Godolphin dominance in the Balanchine

Meydan, Friday, February 24: The best race on today`s seven-race card at Meydan is the Group 2-rated Balanchine (5th race/5.20pm/180,000/$1800m/turf). For the past five years Godolphin has provided the winner and there is no doubt of a continuation of the streak this time around with Charlie Appleby saddling With The Moonlight (William Buick) and Tranquil Lady (James Doyle) the favourites.

The former won the Cape Verdi (Group 2) here three weeks ago and presented herself in excellent form after a break of almost six months. The comeback of Tranquil Lady, who changed owners and trainers after her triumph in the Prix de Flore (Group 3), should be similarly strong and will get her first taste of desert air today. Ascot Brass (Pat Cosgrave), Kenella (Mickael Barzalona) and In Time (Antonio Fresu), who didn`t stand a chance against With The Moonlight in the Cape Verdi but put in a decent performance overall, are the main contenders for the place money.