Meydan today

The Dubai World Cup Carnival continues today with another strong card, headed by the Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge (Round To) over9 furlongs on tapeta at 18.35 CET. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has dominated this race so far and has 4 runners, including last year´s winner Mendip (Kieren Fallon). Godolphin colleague Mahmood al Zarooni saddles Saint Baudolino (Mikael Barzalona), runner-up in last year´s French Derby for André Fabre, and British bookies make this one a clear favourite. We are not totally convinced however, and although Fallon is not usually a Maktoum jockey, we think that Mendip had a good chance of repeating is 2012 win. Mike de Kock´s pair Await the Dawn (Christophe Soumillon), previously with Aidan O´Brien, and Mushreq (Paul Hanagan), an easy winner here last week, must also be considered.

On the undercard we are interested in the performance of Theo Danon (Mario Hofer/ Ted Durcan) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.15. The German runners so far have been disappointing here, but we have not given up hope and expect him to run much better this time. Another runner with a German connection is Mister Big Shuffle in the 7 furlongs conditions race at16.50; he has good form last season when trained by Michael Figge, but has been sold and is now trained by Nils Petersen; with Ryan Moore in the saddle, he has a place chance today, but this is a strong field.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rasikh - Aakif - Ghalib
2. Race: Layali Al Andalus - Mustaheel - Dorian Crown
3. Race: Ouzinkie - Bravo Youmzain - I`m Back
4. Race: Emotif - Music Chart - Pure Excellence
5. Race: Star Empire - Novelty Seeker - Ahzeemah
6. Race: Saint Baudolino - Surfer - Zain Shamardal
7. Race: Rutland Boy - Yaa Wayl - Banna Boirche