MEHDI (Meydan 3.45 p.m. GMT) Promising fourth in the trial here four weeks ago in a very tight battle for places after a long break from his final start in 2011. Has fighting chance of pegging back the trio in front of him especially as that trial gave him his first look at all-weather (Tapeta) and should hold the fifth and sixth from last time. Plenty going for him.
BURANO (same race) Still a maiden, but a talented one, the Dalakhani colt having tackled strong company throughout his four-race juvenile campaign. Turns out again quickly after last week’s excellent first effort in Dubai – last turning for home and then staying on very strongly to the line. This is his first look at Tapeta, but he is clearly in good heart and it would not be a massive shock should he take the big prize.
RIGHT DIVINE (Kempton 4.30 p.m.) Lightly-raced as a juvenile, but beat big maiden field at Redcar in good style in October before unplaced (ran better than finishing position suggests) in Horris Hill (G3) at Newbury. Top-weight dropped in class on all-weather bow, and will need to be sharp as four of these are recent winners last-time-out. Look for promise for his three-year-old campaign.
RIGHT TO DREAM (Meydan 11.35 a.m. GMT) Rated 91 after four-race juvenile campaign which included a facile Windsor success before injury during the Richmond Stakes brought an early conclusion. No factor when never acting on Tapeta surface on his Meydan debut three weeks ago, but switches to turf and big plus with Frankie Dettori – the king of Dubai racing – on board. Interesting chance in hot 7f conditions race.
BURANO (same race) Four-race maiden mixed it with smart opposition in first three 2011 runs before going down by only half a length off 84 in competitive Doncaster nursery on finale. Will probably need at least a mile going forward, but some expectations here with that other Dubai jockey doyen Richard Hills in the saddle.
BULLDOG BEASLEY (Wolverhampton 4.10 p.m.) Fair third when carrying top-weight in a course and distance claimer last time and now gets weight from his main opponents dropping another grade. Obvious chance for a first success.
SUJET BELLAGIO (Lingfield 12.50 p.m.) Made a good fist of front-running tactics when third over course and distance recently. The best form on offer and goes with a winning chance. Well fancied.
WORTH (Kempton 6.40 p.m.) Turns out again quickly five days after a rare disappointing effort when stretching to seven furlongs at Wolverhampton. She won over this furlong-shorter trip last summer and is expected to bounce back with a typically battling effort in this small field.
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© 2011 Brian Meehan at Manton