Dubai World Cup night

Bigbok

My picks got World Cup night

Race 1-Marking 6/4
Maftool 6/1 ew
Race 2-Haafaguine 9/1 ew
Tellina 25/1 ew
Race 3-Vale Dori 5/1 ew
Race 4-Ertijaal 3/1
Lady shipman 14/1 ew
Race 5-Muarrab 6/1 ew
Race 6- Tyrster 2/1
Forries waltz 11/1 ew
Race 7-Postponed 7/4
Highland reel 4/1
Race 8-frosted 5/2
Mubtaahij 16/1 ew

Francie Barrett

Absolutely fantastic day of racing lined up in Dubai - I can't wait.

For mundane matters though, I have a few picked out for the flat tomorrow at Cork.

4:10 - Usain again, afraid I might be following this one off a cliff. This is a weak handicap though, so here's hoping at 13/2.

4:45 - Stuccodor, this one has struggled over hurdles, so I can see why it's been switched back to the flat. Will go well on season reappearance and has no problem whatsoever over testing ground. Already some small bit of money for it so far, but still happy to take the 11/1.

Harry Palmr

Maftool
Manatee
-
Lady Shipman
Muarrab
Very Special
Duramente
Mshawish

Francie Barrett

“He’s in very good form; in the 30 years he’s the happiest horse I’ve ever had to deal with. If he was an ice cream he’d lick himself to death.”

Eddie Lynam on Sole Power.

uxiant

Creggs Pipes in the 2.25 at Cork. He won on his penultimate start off 77 and was travelling really well in a premier handicap at ICW before being stopped in his tracks by the horse in front giving him no chance. Based on that and given that he's lightly raced he's open to more improvement and I'm not sure how the handicapper has dropped him 5lbs to his last winning mark. He's been placed in heavy ground at the Curragh and the 16/1 on Bet365 looks a nice bet.

rossom

2.25 Cork

Creggs Pipes 16/1

I agree with uxiant here as I genuinely can't get over how Andrew Slattery's 4 year old Creggs Pipes is the price she is and I think if she's fully wound up on her seasonal debut then she has an outstanding chance of landing this winnable contest. Having appeared twice late as a 2 year old, Creggs Pipe had a progressive looking profile last year as a 3 year old which saw her pick up 2 quick ground wins at Leopardstown in small fields - the latest of which coming off this mark of 77 just two starts ago. Her trainer said that she prefers soft ground so she should handle today's prevailing conditions just fine. Her last start came back in September in a valuable 6f handicap at the Curragh when she was a huge eye catcher and the handicapper has crazily dropper her 5lb for that run. In a much tougher contest where she was bottom weight rated 82 (top weight 102), Creggs Pipes was prominent on the near side rail throughout and, having still looked full of running with about 1f to go, she was badly hampered by her stable mate and was subsequently eased when all her chance was gone. She looked absolutely full of running and in a much, much easier race and off a 5lb lower mark she's going to find this contest considerably easier. With a great draw in stall 2, I'm expecting Declan McDonogh to either try and make all or have her in the first 4 throughout. Although there's a chance she could need the run, she's run well fresh in the past and I think the fact that she is entered in a Listed contest rated just 77 says an awful lot of what connections think about both her ability and her race readiness. With ground expected to suit, dropping significantly in grade, back down to her last winning mark and well drawn in stall 2, I think the current price available is absolutely crazy and I'm seriously confident that she can land this prize.

Peintre Celebre

Ye are going against one of the best handicapped horses in the country that I've had my nuts on last night. Hidden Oasis

MoscowFlyer

Highland Reel & Intilaaq double for me

ON ZEE BRIDLE

The Cobbler Swayne looks to have an excellent chance in 2.00 at Haydock.Skybet are refunding if your horse finishes 2nd/3rd
Tracie Collins and Pay English can team up again and land 2.25 at Cork with Eagle Valley

MoscowFlyer

Oh dear Paul Hannigan made a right mess of that

Francie Barrett

Anyone not think that Certerach is worth an e/w bet at 33/1 in the 12:55? It won this race two years ago and has had a nice little prep run three weeks ago when it ran on well into second.

