Gulfstream – Fountain of Youth Stakes

Welcome to Arseonlineracing… This website is 100% independent & has NO affiliate links…
This blog covers Oaklawn Park, Fairgrounds and Gulfstream Park card including The Fountain of Youth Grade 1 stakes, in which Charlie & Rich go head to head….

Charlie –

Gulfstream 5.55 – (Race 4) Mac Diarmida Stakes (Grade 2)

Tide Of The Sea – Has won 4 times now including when landing the Grade 3 W L McKnight Stakes here last time out, when beating Temple by 3/4 of a length. Should confirm placings with that rival again here with a similar display.

.

Oaklawn Park 10.58 (Race 10) Southwest Stakes (Grade3)

Essential Quality – Has won 3 times including a 3/4 of a length victory over Hot Rod Charlie in the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Juvenile In November last year. Has had time to recover from that race and should stamp his authority here if showing same attitude again. Biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Jackie’s Warrior who was 4th to the selection in that Breeders Cup Juvenile race.

.

Fairgrounds 10.52 (Race 9) – Stakes Race

Palazzi – Won last time out at Sam Houston when beating Excess Magic by a short head, that made it two wins in succession and if repeating that run again should confirm placings even though is now carrying a penalty for that victory.

.

Rich –

5.26(R3) Herecomesthebride Stakes – Turf – 3yo Fillies’ Only – 1m 110yds
Con Lima – Commissioner X Second Street Cry 3yo filly.
Stakes winner at this course on January 3rd before finishing runner up on January 30th in the Grade 3 1m Sweetest Chant Stakes to White Frost. Top Rated 103.

8.27 (R9) Mile Stakes – 4yo Plus – Grade 2 – 1m…
Eye of the Jedi – Eye of the Leopard X Sea Song’s Grace 6yo gelding.
Won 2 races in June, 1m handicap & in July a 1m 110yd Stakes arce before having a 147 day break.
Returned in December in the Grade 3 1m 110yd Harlan’s Holiday Stakes finishing 2nd & was again 2nd last time out on January 23rd in the 1m Grade 3 Fred Hooper Stakes, beaten by Performer after being hampered…. Day is today maybe think you!

22.04 (R12) Davona Dale Stakes – Fillies’ Grade 2 – 3yo Only – 1m…
Venquist – Nyquist X Vero Amore 3yo filly.
3 runs in 2020, winning twice. Last September landed the 7f Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga before finishing 2nd in the Grade 1 Frizette Fillies’ Stakes at Belmont. Finished 2020 in November at Keeneland when winning the Grade 1 Breeders Cup Fillies’ Turf 1m 110yds.
Season return.

Head to Head – 11.10 (R14) Fountain of Youth Stakes – Grade 2- 3yo Only – 1m 110yds…

Charlie – Tarantino -Out of Pioneer Of The Nile and Without Delay. This colt has won twice and placed 2nd twice from 4 runs, was beaten into 2nd last time out when handed a 5 and 3/4 length defeat by Greatest Honour in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes here on the 30th January. Faces that rival again here and could reverse the placings with Tyler Gaffalione taking over the reigns for tonight’s race.

Rich – Fire At Will – Declaration of War X Flirt 3yo colt.

Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Mile winner when beating Battleground at Keeneland in November, having won the Grade 2 Pilgrim Stakes over 1m 110yds at Belmont in October. He is a Saratoga Stakes dirt winner from last September & returns after 113 days.

That is everything for you today folks…. A NH blog & a trip Stateside, we are spoiling you all…. We really appreciate your support..
STAY SAFE.

All the Best – Charlie & Rich

Kempton & Lingfield

Welcome to Arseonlineracing…. The 100% independent website with NO affiliate links….

A week in racing is a long time & how things have changed….. The rain & cold has passed & we are edging closer to spring & nice spring ground….

Jamie is taking a break this week so Charlie, Chris & Rich have your Saturday UK blog but remember to keep an eye out for our Gulfstream blog, covering the Fountain of Youth Stakes.

Back to the UK racing we head to Kempton for a very nice National Hunt card & Lingfield for the Winter Derby….

Charlie –

2.25 Close Brothers Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

Paso Doble – Ex Jim Bolger runner, purchased for €125,000 and makes debut over obstacles for the champion trainer Paul Nicholls. If retaining some of the ability shown on the flat should be bang there come business end of race but will need to put Tritonic as the biggest danger to the selection having won at Ascot in January.

.

3.00 Skybet Dovecoat Novices Hurdle (Grade 2)

Atholl Street – Winner of last two races at Taunton and looks like the most likely winner of this race. Biggest threat comes in the shape of Calico who won on hurdle debut at Ludlow in January over 2m. Paul Nicholls has a 22% strike rate at Kempton and will look to add to that today.

