Handicapping Insights

HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS

MARCH 30, 2007

by Dick Powell

Saturday's Dubai World Cup program from Nad al Sheba might be the

greatest collection of international superstars ever assembled. From the winners

of the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), Turf (G1), Mile (G1) and Classic (G1) to

international superstars like BULLISH LUCK (Royal Academy) and VENGEANCE OF RAIN

(Zabeel), the six races on the card are worth $21 million and feature unbelievably deep

and competitive fields.

Through the kindness of the Dubai Racing Club, I am here and can't wait for

Saturday's races. And, even though there is no wagering in Dubai, here's

one man's look at the six Thoroughbred races.

Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2)

1. (#11) BOSTON LODGE (Grand Lodge) has two strong wins over the track

recently at this distance and should be able to work out a trip from here.

2. (#1) Impossible Ski (Ski Champ) was no match for top choice last out but ran well

two starts back here off a long layoff.

3. (#6) Killybegs (Orpen) tries dirt for the first time for bin Suroor/Dettori who

are looking to have a big night.

U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2)

1. (#10) ASIATIC BOY (Not for Sale) romped in his three starts here and ran

faster than Discreet Cat did last year when winning a prep last out

at this distance. Very fast and unless someone sacrifices themselves, he'll go

gate to wire.

2. (#13) Eu Tambem (Wild Event) beat a good group going 10 furlongs last out

and gets Dettori.

3. (#4) Day Pass (Five Star Day) was no match for the top choice last out, but he was stuck

outside doing all the work that day and should get more help here.

4. (#11) Folk (Quiet American), a filly, woke up in two starts here, including a smashing

win last out going this distance in fast time.

Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1)

1. (#15) NATIONAL COLOUR (National Assembly) is a sensational sprinting filly

who won

easily here last out going shorter after being left at the gate in her first start

in eight months.

2. (#8) Friendly Island (Crafty Friend) has the right running style for this

straightaway sprint while tracking the leaders. Keeps getting better at the age

of six.

3. (#5) Thor's Echo's (Swiss Yodeler) last wasn't as bad as it first looked, and he

gets weight off and Ted Durcan on.

4. (#14) Seeking the Best (Ire) (Seeking the Gold) ships in from Japan in good form

and can hang around at a price.

Sheema Classic (UAE-G1)

1. (#10) POP ROCK (Helissio) just missed in the Melbourne Cup (Aus-G1) going two

miles and then ran well in his next two starts back in Japan. Gets Peslier and should be

flying at the wire.

2. (#5) Red Rocks (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) was last seen winning the Breeders' Cup Turf and draws

well for this. His second to Rail Link (Dansili [GB]) last summer was sensational and

he should get similar ground today.

3. (#13) Youmzain (Sinndar), a distance specialist, will drop back early so the outside

post should not hurt too much.

4. (#4) Vengeance of Rain would probably prefer to run in the Duty Free (UAE-G1)

since this race looks too long, but he's tough as nails and won't go down without

a fight.

Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1)

1. (#4) IRRIDESCENCE (Caesour) was scratched in the paddock here last year and is

training brilliantly. Post hurt her last out, but she draws well today and gets

major weight off.

2. (#5) Lava Man (Slew City Slew) has been the talk of the backstretch this

week. Ships in but runs on turf, and distance should be perfect for him.

3. (#11) English Channel (Smart Strike) won at this distance last out in

a fantastic time but has to overcome post 11 in big field.

4. (#8) Pompeii Ruler's (Genuine) last two starts in Australia have been terrific and

he drops some weight.

Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1)

1. (#1) DISCREET CAT (Forestry) is being asked a lot to make his 10-furlong debut off a

long layoff against the defending U.S. Horse of the Year, but this is a special

horse who should have things his own way from post 1. Since he has learned to

relax so well, the distance should not be a factor.

2. (#7) Invasor's (Arg) (Candy Stripes) only blemish was a loss to the top choice here last

year going shorter. Unbelievably game, Invasor is a true great horse that can overcome

anything and make his own trip.

3. (#6) Forty Licks (Not for Sale) ships in from Saudi Arabia off a solid fourth

last out going longer.

4. (#5) Premium Tap (Pleasant Tap) doesn't have to improve much to get in the

picture at this distance.