Meydan betting preview

It’s early days at the Dubai Carnival and there are plenty of betting opportunities before the form settles down. This afternoon we see the first race over the five furlong turf track at Meydan which certainly helps the European raiders. The majority of the Arab based horses ply their trade on synthetic tracks and there are big question marks whether they can reproduce the form on grass indeed second favourite Terrific Challenge hasn’t won on turf since 2006.

If we rule out horses with that profile we are left with European sprinters, apart from War Artist who is better over 6 furlongs, most of these are top handicappers but not much better. One with scope to improve is Monsieur Joe.

The highlight of his 3yo season was winning a big field sprint during the Ebor Festival, that day he came down the worst part of the track but relished coming through horses in the big field. Next time he slightly flopped in the Portland but he was hampered when his stamina was giving way as the extra half furlong seemed to stretch him. His last run of the season can also be forgiven as it was in soft ground but if he recaptures his earlier form and has improved slightly over the winter he should go close.