Chris –

Kempton

3.00 Sky Bet dovecote Novices Hurdle

Atholl Street has done little wrong in his 2 novice hurdle wins to date, and deserves a crack at this higher level. Whilst the form of his latest start at Taunton seems nothing to write home about, winning by 16 lengths hard held needs plenty of respect. Good ground seems ideal and this course should play to his strengths, I’m expecting a very good run this afternoon.

3.35 Close Brothers Handicap Chase

Black Corton hasn’t had the best season to date, but today could well be the day he bounces back. He never travelled with the usual zest at Cheltenham last time out and it’s interesting that the cheekpieces are now removed again. The positives are that he arrives back on a course that he loves, with form figures of 22121 around here including a Grade 1 win. The latest of those 2nd placed efforts were in this race last season, and is now 1lb lower. With several firms paying extra places Black Corton looks capable of running a big race at a fair each-way price.

Rich –

Lingfield –
2.40 Winter Derby – Group 3 – 4yo Plus – 1m 2f…

Felix – Lope De Vega X Luminance 5yo gelding.
I backed Felix in the trial race on February 6th, when finishing 2nd to Bangkok over C&D by 1/2 a length & i am sticking with him.
Forest of dean was back in 3rd that day by a head & the front 3 were 4 lengths clear of the field.
The DANGER is Father of Jazz, unbeaten on All Weather & an eye catching winner on February 5th, when storming clear in a Class 3 C&D handicap to win by 4 & 1/2 lengths….

Kempton –
3.35 – Handicap Chase – Grade 3 – 5yo plus – 3m…

Slate House – Presenting X Bay Peral 9yo gelding.
Returned from his 3rd wind operation on January 9th at Wincanton when an 11 & 1/2 3rd of 6 in a 2m 4f Class 2 handicap. The 2019 Grade 1 winner of the Kauto Star over C&D has now dropped from to 148 from a winning mark of 153…

Thanks for popping by & for your support, we really appreciate it…
STAY SAFE…

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

Dubai Carnival – Meydan

Welcome to Arseonlineracings coverage of the Dubai Carnival…. This website has NO affiliate links & is 100% Independent….

We are building up to Dubai World Cup night & we have been blogging this meeting for a few weeks now, so many we are starting to lose count….

As always the lads have got together & we have another jammed packed blog of thoughts from Meydan……

Chris –

4.15pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy

Ispolini hasn’t been in top form over the past 12 months, but he returns to the race he won in 2019 hoping to bounce back. He was beaten over 4 lengths by current market leader Volcanic Sky last time out, but that was a handicap and he gets an 8lb swing in the weights this evening. Stamina won’t be an issue and he gets William Buick up today, who is having a great time at the moment. He looks the play at the current prices.

4.50pm Dubai Millenium Stakes

I tipped up Star Safari a fortnight ago and he duly obliged in a 12f Carnival handicap, he is worth a try back over a trip where he broke the course record last season. It looks far from a top renewal this time around, with Star Safari bringing the best recent form in to the race. William Buick will be hoping it’s run at a decent clip and is able to pounce up the straight.

Jamie –

4:15 – Nad Al Sheba Trophy (G3) – Selection: Away He Goes

One of the warm up races for the Gold Cup on Dubai World Cup night and it appears the home team may have a worthy opponent here in the shape of Away He Goes. Ismail Mohammed’s son of Farhh has ran two crackers so far at the carnival. Last time out he improved to be a staying on second in a high class handicap won by Star Safari, while he had Brilliant Light who lines up against him today back in third. The step up two furlongs to 1m 6f could yield further improvement and Away He Goes appears to be thriving at the moment. Will the commentator be saying ‘Away He Goes’ in the straight? Can’t wait to find out.

4:50 – Dubai Millennium Stakes (G3) – Selection: Bedouin’s Story

It has to be said that this isn’t a vintage renewal of this Group 3. Charlie Appleby and William Buick are looking to make it back to back wins in this contest, won last year by the mighty Ghayyaith. The pair hold strong claims with recent winner Star Safari. However, like last week I am going to tip Bedouin’s Story for victory. Things didn’t go his way over a mile in a Group 2 last week when he get too far back off a steady pace. Judging from the way he is finishing his races, the step up to 1m 2f could well help him. He will have to prove his stamina however but im confident he will stay. This looks to be another good opportunity for Bedouin’s Story to register a win and he’s my nap for today.

5:25 – Meydan Challenge Handicap (Listed) – Selection: Fleeting Prince

The nightcap and boy is it competitive. You could really make a case for 6 or 7 horses here and the one I like is Fleeting Prince for Charlie Hills. It was a most pleasing reappearance when he was third here in the Dubai Sprint over 6f. He goes today over 7f and I think on this course it will help him to find a good rhythm. He stays the trip very well and is a very consistent horse and with James Doyle booked again he must have a say. Fleeting Prince can give you a good run for your money. Wasim, a recent c+d winner holds some e/w appeal to me.

Rich –

3.05 (R2) – Turf Handicap – 3yo Plus – 1m 1f..

