Showing posts with label Nad Al Sheba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nad Al Sheba. Show all posts

Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Nomination Is In: March 28, 2009 - The Dubai World Cup Grade I


The Turk finds himself a bit blurry eyed after spending too long last night handicapping races I most likely won't even bet. Why won't I bet them? Huge fields, plenty of parity, and unsure weather conditions. Why will I bet? Huge fields, plenty of parity, and attractive odds on some horses that have the potential to win this race in a year where no clearly superior horse is present. I was amused by the Getty image I found this morning while looking for a picture to paint a flavor of the event. While I guess I shouldn't judge behavior, you would think this young lady would show a bit of respect to the values of the country she is a visitor of? Then again, most people in modern society seem to have no real understanding of decorum anyway, but I digress.

Race 7: Nad Al Sheba; The Dubai World Cup Grade I; 1 1/4 miles on dirt for 4 YO and up, 3 YO and up for Southern Hemisphere bred.



This is a tough race to predict with the rains that are expected and the size and quality of the field. I think when life presents uncertainty to should go with what you know. Godolphin and Saeed runner My Indy will have Dettori up, and while maybe not the best horse, he will be placed in a position to succeed at the stretch, and that's all you can really ask. Casino Drive is such an intriguing horse, full of promise, full of potential. This would be as big a win as any of Better then Honour's babies have had. Too soon to have a strategy, I'll going to watch the weather, and the tote, and spread around some win bets with value, and string a few exactas together as well, keying on my A group tagged with A's and B's. Albertus Maximus and Asiatic Boy will attract alot of money. A fun race to watch, a fun day to watch, but a crap shoot more then a handicap.
I'll be back later with the Florida Derby. Good Stuff!

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Nomination Is In: March 28, 2009 - The Dubai Duty Free Grade 1


I love the races in Dubai. It's such a dichotomy; sand and manicured dirt, waterless but lush green turf, modern architecture set against Bedouin culture.

I love the big fields chasing the big purses. It is more of a World Championship then the Breeder's Cup, at least for 4 YO and up (as god forbid an American 3 YO leaves the Derby Trail.) I digress.

After 30 something pages of PP popped out of printer for Dubai World Cup night, I decided to only blog the races I thought were the most compelling. Let's get it going.

Nad Al Sheba Race 5: The Dubai Duty Free Grade I; about 1 1/8 miles on LH Turf for 4 YO and Up or 3 YO and Up for Southern Hemisphere breds.



I like the filly Vodka. I think she comes back strong in her second race after a break. I think that Balius (IRE) has a very good chance to win this as well. Both will go off at least > 7-1. My really big live and long horse is 8 YO Niconero (AUS) coming in after a long trip and 3 weeks rest.

The Turk advocates no betting strategy. With the size and parity in this field, exotic bets are out for me, so I will look to string together a few win bets and a few straight exactas based around my ratings.

I'd like to talk more, but more 'capping to do!

For the sharp eyed amongst you, that fine looking horse is none other then 2008 Dubai Duty Free winner Jay Peg.