BumperD

uxiant wrote: »

Creggs Pipes in the 2.25 at Cork. He won on his penultimate start off 77 and was travelling really well in a premier handicap at ICW before being stopped in his tracks by the horse in front giving him no chance. Based on that and given that he's lightly raced he's open to more improvement and I'm not sure how the handicapper has dropped him 5lbs to his last winning mark. He's been placed in heavy ground at the Curragh and the 16/1 on Bet365 looks a nice bet.

rossom wrote: »

2.25 Cork

Creggs Pipes 16/1

I agree with uxiant here as I genuinely can't get over how Andrew Slattery's 4 year old Creggs Pipes is the price she is and I think if she's fully wound up on her seasonal debut then she has an outstanding chance of landing this winnable contest. Having appeared twice late as a 2 year old, Creggs Pipe had a progressive looking profile last year as a 3 year old which saw her pick up 2 quick ground wins at Leopardstown in small fields - the latest of which coming off this mark of 77 just two starts ago. Her trainer said that she prefers soft ground so she should handle today's prevailing conditions just fine. Her last start came back in September in a valuable 6f handicap at the Curragh when she was a huge eye catcher and the handicapper has crazily dropper her 5lb for that run. In a much tougher contest where she was bottom weight rated 82 (top weight 102), Creggs Pipes was prominent on the near side rail throughout and, having still looked full of running with about 1f to go, she was badly hampered by her stable mate and was subsequently eased when all her chance was gone. She looked absolutely full of running and in a much, much easier race and off a 5lb lower mark she's going to find this contest considerably easier. With a great draw in stall 2, I'm expecting Declan McDonogh to either try and make all or have her in the first 4 throughout. Although there's a chance she could need the run, she's run well fresh in the past and I think the fact that she is entered in a Listed contest rated just 77 says an awful lot of what connections think about both her ability and her race readiness. With ground expected to suit, dropping significantly in grade, back down to her last winning mark and well drawn in stall 2, I think the current price available is absolutely crazy and I'm seriously confident that she can land this prize.

Blue across the board and best 9's now. A few have been backed in it so I will let it go as I've missed the bigger prices. Good luck with her

Gregk961

Every Johnson 2yo has absolutely demolished the field so far this year. They will be unbackable for a few weeks id say!

BorneTobyWilde

Apache Gold 20-1 ew .2.25
4 time winner here, won't mind the ground either.
I think with 4 to place this is great value
So consistent last year, always there to challenge.Can go close if up to speed

1pt ew 20-1

BumperD

Peintre Celebre wrote: »

Ye are going against one of the best handicapped horses in the country that I've had my nuts on last night. Hidden Oasis

That yoke is very well in based on its run at Galway. Only question is, will it be trying.

Peintre Celebre

BumperD wrote: »

That yoke is very well in based on its run at Galway. Only question is, will it be trying.

Backed all morn I have my two balls on this. Gonna cash out some of my stake for profit now just waiting for the most I can get

Peintre Celebre

Cashed out to leave me with a nice free bet. Money for the other JP runner now. Some operation they are

BumperD

They also have dragon khan. I guess the betting will tell

BumperD

Peintre Celebre wrote: »

Cashed out to leave me with a nice free bet. Money for the other JP runner now. Some operation they are

This is precisely the reason I never back a horse in those colours - rotten

Peintre Celebre

Ran a nice race I'd say he'd improve for that one to watch he'll win off that mark and might get down a pound or two fr that

BumperD

Same owner trainer combo as last yr - one of the first I dismissed

Peintre Celebre

BumperD wrote: »

Same owner trainer combo as last yr - one of the first I dismissed

Backed the winner last year now dead unfortunately was a real likeable horse. Trainer does extremely well with cheap horses and has only a handful. Thought the horse was handicapped up to his eyeballs myself but he did it nicely he was never going to be caught

BorneTobyWilde

Sir Ector 33-1 4.45
I like this over this shorter trip, has crossed paths with some very good horses
last year and competing if not beating them. I think this will be an easier field and can grab a place.

1pt ew

uxiant

uxiant wrote: »

Creggs Pipes in the 2.25 at Cork. He won on his penultimate start off 77 and was travelling really well in a premier handicap at ICW before being stopped in his tracks by the horse in front giving him no chance. Based on that and given that he's lightly raced he's open to more improvement and I'm not sure how the handicapper has dropped him 5lbs to his last winning mark. He's been placed in heavy ground at the Curragh and the 16/1 on Bet365 looks a nice bet.