Dubai Mirage – Dubawi X Calipatria 4yo gelding.
Haydock winner in a 1m Class Handicap in August 2020 & made return here over 1m on January 28th in a Handicap, when finishing runner up to Bedouin’s Story by a nose. Up in trip…

4.15 Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 Turf – 3yo Plus – 1m 6f….

Volcanic Sky – Street Cry X Short Skirt 6yo gelding.
Had 2nd on February 4th over C&D having run over 1m 4f on return back on January 21st, when finishing 6th of 14. He now steps back up in trip to 1m 6f, where he ran over C&D to finish a 1/2 length runner up to Dubai Future in a Listed Class 1 Handicap. He has run 4 times over this distance & has finished 2nd on all 4 of them…. Is today the day he wins!

That’s everything for you today folks…. Thanks for your support & for popping by, we really appreciate it….. Have you taken our RACING TROPHY QUIZ? Head to our website to see how many you can get right!
STAY SAFE.

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

Newbury & Navan

Welcome to Arseonlineracing… This Website is 100% independent & has NO affiliate links….

Back with a National Hunt blog…. Plenty of winners & places yesterday from our triple blogs of Saudi Cup, National Hunt & Stateside, just the one blog today….

Chris –

Newbury

2.25 Betfair Denman Chase

Lostintranslation gets the nod in what looks a small but select field for this years renewal. The 2020 Gold Cup 3rd needs to leave behind a pair of poor efforts so far this term, but the Tizzard camp seem to be turning a corner and this galloping track will suit much better than Kempton did last time out. Clan Des Obeaux will take all the beating if he is back in top form, however at the current prices I’m inclined to take him on here, with very little separating the pair at the top of the market when judging their best efforts. Lostintranslation has also had his wind done, which may just make the difference.

3.35 Betfair Handicap Hurdle

Thyme White has been a largely progressive horse over the past 18 months but unfortunately got hampered and unseated Harry Cobden 2 out here in November, when still going well enough. Harry Cobden stays loyal today over the other Paul Nicholls runners and Thyme White is capable of a bold show off his current mark of 141. The drying ground is a positive given his best performance to date was arguably on good ground at Chepstow, while the likely strong pace should also help as he was slightly free last time. He definitely makes plenty of appeal at his current double figure odds, especially with some bookmakers currently paying 6 places.

Jamie –

3.00 – Newbury – Game Spirit Chase – Selection: Sceau Royal

I have to admit that I do have a bit of a soft spot for Sceau Royal and he holds strong claims today. It has been a mixed bag for the 9yo so far this season, with easy wins at Ffos Las and Wincanton under his belt before a solid second to Epatante at Newcastle and fourth in the International at Cheltenham. Alan King’s charge will have to put a fall at Kempton over Christmas behind him but he has been freshened up since and he will enjoy this decent ground. Another positive for his supporters is that he doesn’t have to carry the 6lb penalty and that could well make the difference in a race where the six runners are covered by 8lbs in the ratings.

2:47 – Navan – Boyne Hurdle (G2) – Selection:
Beacon Edge

The highlight of Sunday’s Irish racing and it’s great to have this Grade 2 live on ITV. Beacon Edge makes a lot of appeal to me today stepping back up to 2m 5f. He found the 2m trip too sharp 3 weeks ago when behind Bachasson, who is a fair animal himself. Before then in the Hatton’s Grace he was only beaten just over a length by the Champion Mare Honeysuckle and if he could replicate that form today then he must have a great chance. Heavy ground should be ok for Beacon Edge and Sean Flanagan knows this horse very well. Of the rest, Fury Road is the horse to beat and deserves to be favourite. It’s great to see Tiger Roll back too and I really hope he can run a nice race and blow away the cobwebs.

Heading to the third flight during the I.N.H Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle Navan Photo: Patrick McCann 22.11.2015

Rich –

1.50 Handicap Hurdle – Class 2 – 4yo Plus – 3m 52yds…

Sizable Sam – Black Sam Bellamy X Haloflora 6yo gelding.
2 wins from 3 hurdle starts and landed a Wincanton 2m 5f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle on January 9th by 1/2 a length. Up in trip….

3.35 Handicap Hurdle – Grade 3 – 4yo Plus – 2n 69yds…

Fred – Cokoriko X Veribelle 6yo gelding.
Has had 1 run this season, in a chase when finishing 22 lengths behind Allmankind in a 2m Class 3 Novice Chase on November 6th& now reverts back to hurdles. He wss last seen in this sphere back in February 2020 in a Class 2 handicap hurdle 1m 7f 124yds at Musselburgh, winning by a head having won a 2m Class 2 Novice Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing day 2020.
6 hurdle starts, with 2 wins & 4 places…

That’s everything for you today folks…. Thanks for your support & for popping by today, we really appreciate it…. See you Thursday for Meydan!
STAY SAFE

Good Luck – The Arseonlineracing Team

Stateside… Gulfstream & Laurel Park

Welcome to Arseonlineracing’s Stateside coverage… This website is 100% Independent & has NO affiliate links….
Today we cover Gulfstream & Laurel Park with Charlie & Rich….

