major potential competitors kentucky derby (G1) UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3) overseas qualifying at Meydan on Friday.
This is one of two graded wagering games on the Dubai Card. Here are some matches from both races.
Game 5, 11:20 a.m. ET: Blue Point Sprint (G2), Grass, 1,000 meters (~5 furlongs), 3+
blue dot sprint option
- #6 Lazuli
- #8 hopeful
- #10 points
- #2 Acland Express
- #11 Russell
blue dot dash bet
- $20 to win: #6 Lazuli
- $2 Trio: 6, 8 and 6, 8 and 2, 10, 11
The race appears to be dominated by Charlie Appleby’s two Godolphin runners.In a remarkable change, Godolphin number one jockey William Buick jumped off #8 hopefulwas second in his last two starts, then #6 Lazuli It follows the latter’s victory over Man Of Promise in the Dubai Sprint on January 6. Lazuli did win the race last year and is probably better suited for 5 furlongs than his opponent, so that makes sense.
There are plenty of other good sprinters in the game to consider exotic, including #2 Acland Express, #10 pointsand #11 Russell.
Race 6, 11:55am ET: UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3), Dirt, 1,600 meters (about a mile), 3 years old
UAE 2,000 Guinea Selection
- #6 Cher Bee
- #9 Tiger Country
- #5 Mr Raj
- #8 tall boy
UAE 2,000 Guinea Bet
- $10 Win/$30 Show: #6 Cher Bee
- $2 Trio: 6, 9 with 6, 9 with 3, 4, 5, 8
undefeated locals #6 Cher Bee and #9 Tiger Country against the american aggressors #8 tall boy In an interesting UAE 2,000 guineas, this is also UAE Derby (G2)A Kentucky Derby Road Qualifiers.
Tall Boy from Doug O’Neill’s barn was last seen en route to the Kentucky Derby, finishing fourth in a Practical Move at Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). He’s nearly 10 lengths away from the winner, and it remains to be seen how that form will measure up here.
Shirl’s Bee is expected to debut on December 23, and live up to expectations, despite Lahresh competing with him for money. Lahresh didn’t come up against him again, but he won the subsequent fight by more than four lengths, showing that he was in good shape.
Tiger Nation is the highest-rated horse in the field, but isn’t in great form behind him. Still, he did nothing but win and can’t be ruled out.
#3 Magic Petition and #5 Mr Raj Looks like others worthy of Exotic inclusion, but I’d back Shirl’s Bee for keeping his undefeated record.