Meydan: horses to follow from Friday night
WANEES (Race 2, 4th)
As mentioned in the preview, he was going to be overlooked because of one bad local bow and he proved that he’s a pretty decent animal with a good fourth here. Expect even more improvement next time for the red-hot Shadwell colours and the Red Stables of Doug Watson. This is a promising horse and Watson’s yard is starting to show signs of life again.
STATE GLORY (Race 4, 10th)
Stay with me here… because this is a bit odd, but put your radar directly on the last placed horse in the 7 furlong turf maiden for juveniles. He moves like a dirt horse, worked like a dirt horse and is bred to be a dirt horse. For some reason, he was on the grass - where he finished like a dirt horse in a delightfully one paced pattern all the way home. The plus is that physically he’s coming into himself a bit, which was noticeable in the parade ring - he was a standout. When he goes back to dirt, he’s going to offer outstanding value because of recency anti-bias and I fully expect a win in his next couple starts.
YOTARID (Race 7, 1st)
He carried the house and brought it down with a gritty win. He’s a huge talent to watch and is a Shamardal, through and through—just watch how much grit he showed. Yes, he is a gloat-worthy value-shout that came through for me in a big way, but he also did everything to the letter of what I expected and will only improve. Never put a hoof wrong and will be even better on flatter, faster ground. Picks up just five pounds for the win to go to 100, so there are still some options for him and I think he will be really fun to watch develop for Costa.
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Jebel Ali: Horses to follow from Saturday
CATS BY FIVE (R4, 2nd)
An improving type with each start in the UAE, he may have cost himself with a tardy break from the gates. Asked to carry top weight of 62kg and tackling the demanding Jebel Ali hill for the first time, he kept coming and ran through the line strongly. That effort will bring him on and he looks well worth following next time.
INSPIRED IDEA (R5, 2nd)
Doug Watson’s stable have already been mentioned as coming to life and this horse is one from that yard to keep onside. He didn’t like that bend, looking very awkward and cost himself the start prior up the straight with a slow getaway over 1400m, at this track. Needs the mile, but without that turn. Whatever direction connections take next, stick with him.
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Abu Dhabi: Horses to follow from Sunday night
RAAD LEMBARAK (R1, 2nd)
He has been playing the role of bridesmaid rather than bride of late, but he has had excuses. He continues to encounter trouble in running, yet still performs well. The Handicapper gives him another 4 points, so when he finds a suitable race and enjoys a clean, uninterrupted run, he should finally get his turn.
KHATTAF WRSAN (R5, 8th)
Only beaten 3L, this runner never truly got into the race. Forced to settle near the rear in a large field, he encountered traffic issues throughout. Add to that, the replay shows jockey Qais Al Busaidi looking around near the 700m, clearly aware something was amiss with the saddle, after it shifted sideways. Despite the issues, he did his best work late, pushing through the middle in the closing stages. Stick with him.