Last weeks Stateside double landed but Laurel Park had to rearrange their meeting to this week, so we go again….

Charlie has Gulfstream covered while Rich looks over Laurel Park….

Charlie –

10.16 Royal Delta Stakes (Grade3 Fillies) 1m 100yds

Selection – Eres Tu has won 4 times over 1m to 1m 1f. Won on her most recent start at Laurel Park in December last year when beating Wicked Awesome by 1 length over 1m 1f. Main threat to the selection comes in the shape of Mrs Danvers who also won when last seen in November.

.

10.48 – Claiming 1m 110yds

Selection – All Good – won here last time out by a head in a tight finish with Zipalong. Main danger in tonight’s field comes in the shape of Churchills Victory who has a wide draw to overcome, my preference is for All Good to go in again under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Rich – Laurel Park

5.59 (R2) – Maiden Claiming – 3yo Only – 6f…
Cosmicality – Broken Vow X Kosmo’s Lady 3yo colt.
Race course debut & is a half brother to multiple Grade 1 winner KNICK’S GO.
They have the same mare… Could be one to note going forward

6.32 (R3) Colts Stakes – 3yo Only – 1m….
Subsidize – Into Mischief X Diva Star 3yo colt.
Runner up over 6f in an Aquaduct maiden in November before landing a 6f maiden at the same course on January 7th by 3 & 1/2 lengths. Up in trip & half brother to Mischeivous Alex.
DANGER – Maythehorsebewithu – Bullsbay X Avani Force 3yo gelding.
2 wins from 4 starts & a neck runner up on January 16th in a 7f stakes race here.

7.37(R5) Fillies & Mares’ Stakes – 4yo Plus – 1m 110yds…
Wicked Awesome X Mura Alta 5yo Mare.
C&D Stakes winner in September last season before winning over the same distance at Pimlico in October.
4th on return over C&D in a stakes race in November to Eres Tu & finished 2nd by 1 length to the same horse in the 1m 1f Grade 3 Allare DuPont Stakes in December…

8.12 (R6) Fillies’ Stakes – 3yo Only – 7f…..
Street Lute – Street Magicain X Aloltalute 3yo filly.
Multiple Stakes winner over 6f & C&D. Won over C&D on December 26th and won again at this course in a 6f Stakes race on January 16th by 5 lengths from Miss Leslie…

8.46 (R7) – Runhappy Barbara Fritchie Stakes – Fillies’ & Mares’ Grade 3- 4yo Plus – 7f….
Dontletsweetfoolya -Stay Thirsty X Stunning Electra 4yo filly.
Has won 5 on the bounce including over C&D & her last 2 wins have been at this course over 6f, both in stakes races & deserves to step up in grade today. Last run on December 26th, winning by 2 & 1/4 lengths….

That is everything for you today folks, it has been a busy day… Same again tomorrow?
Thanks for popping by & your continued support, we really appreciate it…
STAY SAFE

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

A bit closer to home….

Welcome to Arseonlineracing….. This website is 100% Independent & has NO affiliate links….
A bit closer to home is miles away from the warmth & riches of Saudi Arabia but the racing is no less exciting, if a little poorer in prize money… What it lacks in cash it makes up in drama & we love it more for the horses & the personalities on display…

There is some fantastic races for us to get our teeth into & as normal we are joined by our NH talisman Chris Price, who will run through his thoughts for today, joined by Jamie & Rich….

Chris –

Haydock

2.40 Grand National Trial Handicap Chase

Lord Du Mesnil finished well beaten in the rescheduled Welsh National last month, but there were clear excuses that day as conditions were not as testing as many believed. The ground should be much more to this one’s liking and he returns to a venue where where his form over these fences reads 112. Richard Hobson’s charge is 2lb higher than that of his close 2nd in this race last year, with another big run expected today. At the current prices, he seems a nice each-way bet.

Ascot

3.35 Ascot Chase

I’m steering clear of the fancied Paul Nicholls runners here, with Cyrname, Master Tommytucker plus emphatic course and distance winner Dashel Drasher in the field, this one could be run at a furious clip. Benny’s King just failed to reel in the latter named here last month, but is now 2lb better off as they run off level weights today. Harry Skelton is likely to bide his time and hope they cook each others goose out front. If the race plays out as expected, the current double figure price seems very tempting, especially if all 5 stand their ground.

Jamie –

2:05 – Haydock – Rendlesham Hurdle (G2) – Selection: Itchy Feet

The feature race on a good looking card at Haydock. Emitom brings good course form, including a win in this race last year while On The Blind Side has been running very well and consistently all season. However I am going to side with Itchy Feet who judging by the way he finishes his races off over 2m 4f could well see this step up to 3m in his favour. He has always been rated highly by the Olly Murphy stable and should make his presence felt at this grade. His last run over hurdles came at Aintree in April 2019 but that wouldn’t put me off and the return to hurdling could ignite something in him.

