Thursday 25th February 2021

As ever, a massive welcome to the site. I’ve decided to fire a midweek preview out for Meydan on Thursday because I have nothing else to do, quite frankly. I know a lot of you follow the Meydan picks on ‘The Punts’ so I imagine a few of you are legitimate enthusaists of the World Cup Carnival like myself.

That ties me in perfectly for an upcoming plug, as I do love a plug. I have to say thank you to a friend of mine who sorted me an absolutely top-drawer photo of Dettori doing his flying dismount at Meydan a few weeks ago. When it comes to photography, she is to the photo world what Rafael Nadal is to Roland Garros, simply in a league of her own. So, if you love looking at pictures of racehorses, in particular ones that run at Meydan, head over to shamelahanleyphotos.com.

(I am the plug king.)

As ever though, hope you enjoy the preview. Cheers!

– Jordan

The first race I’ve had a look at on this Thursday’s card at Meydan is the 3:05, which is a Turf Handicap over a mile and a furlong. I’ve taken a chance on PROMPTING (17/2) here who’s the mount of Antonio Fresu, a solid horse last summer for David O’Meara he made a pleasing debut here for his new yard when a staying on fourth earlier this month and I’ll chance him to build on that effort in this assignment.

Next up is the 3:40 which is the Listed Meydan Classic over a mile. This looks to be all about MASTER OF THE SEAS (2/7) here for Godolphin and Appleby which is reflected in his extremely short price. Winner of the Group 2 Superlative Stakes last summer at Newmarket before finishing fourth in Group 1 company at the Curragh when he was last seen. He’s got loads in hand on official ratings on the field here and should take all the beating.

Moving onto the 4:15 which is the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy over a mile and six furlongs. It’s another Godolphin representative I’ve pledged allegiance too here and that’s the Charlie Appleby trained ISPOLINI (2/1) who’s the mount of William Buick. He won this race a couple of years ago and whilst he entered that particular contest in better form he’s still the joint highest rated here. I’ll take him to build on his fourth placed effort here the last day in an attempt to gain these honours for a second time.

The 4:50 is another Group 3 contest in the form of the Dubai Millennium Stakes over a mile and two furlongs. It’s same old for me here again as I’m siding within another Charlie Appleby runner in STAR SAFARI (6/5) who will once again partner up with William Buick. I’ve put him up on both of his outings here this term and he came good the last day with a storming run down the outside to claim a handicap. I think there’s a lot more to come from him and he’s every chance of handling this step up in grade.

Concluding the day’s action at Meydan is the 5:25 which is a Listed Handicap over seven furlongs. An extremely competitive affair of which I’ve taken a chance on MUTAMAASIK (9/2) for Doug Watson and Jim Crowley, he had some solid form for Roger Varian in the UK and got off to a decent start for new connections here last time with a fifth placed effort. If building on that run here he’s every chance of playing a meaningful role at the business end.