started at 25/1 with Walk of Stars second on 5/1 and favourite Clapton third.  Ajuste Fiscal ran well for fourth.

Even more shocks in the Ras Al Khor 1400m with Fort Payne winning at 25/1 from Tambarrada 66/1 and Echo Point third also on 66/1.  Favourite Noble Dynasty was fifth.

The Mahab Al Shimaal 1200m dirt saw the Seemar stable's runner fill the first three places with Leading Spirit 9/2 winning from stablemates Freedom Fighter and Morning, adding to other successes earlier in the evening.

There were no Japanese runners here – 21 of them went to Riyadh last weekend and most of those – plus some others – will now head to Meydan.