3:00 – Ascot – Betfair Handicap Hurdle – Selection: Arrivederci

An open looking handicap hurdle with 16 going to post. I really like the chances of Arrivederci who ran very well last time out at Ascot when second in a G3 over this trip. He ticks a lot of boxes as he acts on soft ground, looks ahead of the handicapper and is still relatively unexposed. It looks like this race may set up well for him and if his jumping holds up then Jonjo O’Neill’s runner holds every chance on all known form. Of the rest I quite like Kateson who finished behind Arrivederci three weeks ago as a solid each way bet. This looks set to be one of the races of the day.

3:18 – Wincanton – Kingwell Hurdle (G2) Selection: Goshen

It’s a typically small but select field for this Grade 2 prize as Champion Hurdle credentials are put to the test. That statement could not be truer for Goshen who really needs to show a spark here today heading into Cheltenham. Things went wrong for the 5yo on his seasonal reappearance when he tailed off badly in the International Hurdle. Nothing went right for team Goshen that day and you would just have to put it down as a blip. If Gary Moore’s charge is back to the form that saw him storm clear in the Triumph Hurdle before the cruel unseating of Jamie Moore then he has a big chance. He also recieves the 5lbs weight allowance from Navajo Pass & Song From Someone. It is a bit risky backing him today no doubt but I can’t get the image of this horse sauntering clear in the Triumph Hurdle out of my head. Goshen remains a top prospect.

Rich –

Haydock – Soft to Heavy in Places…

2.05 Rendlesham Hurdle – Grade 2 – 4yo Plus – 3m 58yds…
On The Blind Side – Stowaway X Such A Set Up 9yo gelding.
Returned to hurdles this season & has been in fantastic form, winning 2 from 4 starts & 2 runner up spots. Landed a Cheltenham 3m Listed hurdle on return in November before 2 runner up spots at Cheltenham in a 3m Class 2 handicap & then again in the Rekeel Grade 2 over 2m 5f at Kempton..
Back to winning ways last time out when beating Lil Rockerfella in a thrilling finish by a neck in a 2m 7f Market Rasen Class 2 handicap,,,,

That is everything for the UK today…. Thanks for popping by & Please Stay Safe. We really appreciate your continued support…

All the best – The Arseonlineracing Team

The Saudi Cup 2021

Welcome to Arseonlinesracing’s coverage of the Saudi Cup…. This website is 100% Independent & has NO affiliate links….

We love getting our teeth in to a really nice racing card & this meeting is no exception… Yes we can go on about all the things that have happened in the country, but for us this is about racing and nothing more…..
One of the RICHEST racing cards in the world & there are plenty of fantastic horses on show, that you are unlikely to see in the same fields again until the Breeders Cup in November…..

Charlie – 2.45 Jockey Club local Handicap for 3yo+

Albathaly – Out of Mucho Macho and Abundance, won last time out when beating Emblem Star by 7 lengths back in January last year, if showing up in same mood can go in again here, biggest threat to the selection comes from Alnajim Albaaher who finished 3rd here last year.

.

4.10 Saudi Derby Sponsored by Al Rahij Bank

Cowan – Out Of Kantharos and Tempers Flair has had 7 races winning once and placing in the other 5 races. Was 2nd last time out at Oaklawn Park when beaten 10 and 1/4 lengths by Caddo River. Although hasn’t won since debut race when beating Sheriff Bianco by 2 and 3/4 lengths. If showing up in that kind of mood should be able to take this race at the expense of Rebels Romance.

.

5.40 The Saudi Cup –

Knicks Go – Out of Paynter and Kosmo’s Buddy has had 4 straight wins since February last year. The wins have came at Oaklawn Park, Keeneland and Gulfstream Park, Knicks Go has won 3 Grade 1 races including the Breeders Cup Mile and the Pegasus World Cup. If repeating that here can go in again but will need to keep Charlatan at arm’s length.

Jamie –

1:00 – Neom Turf Cup – Selection: Channel Maker

This is a contest I’m really looking forward to seeing. The English and Irish raiders bring strong form but by far the best form on offer is the Breeders Cup Turf 3rd Channel Maker. When you consider the gelding was beaten just a length by Tarnawa & Magical, well it really does catch the eye. I am a little surprised that Channel Maker isn’t favourite and so he represents some good value here I think for the punters. As long as he has taken the journey to Saudi well I’m sure he will be bang there in the final furlong. He will love the fast ground and has a good draw in stall 3.

5:40 – The Saudi Cup – Selection: Knicks Go

The richest race in the world has attracted some top drawer American horses and I’m very confident they will retain the trophy again. It looks to potentially be a head to head between Charlatan and Knicks Go, I am going to plump for Knicks Go on this occasion. Brad Cox’s son of Paynter is on a roll having won his last 3 races. The last two being the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile and the Pegasus World Cup last month. That Breeders Cup success showed that Knicks Go has plenty of pace whilst the Pegasus showed his stamina at this distance. He is improving all the time and has every chance of toppling the favourite, Charlatan. Tacticus & Bangkok appeal to me as possible each way bets.

