Boy's figure suggests he's the World Cup Daddy
DUBAI REVIEW
Nad Al Sheba, Super Thursday, March 5
SPEED FIGURES BY WINNER
Soy Libriano 83
City Style 94
Gayego 115
Snaafy 109
Front House 107
Balius 105
Asiatic Boy 114
SPEED FIGURES BY RACE
1m, dirt, fast
Soy Libriano 83
Jose Adan 80
I Am The Best 77
Paso De Gloria 70
Muy Ponderado 65
Analysis: With no representatives from the UAE 2,000 Guineas, the third leg of the so-called Triple Crown was allowance quality form, unfortunately. Soy Libriani had won a Grade 3 in South America but that did not amount to much. Jose Adan looked reluctant, needing to be shoved along to keep in touch early and taking a long time to respond when extrictaed from a pocket in the stright. I Am The Best is a 7f horse.
7.5f, turf, gd-fm
City Style 94
Liberation 90
Naval Officer 88
Balcarce Nov 88
Fire Sale 83
Absent Pleasure 82
Analysis: City Style's figure represented no real improvement on his Carnival debut, but he is a quirky, idle horse inclined to do the minimum. He is probably not Group 1 standard in Europe, however. Liberation is a nicer type than the winner from a physical standpoint and got caught up in traffic. He would not have won but he should improve for the run. Naval Officer carried his head high.
6f, dirt, fast
Gayego 115
Big CityMan 113
Diabolical 104
Diana's Choice 102
Change Alley 96
Artimino 95
Analysis: Gayego was an impressive winner of the 2008 Arkansas Derby but had disappointed in the US Triple Crown. Turnedover to Godolphin, he has been rehabilitated. This is one awesome horse to watch; he has a big body and a long stride and can really power through the fractions. Here, he got close to home to pick up the pieces after a speed duel up front. It seems as ifhe is not in the World Cup picture but should make a superb handicap horse for the US this summer, providing he can hold onto his form better than last year. Big City Man met his first defeat but paired his first big effort - after the pause that refreshes. He was pestered by the free-running Diabaloical to well past halfway, but switched leads and powered ahead entering the final furlong. He did more running than the winner, but the impression still was that the best horse won. Diabolical shaped as if in need of the race. He ran much too freely and was done with when the runner-up found extra. Diana's Choice is clearly just as good on dirt.
1m, dirt, fast
Snaafy 109
Honour Devil105
Green Coast 98
Grand Hombre 93
Don Renato 92
Lucky Find 90
Analysis: Snaafy is the most improved horse in the UAE this year. He travels powerfully and has a big finishing kick. If this effort doesn't knock him out, he has place prospects in the Godolphin Mile, though Two Step Salsa remains the leading contender for that. Honour Devil ran miles better than last time, particularly as he emerged the best from a hard duel. He is on the way back and could go very well in the World Cup. Green Coast ran up to his best, but Don Renato has clearly declined and Lucky Find was disappointing.
1m4f, turf, good
Front House 107
Quijano 106
King Of Rome 105
Purple Moon 103
Kings Gambit 101
Fiery Lad 100
Analysis: The step up to her best trip, coupled with a more expansive gallop, saw the South African champion filly Front House announce herself on the international stage. She idled in front a bit as well, but found extra when her rider got serious. The Sheema Classic will be tougher, but she is progressing. Quijano was conceding weight to the winner and ran a huge trial for World Cup night. He kept on really well. This was better from King Of Rome but he has less upside than some. Purple Moon ran as if the race were needed. His masterful trainer Luca Cumani will have him spot on for the big dance - no surprise there.
1m1.5f, turf, good
Balius 105
Russian Sage 103
Jay Peg 103
Imbongi 103
Vodka 102
Valedictum 98
Analysis: This was run at a blistering gallop and the final time was compromised by a very slow finish. Trouble in running prevented the closers getting through. Balius got a better trip than many; it remains to be seen if he is so fortunate in the Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night. Russian Sage was up there all the way, responding in great style. Jay Peg set his usual mad gallop and kept on splendidly; he is on the way back and should go well in defence of his title in the Duty Free. Imbongi looked unlucky, slicing through late, having been caught up in traffic. The massive Japanese filly Vodka was also seemingly unfortunate, locked up on the inside and never with anywhere to run; she is much better than this.
1m2f, dirt, fast
Asiatic Boy 114
Happy Boy 111
Art of War 102
Kirklees 101
Muhannak 97
Dynamic Saint 97
Analysis: Asiatic Boy was not himself last year and his wide-margin defeat by Curlin in the World Cup does not represent his full merit. Here, he was super impressive from a wide draw. He had to be pushed along vigorously before the home turn, having worked his way into a position behind the leaders, but was taking plenty of kickback. Once in the clear, he opened out in tremendous style and was pouring it on as he ran through the line. This figure is in line with his best from two years ago, and he will probably give the leading US challenger Albertus Maximus more than he can handle. Happy Boy has also come back to his peak. He would be a strong candidate for a substandard World Cup, without the winner. As it is, he may reach a minor award. Art of War's figures (see A to Z file) describe a horse who hasgradually got fitter and stronger but was flattered with a loose-on-the-lead 107. Facing top-class pace, this is as good as he is. Kirklees has a good trip, in common with every horse Frankie Dettori has ever ridden on dirt except Swain. As Godolphin probaly knew all along, he is a grass horse. Muhannak made an excellent comback, suggesting he is not just a synthetic track freak.
NOTE: The speed figures are compiled with Beyer methodology and scale. Unlike Topspeed figures, age and weight is not taken into consideration and the ratings are purely a function of time compared with conditions. The scale makes 110 a par for Group 1, 105 for Group 2, 100 for Group 3 and 95 for Listed. The best horses in the world occasionally rate above 120.
