Meydan 29 December 2016
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CAPEZZANO has shown plenty of promise to date whilst shaping as if we haven't seen close to the best of him yet, including when second in a C&D maiden last time, and he's already the one to beat on that form. Newcomers Bee Jersey and Fawree make plenty of appeal on paper, while Hidden Journey and Sharp Defence are also interesting in a pretty useful-looking maiden.
FLY AT DAWN concedes weight all round, but showed decidely useful form earlier in the year when winning 3 of his 5 starts and he's bred to be suited by this surface. Stablemate Van Der Decken was fifth in this year's Coventry Stakes, meaning he clearly has the ability to go close if taking to the dirt, but the main dangers could be recent C&D maiden scorer Mufeed and US import Call To War.
MAZEED showed a good deal to work on when third over 7f on debut a fortnight ago and though he now goes against his elders, this is probably a weaker contest and he's entitled to major respect. Vivernus made an encouraging debut for this yard 2 weeks ago and shouldn't be hindered by a drop back in trip, while Dangerous Thoughts has joined a top yard and is very much bred to handle the surface.
MATHEMATICS hasn't had much racing for his age and looks to be finally rewarding the patience of connections, having already won twice this season, and a 7 lb rise for his comfortable success here over 7f last time may not be enough to prevent him coming out on top again. Shoreditch is of obvious interest after making a winning debut over C&D, while Ticket Holder and Zalzilah look next best.
DESERT FORCE produced arguably one of the most impressive performances of the UAE season so far when routing his field over C&D last time, and he's taken to follow up despite being 10 lb higher and in a stronger race. Heavy Metal again should be thereabouts, while Winslow is related to US dirt Grade 1 performers and is well worth keeping an eye on making his debut for Doug Watson.
NORTH AMERICA impressed when landing a C&D maiden by 8 lengths on his UAE/dirt debut for this yard, having left Godolphin in the interim, and though the assessor has had a say, he's taken to build on that back in handicaps. Muhtaram and Moosir fought out the finish to a handicap 2 weeks ago and should be thereabouts again, with slight preference for the latter who has a 2 lb swing for ¾ length.
There should be more to come from DEHBASHI, who got off the mark at the second attempt over 10f here a fortnight ago despite showing clear signs of inexperience still, and he looks on a workable mark now starting life in handicaps. Skygazer makes obvious appeal given the current heart he's in, whilst Darkening is closely matched with him and Enery may appreciate the return to this track.
SKY JOCKEY followed up his C&D success on return with a respectable effort over 7f last time, but will appreciate the return to 1m here, and though the draw could have been kinder, this looks a winnable contest. Hello and the 2-y-o Al Barez are a lightly-raced pair coming off maiden victories, so make obvious appeal, while Fraserburgh is another coming off a recent win.