Rich –

1.00 – Neom Turf Cup – 3yo plus – 1m 2f 110yds…

Channel Maker – English Channel X In Return 7yo gelding.
Last seen in November at Keeneland when finishing 3rd to Tawnawa in the Breeders Cup Turf 1m 4f, having won the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic 1m 2f Grade 1 on October 3rd & the 1m 2f Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga in August…

1.35 – 1315 Turf Sprint – 3yo Plus – 6f 110yds….

Space Blues – Dubawi X Miss Lucifer 5yo horse.
Not seen since winning the 6 & 1/2f Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest Stakes by 3/4’s of a length from Hello Youmzain in August & has been off for 195 days.
Progressed nicely last season, winning the Spring Trophy at Haydock on season return, followed by the Prix de La Porte Maillot Stakes Group 3 at Longchamp and the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood prior to his Group 1 win in France…..

2.10 Red Sea Turf Handicap – 3yo Plus – 1m 7f…..

Call The Wind – Frankel X In Clover 7yo gelding.
Winner of this race last season by 2 & 1/2 lengths from Mekong. Last seen in October when finishing 3rd by 1 length to Princess Zoe on Arc day in the Prix du Cadran having won the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay 1m 7f in August…

5.40 The Saudi Cup (Dirt) – 3yo Plus – 1m 1f….

There is plenty of UK interest in this race but all eyes will be on the US runners & 2 in particular….
Knicks Go – Paynter X Kosmo’s Buddy 5yo horse, who is the Pegasus Invitational Winner on January 23rd & also the winner of the Breeders Cup Big Ass Dirt Mile in November at Keeneland….And….
Charlatan – Spreightstown X Authenticity 4yo colt, who was last seen on December 26th winning the 7f Runhappy Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita from Express Train & is also the 1m 1f Grade 1 Arkansas Derby winner & the one I prefer is CHARLATAN
Of the rest, I think Military Law – Dubawi X Mauve Blue 6yo gelding, who like Knicks Go has had a run when winning the Al Maktoum Challenge R1 Dirt on January 21st….

That’s everything for our coverage of the Saudi Cup 2021, thanks for popping by & we really appreciate your support….
STAY SAFE

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

Meydan Week 4….

Hello & Welcome to Arseonlineracing’s coverage of the Meydan Carnival… This website is 100% Independent & has NO affiliate links….

This is our 4th week of covering the Carnival in the lead up to the Dubai World Cup next month… Plenty of races today with the highlight’s a 5f Group 2 sprint, the UAE Oaks & Group 2 Zabeel Mile amongst the races on the card….

Charlie –

3.05 Meydan Turf Sprint Group 2 – This is quite an interesting race on paper, the fav Lazuli was 3rd here last time out when finishing behind Equilateral in the Dubai Dash. Equilateral won here last time out when beating Mutaraffa and Lazuli, although Frankie Dettori has opted to ride A’ali who is my selection here, A’ali has won 5 times from 10 race course starts and although hasn’t ran here before ticks a lot of boxes even though has 3lb extra to carry for today’s race.

Selection – A’ali

.

4.50 Zabeel Mile Group 2 – This is another interesting race on paper where D’bai tackles 1m for 1st time since 2017, in fact most of this field have questions to answer and has only one last time out winner in Bedouins Story who won here last time out after a 481 day absence. I feel D’bai will have too much class for this field and is my selection in a wide open race.

Selection – D’bai

.

Chris –

3.05 Meydan Sprint

Lazuli was a little green on reappearance last month, only managing 3rd behind Equilateral. I’m backing this son of Dubawi to bounce back here with that run under his belt. Strictly on ratings he has produced his best effort of the season on his 2nd start as both a 2yo an 3yo, which bodes well for a strong run and a first success at this grade.

4.50 Zabeel Mile

D’bai has predominantly raced over shorter than this trip over the past 2 years, but has some solid form during his younger days over 8f which included a listed win and several placed efforts at that level. He ran on promisingly over 7f here 3 weeks ago which should set him up perfectly this evening, and strictly on ratings he must be bang there in what looks a slightly below par renewal.

Jamie –

4:15 – UAE Oaks (G2) – Selection: Mnasek

On all known form there isn’t a standout contender for this year’s UAE Oaks but it may well prove fruitful to stick with the UAE 1000 Guineas form. The runner up, Mnasek and third, Super Chianti clash again and I can see both going very well. It’s hard to see how Super Chianti can overturn that form so I am going to side with Mnasek. She was well beaten behind a very exciting Charlie Appleby inmate in Soft Whisper who won on the bridle. It looks the best form any horse brings into this race and I don’t see any stamina issues with Mnasek. She has obvious claims here and I am hopeful she can get her head in front here.

