Dubai World Cup Night Preview

Bold Showing - Giovanni Boldini can win the UAE Derby

The flat is definitely back in a big way this weekend and while the Lincoln will take centre stage on the domestic front at Doncaster on Saturday, internationally all eyes will be on Dubai for World Cup night at Meydan.

I don’t have a strong opinion this year on the world’s richest horse race, other than that I think last year’s Derby winner, and current favourite for the race Ruler Of The World looks vulnerable and that last year’s fourth Side Glance, the rank outsider of them all, could again outrun his price amidst reports of impressive work out on the course earlier today.

I do however have some stronger opinions on some of the races on the undercard.

Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe 2013 - Dawn Approach - Ante-post

Quick as a Flash - The copper flash can land the Arc as well as the Derby

I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here but on the back of his explosive 2000 Guineas win at the weekend and the confirmation today that he will indeed head to the Epsom Derby over 1m4f the time seems right to back Dawn Approach at what looks a big price in another market.

We’re already sitting pretty with a 12/1 slip for him in the Derby (now best priced 7/4) and if he goes on to Epsom in just under four weeks and wins then his price for what will surely then be his end of season target – the Arc – will contract massively.

A Coventry winner we know he’ll handle the large Arc field and he’s now proven he’ll go on any sort of ground, so whatever the unpredictable early October weather throws up I’d be confident he’ll handle it.

His trainer Jim Bolger is nothing short of a genius and if he elects to send this horse to Longchamp then you’d have to think that it was for good reason.