15:40 Meydan

Thursday 21 January 2021

All14:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:2518:00

Dubawi Stakes Sponsored By Park Avenue By Azizi Group 3 Stakes - Dirt

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 1m 10.86s

(4)

Alkaraama³²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Dane O'Neill| T: M Al Mheiri| OR: 102| D

33/1

Smart horse. 14/1, respectable 3¼ lengths fourth of 14 to Wafy in Mahab Al Shimaal over C&D in March, faring best of those ridden prominently. No surprise to see him go well on return.

Form: 27/2714-

(9)

Bochart^t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: R Mullen| T: S Seemar| OR: 112| CD

15/2

Smart, 5-time course winner. Below form 4 lengths third of 7 to Important Mission in listed race over C&D 49 dys ago. However, that was his first start since March and he may well be sharper here.

Form: 23/1153-

(3)

Gladiator King³²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: M Barzalona| T: S Seemar| OR: 113| CD

1/2

C&D winner. Two wins from 3 runs last year. 5/1, respectable third of 13 in Saudia Sprint Cup (6f) in February. Landed this race on return 12 months ago and expected to go well again.

Form: 125/113-

(6)

Good Effort^p⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-1| J: A Fresu| T: I Mohammed| OR: 109| D

7/1

Improved performer on artificial surfaces last year, winning 12-runner listed race at Lingfield (6f, AW) when last seen in November. Respected for all he disappointed on last spell here during 2019.

Form: 21/1111-

(1)

Leading Spirit^t⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: P Cosgrave| T: S Seemar| OR: 95| D

33/1

Smart gelding, career best when second in C&D Group 3 in March. Below best when 10½ lengths last of 7 in listed race over this trip in December but another entilted to be sharper for that effort.

Form: 2/01327-

(7)

Rodaini^t³²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: W Buick| T: S Seemar| OR: 103| C| D

66/1

Course winner. 33/1, first run since leaving A. Bin Harmash when respectable 4½ lengths sixth in Mahab Al Shimaal over C&D in March. Booking of Buick a plus but step back up in trip may suit ideally.

Form: 773/546-

(8)

Switzerland³²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: T P O'Shea| T: S Seemar| OR: 104| D

50/1

Below best both starts early last year, 8 lengths ninth of 14 to Wafy in Mahab Al Shimaal over C&D in March. Has since switched yards and no forlorn hope on return.

Form: 6258/79-

(2)

Waady^h⁴⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: P J Dobbs| T: D Watson| OR: 107| CD

14/1

Smart C&D winner. Two wins from 5 runs last year. 4¾ lengths fourth of 7 to Important Mission in listed race (9/2) at this C&D 49 days ago. Booking of Dobbs a plus.

Form: 2/42114-

(5)

Upper Class⁶⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: V Leal| T: A Cintra| OR: 107| D

12/1

Useful colt. Four wins from 4 runs last year. 1/20, didn't need to improve to win 6-runner minor event at Maronas (5f) 67 days ago. This tougher on Meydan debut but he's open to further progress.

Form: 1111-

Forecasts

Gladiator King (1/2), Good Effort (7/1), Bochart (15/2), Upper Class (12/1), Waady (14/1), Alkaraama (33/1), Leading Spirit (33/1), Switzerland (50/1), Rodaini (66/1)

GLADIATOR KING improved upon joining his present stable this time last year, landing a pair of Group 3 contests, including this race. He earns the vote to to make a winning return, with Good Effort, who completed an all-weather 5-timer at Lingfield in November, Waady and Bochart heading up the dangers.