Well backed but a disappointing run in the end. His best form is on better ground and he was never travelling in those conditions. His 3rd on heavy was probably more his class getting him through a poor maiden. I'll be keeping him on side for when the ground dries up.

Peintre Celebre

Bit of word going around for Dixie Highway in the 4.10

Peintre Celebre

Peintre Celebre wrote: »

Bit of word going around for Dixie Highway in the 4.10

The money is certainly coming for it.

sdoc13

Peintre Celebre wrote: »

Bit of word going around for Dixie Highway in the 4.10

Your favorite trainer and all. Got 10s seems to be a gd few quid for it

Lt Dan

Francie Barrett wrote: »

“He’s in very good form; in the 30 years he’s the happiest horse I’ve ever had to deal with. If he was an ice cream he’d lick himself to death.”

Eddie Lynam on Sole Power.

Eddy always was / is good for a quote, even in the more mundane races in Dundalk eg old man Balmont Mast breaking a track record

Hopefully he will continue to go from strength to strength with his fillies

Lt Dan

My god , did anyone watch the "spectacular" opening show in Dubai. Pretentious? Boring as hell. Jesus. nearly fell asleep . What was it . I could not care less if you can snow board in Dubai. Jeez

Say what ya like, but the British know how to do pomp, and do well.

Nice to see Janet Jackson got over her illness after scrapping her European Tour, cough, poor tickets sale, cough.

nuckeythompson

Taking a chance with Gabriel in the next

MoscowFlyer

INTILAAQ! INTILAAQ!!!

Please win

kksaints

How bad was the fall at the first in the 3 45 at Haydock? I missed it but the commentator sounded quite concerned about it?

TheMilkyPirate

Get in Moore!! Nice form boost for Duramente later too

posturingpat

kksaints wrote: »

How bad was the fall at the first in the 3 45 at Haydock? I missed it but the commentator sounded quite concerned about it?

It was very nasty, reminded me of Annies fall last year only probably worse again:( Horse and jockey up safe and sound,jockey just taken to hospital for precautionary checks thankfully.

Harry Angstrom

Gregk961 wrote: »

Every Johnson 2yo has absolutely demolished the field so far this year. They will be unbackable for a few weeks id say!

It's good to see his horses so forward for so early in the season, especially for us who fancy Lumiere in the 1000 Guineas.

UrbanFret

Anyone else think this Dubai world cup is a complete non event?

BumperD

I find it very hard to get excited about it.

Francie Barrett

UrbanFret wrote: »

Anyone else think this Dubai world cup is a complete non event?

Funny you should bring this up. I had an argument with a fella today, trying to persuade him that the racing at Meydan was better than most of the racing we saw at Cheltenham. Obviously flat and jumps are two different codes, but this fella didn't seem to think it was possible that any race on the Meydan card could be as important as even the most minor race at Cheltenham. I guess it's a local bias. Personally, I think these big international meetings like you have in Meydan, Shatin and the Breeders Cup is the best racing going. You look at today's card for example - you have a winner from Australia, Japan, Dubai, USA, UK, France. There's no other race meeting on the planet where you would get that degree of competition.

kksaints

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Funny you should bring this up. I had an argument with a fella today, trying to persuade him that the racing at Meydan was better than most of the racing we saw at Cheltenham. Obviously flat and jumps are two different codes, but this fella didn't seem to think it was possible that any race on the Meydan card could be as important as even the most minor race at Cheltenham. I guess it's a local bias. Personally, I think these big international meetings like you have in Meydan, Shatin and the Breeders Cup is the best racing going. You look at today's card for example - you have a winner from Australia, Japan, Dubai, USA, UK, France. There's no other race meeting on the planet where you would get that degree of competition.

You would sort of forget unless you read non UK or Ireland media that in the rest of the world flat racing is much bigger than jump racing. Even Cheltenham makes no impact on their sports media only the Grand National gets any attention.

Personally I enjoy the global flat race meetings especially the Breeders Cup. While I prefer jump racing the big global flat meeting are always a good watch and an interesting view into racing in other countries.

