12:55 Meydan
Saturday 28 March 2026
All11:4512:2012:5513:3014:2014:5515:3516:1016:45
Race 3 - Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) - Turf
- 4YO plus  |  2m  |  Good  |  10 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 12:55Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 3m 22.36s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Very smart performer who recorded a couple of authoritative wins at the Curragh in 2025, including the Group 1 Irish St Leger. Escapes a penalty for that success and should stay this far (not seen to best effect sole previous try at 2m), so looks the one to beat.
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Evergreen 8-y-o who gained a first win at pattern level when taking the Nad Al Sheba Trophy at this course (14f) last month, showing a good attitude to reel in Sunway by a neck. Step back up in trip looks in his favour and he holds solid each-way claims.
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Has won 5 times here, including corresponding event last year. Had his limitations as a stayer exposed in Britain during second half of 2025, though, and comes here without a prep run this time around (off 7 months).
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Enjoyed a coming-of-age season in 2025, the last of his 6 wins coming in the Group 1 Prix du Cadran (2½m) at Longchamp. Probably wasn't over those exertions when a let-down on final start, but may be vulnerable to a couple of speedier sorts on return from 5-month layoff.
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Looked at least as good as ever when winning 11-runner 15f handicap at King Abdulaziz 42 days ago. Was better placed than most in a race that tested speed more than stamina, though, and a career-best will be required if he's to follow up.
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Generally reliable type who has done well at this course already this winter, winning a Group 3 before a good neck second to Al Nayyir in Nad Al Sheba Trophy last time. Now refitted with blinkers so seems sure to get another positive ride and he's one to consider.
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Smart hold-up performer, but regularly finds one or 2 too good at pattern level, including when third on sole try at this trip in corresponding event in 2025. Has already been beaten by both Sunway and Sons And Lovers this year and looks set for minor honours again.
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Free-going sort who was a creditable 7¼ lengths third of 8 to Rebel's Romance in Dubai City of Gold at this course 28 days ago. Refitting of hood looks a sensible move as he steps back up in trip, but he still faces an uphill task in this company.
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Sprung a surprise in a handicap at this track last month, but has since had limitations exposed when 10 lengths fourth of 8 to Rebel's Romance in Dubai City of Gold and has plenty to find on form, even if his stamina does stretch this far.
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Has looked better than ever this winter, scoring in listed race at Lingfield and Group 2 Balanchine at this course (9f). This requires a fair bit more, though, whilst she's yet to tackle this far.
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Forecasts
Al Riffa (5/6), Sunway (7/1), Caballo De Mar (15/2), Al Nayyir (10/1), Sons And Lovers (12/1), Epic Poet (12/1), Fairy Glen (20/1), Dubai Future (20/1), Burdett Road (22/1), Ruling Dynasty (100/1)
AL RIFFA sets the clear standard judged on several pieces of form last year, notably when tackling Group 1 contests on his last 3 starts, and rates as a confident selection. The race for the places is more open but the 1-2 from the Nad Al Sheba Trophy here last month, Al Nayyir and Sunway, both make some appeal.
Prize Money
1st: $572,100.002nd: $216,400.003rd: $107,500.004th: $49,200.005th: $24,800.006th: $14,800.00
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