4:50 – Zabeel Mile (G2) – Selection: Bedouin’s Story

This Zabeel Mile is probably the best race that Bedouin’s Story has ever contested to date but I think he can take this step up in class well and be competitive. After a 481 day break Saeed Bin Suroor’s charge stormed home to narrowly win a handicap over C+D 3 weeks ago. It was some effort to win after such a long layoff and if he has come on for that run, then he holds every chance under the main man Frankie Dettori. Stall 2 shouldn’t be a problem as he is a hold up horse and at the current prices he represents good value. The son of Farrh should be right in the mix.

Rich –

3.05(R2) Meydan Turf Sprint – Group 2 – 3yo Plus – 5f….

Waady – Approve X Anne Bonney 9yo gelding.
Left John Gosden in 2017 & has run 6 times over C&D since January 2018. He has 2 wins & 2 places from the 6 runs, with 2 of them i Class 1 company.
He won a C&D Handicap on February 13th 2020 before landing this race on February 20th 2020 from Equilatereal by 3/4’s of a length, despite being beaten by him in a C&D Listed race on January 23rd 2020. Has run in December & again last month on January 23rd, when finishing a 1 & 1/4 length runner up in a 6f Handicap to Switzerland & now drops back to 5f…
DANGER…. Lazuli – Dubawi X Floristry 4yo gelding.
Winner of the Newbury Group 3 5f World Trophy Stakes on September 19th by 1 length from Tiz Marvellous. Was off 124 days before finishing a 1 & 3/4 length 3rd to Equalilatereal in a C&D Listed Handicap on January 21st…

4.50(R5) Zabeel Mile – Turf Group 2 – 3yo Plus – 1m….

Velorum – Sea The Stars X Lily’s Angel 5yo gelding.
Winner of a 7f Handicap here in February 2020 after coming back from 252 day break having finished 26th of 28 in the Britannia Stakes, Class 2 1m at Ascot in 2019. Won a Class 4 at Newmarket & Class 5 at Yarmouth over 1m in May 2019.
Returned here over 7f in the Group 2 Al Fahld Fort Stakes on January 21st, 7 lengths behind the winner having been off for more than 300 days. Now returns to 1m….

That is everything for you folks, thanks for popping by & we really appreciate your support.
If you have not seen our latest BIG Interview, we catch up with Apprentice Jockey Gavin Ashton, who is with Roger Varian….

STAY SAFE.

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

US Racing….

Welcome to Arseonlineracing’s Stateside coverage…. The website is 100% independent & has NO affiliate links…

With no National Hunt racing today due to the cold snap affecting the UK & the lads taking some time away to spend with their families, they will be back for Meydan on Thursday, Rich is back with their coverage of the racing in the US.

Today there are more Graded races from Gulfstream, Laurel Park & Santa Anita….

Stateside Double –

Gulfstream….

Race 6 – 7.35 Grade 3 Turf Sprint Stakes – 4yo Plus – 5f….
Leinster – Majestic Warrior X Vassar 6yo horse.
Winner of 2 x Grade 2, 5 & 1/2f sprints in 2020 at Keeneland prior to finishing 3rd in the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint (5 & 1/2F) to Glass Slippers in November when last seen. Season return.
Race 11 – 22.16 Sprint Stakes (Dirt) Grade 3 – 4yo Plus – 6f…
Mishevious Alex – Into Mischief X White Pants Night 4yo colt.
A Grade 3 winning miler at Aquaduct, in the Gotham Stakes(Blimey Batman!) last March. Run in a pair of Grade 1 7f races but unplaced. Changed trainers & landed a C&D Optional Claiming race on January 10th by 4 lengths, 2nd has since won & Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr has a 30% SR in the last 14 days….

Laurel Park….

Race 7 – 8.23 – Runhappy Barbara Fritchie Stakes – Fillies – 4yo Plus – 7f…. (Dirt)
Dontletsweetfoolya – Stay Thirsty X Stunning Electra 4yo filly.
Has won 5 on the bounce including 2 stakes races, her last 2 wins were over 6f and now steps up in grade having won her last outing over C&D on December 26th by 2 & 1/4 lengths

Santa Anita….

Race 8 – 12.20am – Santa Monica Stakes – Fillies Grade 2 – 4yo Plus – 7f….
Fair Maiden – Street Boss X Shieldmaiden 4yo filly.
Finished 12th in the 2019 Breeders Cup Grade 1 Fillies Turf Mile, won by Sharing.
Dropped back to 6f on return in the Fort Sprins Stakes(Dirt) on November 7th finishing 4th before stepping back up to 7f to land the La Brea Grade 1 Stakes by 2 & 1/4 lengths from Golden Principle, who is likely to the main danger along with stable companion & recent stakes winner(6f at this course)on January 11th, Qahira….