Peintre Celebre

Francie what drugs are you on today

madmoose

The flat doesnt have a sniff on the top jumps meetings especially cheltenham, the thought of cheltenham makes the hairs on my head stand up.

Harry Angstrom

UrbanFret wrote: »

Anyone else think this Dubai world cup is a complete non event?

It seemed to have a lot more attention and prestige in the early days, when the likes of Cigar, Singspiel and Silver Charm were winning it. We've seen a few duff winners recently, but with the dirt surface back and the Americans up for sending their better horses to it again, I think it might grow in popularity again. Still not a patch on Cheltenham though.

UrbanFret

I think it's really unfortunate the way the pamper to the americans and run this "world cup" on dirt . None of the top european horses target it anymore. There are some great days racing during the flat season, unfortunately for me this isn't one of them.:(

BumperD

It's date in the calendar is not conducive to attracting the top euro horses. It's an out of season festival.

Gregk961

Dull, lifeless and mechanical. I'm a big flat racing fan and I do find the Carnival to be profitable but as a spectacle it's not much.

I've been to the track twice(once on dwc night) and I can honestly say I'd rather be at a midweek flat card at Limerick.

Francie Barrett

Peintre Celebre wrote: »

Francie what drugs are you on today

You have top horses from all over the world competing in graded events for massive prize money. There's no dicking around with handicap ratings, whether horses are trying or not, or whether the race is targeted or not. Sure, the British/Irish are under-represented, but you can't please everyone. Also, perhaps the spectacle itself leaves people feeling cold - really though, who cares about that? I like racing for the racing, not for dressing up in top hats or any of that other sh1te.

Bigbok

Francie Barrett wrote: »

You have top horses from all over the world competing in graded events for massive prize money. There's no dicking around with handicap ratings, whether horses are trying or not, or whether the race is targeted or not. Sure, the British/Irish are under-represented, but you can't please everyone. Also, perhaps the spectacle itself leaves people feeling cold - really though, who cares about that? I like racing for the racing, not for dressing up in top hats or any of that other sh1te.

As a flat racing fan from SA I can honestly say I never heard of Cheltenham before I moved to irekabd,it's unheard of in SA,Australia and even the states.

Dubai World Cup is a great carnival,yes since the dirt the Ruropeabs don't travel but on all fairness 99% of the ones that did travel always got a hiding over there.This years carnival had terrible horses and I'll be the first to admit that but look at WC race and that's been the strongest ever,keen ice,frosted,chrome,mubtaahij,mshawish to name a few.

Someone said that some donkeys have won at the carnival,yes I agreed but there been donkeys winning at Cheltenham,Aintree,Epsom,Newmarket.

As a flat fan from down south I wait all year for the carnival,but Cheltenham days I'll rather watch paint dry

Harry Angstrom

Bigbok wrote: »

As a flat racing fan from SA I can honestly say I never heard of Cheltenham before I moved to irekabd,it's unheard of in SA,Australia and even the states.

Dubai World Cup is a great carnival,yes since the dirt the Ruropeabs don't travel but on all fairness 99% of the ones that did travel always got a hiding over there.This years carnival had terrible horses and I'll be the first to admit that but look at WC race and that's been the strongest ever,keen ice,frosted,chrome,mubtaahij,mshawish to name a few.

Someone said that some donkeys have won at the carnival,yes I agreed but there been donkeys winning at Cheltenham,Aintree,Epsom,Newmarket.

As a flat fan from down south I wait all year for the carnival,but Cheltenham days I'll rather watch paint dry

Cheltenham is a state of mind, body and soul. People from outside of these islands just don't get it. Nothing against you, but that's just the way it is.

Lt Dan

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Funny you should bring this up. I had an argument with a fella today, trying to persuade him that the racing at Meydan was better than most of the racing we saw at Cheltenham. Obviously flat and jumps are two different codes, but this fella didn't seem to think it was possible that any race on the Meydan card could be as important as even the most minor race at Cheltenham. I guess it's a local bias. Personally, I think these big international meetings like you have in Meydan, Shatin and the Breeders Cup is the best racing going. You look at today's card for example - you have a winner from Australia, Japan, Dubai, USA, UK, France. There's no other race meeting on the planet where you would get that degree of competition.

