Dubai World Trophy Tips: Beverley Form To Be Upheld
A big Saturday of racing takes place at Newbury and the action kicks off with a bang with a Group 3 over five furlongs, the Dubai World Trophy. Billy Grimshaw is on hand to hopefully kick off the afternoon in style...
When first studying this race I was fairly confident I would be all over the favourite Annaf after he did me a few favours at the end of last season. He had a solid late season campaign in 2023 and won another big race back in February of this year overseas. He was then put away and on his return last time out at Haydock in the Sprint Cup, he ran a lovely comeback race not given a hard time of things.
I can't argue with the odds compilers making him favourite on the back of that, however at the prices I have cooled on him considerably. All his best form is over six or a stiffer track than Newbury and there are some real speedballs in here - I'm concerned he could just be tapped for toe at a crucial stage or stages in the race. Albasheer was another high on my shortlist and with the horse in fine fettle and plenty of pace to aim at, he looks as close to a place lock as you can get in these sprint races. However, he has developed a bit of a habit of finding trouble in running and this screams of a messy race, so I'm giving him the swerve too.
William Haggas has been almost comically non-plussed about Relief Rally's prospects now she is three rather than two, but the horse hasn't exactly been a write off this season and off a long break I wouldn't dismiss her. The second she posted last time she was seen in May behind Elite Status has worked out in her absence.
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The horse I'll be backing is one I think most believe was a fortunate winner of the Beverley Bullet last time out: DEMOCRACY DILEMMA. It is true that Albasheer was closing with every stride as the line approached, which always gives the impression that horse is the best horse in the race. However, what should not be discounted is the rapid start Democracy Dilemma got to create the gap to his rivals and the fact he was at work a long way out to win the pace battle from Emaraty Ana that day.
Robert Cowell's speedster is always alert from the gates and I think if Rossa Ryan, who replaces Tom Eaves in the saddle, can get to the lead and perhaps exert less energy than he did at Beverley to get the number one spot, he could keep going a bit more strongly than he did in the Bullet to just hold on. At double figures he is by far my favourite play in the race of those who are likely to contest the lead.
The three year old Seven Questions has had a curious campaign, springing a surprise in May to scoop the Palace House at Newmarket at 33/1 before tailing off badly. If he's back to that form I wouldn't rule him out, but he's hard to trust. Another one running that I have a soft spot for is Equilateral in the same colours as Democracy Dilemma, although sadly his paciest days look in the past and it's tough to fancy him in here.