That’s everything for you today folks….. There will be a Meydan blog on Thursday followed by the usual Saturday blog, weather permitting….
Thanks for popping by & for your support..
Stay Safe

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

Meydan – Week 3

Welcome to Arseonlineracing…. The 100% Independent racing website with NO affiliate links….

This is our 3 week of covering the Meydan Carnival, building up to World Cup night in March…
With the UK racing calendar hit by the recent inclement weather, we enjoy taking the time to look over the cards & give you our thoughts on the racing in the UAE as many British flat trainers send their horses over to prepare for the Flat season, which is literally just around the corner….

Charlie –

4.15 – Al Maktoum Challenge (Group 2) – Dubai Warrior – Out of Dansili and Mahbooba. Has won 6 times on the all-weather in the UK. Although not raced outside of the UK since September 2019 when finishing 7th over 1m 2f at Longchamp. Was an unlucky 3rd in a listed race at Lingfield on the 19th December when a neck and a nose separated the 1st 3 home. If handling the dirt today could spring a surprise with a similar display shown in last run at Lingfield.

.

5.25 – Emirates Skywards Handicap – Mutaraffa – Out of Acclamation and Excellent View. Was beaten a length and 1/4 by Dahawi at Jebel Ali on the 18th December 2020 over 6f. Most recently was 2nd again here on the 21st January when beaten a 1/2 length by Equilateral over 5f. With a similar display can go one better here in a very open looking Handicap.

.

Jamie –

4:15 – Al Maktoum Challenge (G2) – Selection: Cappezano

It’s a wide open round two of the Maktoum Challenge over 1m 1 1/2f. I am taking a bit of a chance here on his recent form but I think it may be worth taking a chance on Cappezano. Form figures of 0-37 don’t inspire much confidence but if he rediscovers his best form then the 7yo gelding is right in the melting pot. Clearly something went wrong in the Saudi Cup last year when he finished stone last. He went too quickly up front three weeks ago and paid the price in the straight when weakening to seventh, yet still he wasn’t beaten a million miles. Perhaps a change of tactics and getting a lead of a horse could help him rediscover his mojo. He has got to have some sort of a chance. At a big price Quip could sneak into a place.

4:50 – Al Rashidiya Stakes (G2) – Selection: Zakouski

This is a smart little contest and the highlight for many on today’s carnival card. Lord Glitters banged in the Singspiel here three weeks ago and he will be hard to stop again. Although I am going to side with the home team in the shape of Zakouski, who was third behind Lord Glitters last time out when things fell the way of the grey horse. This time though with a smaller field and less of a pace angle today, it could perhaps play more to Zakouski’s strengths. Godolphin’s main hope also receives 3lbs today from Lord Glitters and I think he has a great chance of bagging a third win over C&D. This could well be the most tactical race we see today at Meydan.

Chris –

3.05 Emirates SkyCargo Handicap

Star Safari was well fancied on reappearance here a fortnight ago, but struggled to quicken with the leaders and had to settle for 3rd. There is hope that this step-up to 12f will see the son of Sea The stars in better light this evening. He has not been missed in the betting, but despite the high draw he looks more than capable of winning off this mark

4.50 Al Rashidiya Sponsored by Emirates.com

Like my colleague’s I’m all aboard the Zakouski train here. The potential for a less fiercely contested lead and a 3lb pull should see him reverse the form with Lord Glitters, who had things his own way last time out in the Singspiel.

Rich –

3.40 Conditions Stakes(Turf) – 3yo Only – 1m 1f 110yds…

Mystical Dawn – Sea the Stars X My Spirit 3yo colt.
Cost 500,000 Euros & has had 1 start. Newmarket, October 3rd 2020 in a 1m Class 4 Maiden, winning by 1/2 a length. Up in trip..
ONE TO WATCH in 2021

4.15 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 – Group 2 – Dirt(Fast) – 1m 1f 110yds…

Dubai Warrior – Dansili X Mahbooba 5yo horse.
6 wins & 2 places from 8 UK All Weather runs.
The 2020 Winter Derby winner was last seen finishing 3rd on December 19th 2020 in the 1m 2f Lingfield Listed Quebec Stakes to Sangarius by 1/4 of a length. Off for 54 days & now wears 1st time blinkers….

4.50 Al Rashidiya Group 2 Stakes (Turf) – 3yo Plus – 1m 1f…

Zakouski – Shamardal X O’giselle 5yo gelding.
Landed the Zabeel mile here last February by a neck from Mythical Madness. Ran 2 races in the UK in 2020, finishing 4th to Happy Power in the 1m Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on October 9th before landing the Dan Marshall Listed 1m Stakes at Newmarket on October 31st.
Beaten 3 lengths by Lord Glitters in the 1m 1f Singspel Stakes, Group 2 over C&D on January 21st. Now has 3lb on Lord Glitters, who carries a penalty…

That is everything for you today folks, we hope to see you at the weekend, if the UK racing gets the go ahead… Thanks for your support
STAY SAFE

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team