Yeah, but often, you don't even have the countries' respective champions going to these big events, all due to schedules of course and how many times a horse ran. Of course, it does not mean that these events are not important. Personally, Breeders Cup and Hong Kong, both end of year events, are very important. For stayers, Melbourne Cup is glorious, and it is good to see better horses are taking part (yes, I know, So You Think under Bart Cummings ran, but that wasn't his distance)

It was a huge sporting gesture to send Golden Horn to the Breeders Cup , despite the poor winning record of Arc Winners for the Turf race. Sea The Stars was never going to go (and rightly so - alas at least Conduit, 2009 Turf winner was a proper champion horse), Golden Horn did not really have anything to prove by the time he went to the US (ran 6-7 times already that year - correct me on that if you wish) Unless, you are Aidan O'Brien, Breeders Cup (arrogant I know) can often be a bit of an afterthought for their star horses who won the big European events. Many who go to Breeders from Europe are top horses who may have won a Group 1 that year or nearly did (noting many Win and Your In Group 1's in England and Ireland) but kinda have something to prove or some unfinished Business. See how Highland Reel and Found were campaigned last year. Of course , horses like Conduit are an exception, but he was campaigned for the 2009 event (I know he won in 2008)

How many Derby and Guineas winners (be they English, French, Irish) leave Europe in the same season, bar Aidan O'Brien's horses?

Of course, everything above is ignorant. It is not the Breeder's Cup fault. Afterall, like Europe, the event is at the end of the year for them (and rightly so) But the idea of some horses being described as World Champions is hard to take when they might not have performed to their best at home. Magician , I guess was unlucky in 2013 - definite injury at Ascot, but so too The Faugue (what a horse)


Dubai?, meh. African Story and Prince Bishop winning prestigious Group 1's? Come on! Thank god, for the sake of racing, American Chrome did win yesterday. Look at many of the big winners over the years? Who are they? Of course, any racing fan would be more than happy to point out Solow and what he did last year in England and France.


If it was not for the British, Irish and French, many of these events ie Breeders Cup, Japan Cup, Breeders Cup, Hong Kong and hell even "Spot the Aussie" (nod to Bart Cummings) Melbourne Cup would not have the same International feel.

You don't see Aussies consistently travel (but they have massive purse races in Australia so who could blame them), I say that, noting their frequent presence at Royal Ascot. Bar Wesley Ward, in the last few years, Americans will only be seen at Dubai (and that is only since they changed the track), Hong Kong is probably too close to the Breeders for them. The Europeans might not win consistently, but they at least turn up - not necessarily with their best horses.(obviously their "back up horses" were just as good)

Obviously horses ain't machines or the same as humans, and not as cheap to transport

Anyway, Dubai was enjoyable this year with the spread of global winners. Nice to see dear leader/Godolpin not dominating.

Wouldn't it be great if it was possible for a world cup of national hunt racing - Yes, I know Cheltenham is it, but bar Baracouda, how many of the French took part? (Poor Nina Carberry knows too well from 2015 and that idiot of a jockey) The Aussies have a bit of National Hunt, so too the Americans (alas many old horses from England/Ireland)

Lt Dan

madmoose wrote: »

The flat doesnt have a sniff on the top jumps meetings especially cheltenham, the thought of cheltenham makes the hairs on my head stand up.

Melbourne Cup Carnival would suggest otherwise. Hell even the Kentucky Derby is well known here in Europe even without the constant over the top reminders by the American media. Royal Ascot has no problems with selling tickets and getting coverage, as does the (much better, fan wise) Ebor meeting at York.

Shergar probably is better remembered than many a Cheltenham winner, though how he died may have something to do with it. You think the might Kato Star or Deniman got the same worldwide media coverage as Frankel ? (god some of that was hard to stomach)

Lt Dan

UrbanFret wrote: »

I think it's really unfortunate the way the pamper to the americans and run this "world cup" on dirt . None of the top european horses target it anymore. There are some great days racing during the flat season, unfortunately for me this isn't one of them.:(

The idea of horses like African Story or Prince Bishop winning supposed major races is hard to fathom .

European horses are mostly focused on turf anyway (yes , you are right, many did run on dirt and win)

Better to have the Americans in and bet them.

I doubt many would disagree with your view on Dubai races. Yes, it is there , great, but roll on the real events.