'When things set up for him he's more than capable of winning another Group 1'

The Flat turf action is back with Doncaster's Lincoln fixture kicking off proceedings in Britain. The Dubai World Cup meeting also takes centre stage at Meydan and here we provide the key details and analysis of a selection of the big races . . .

12.55 Meydan

Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2), 2m

What happened?

There was not too much pace in this race with several runners keen early on, most notably odds-on favourite Manobo. The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old came under pressure on the turn in but hit the front in the straight, only to be denied in the closing stages by Japan's Stay Foolish. Stay Foolish was a second winner on the card for trainer Yoshito Yahagi following Bathrat Leon's 66-1 success in the Godolphin Mile.

The winning time

Stay Foolish crossed the line in 3m 19.64s, slow by 0.94s and pointing towards a fairly slowly-run race.

Ante-post market moves

Manobo drifted to 4-1 second favourite (from 3-1 joint favourite with Trueshan) for the Ascot Gold Cup with Sky Bet on June 16

What do our experts reckon?

Considering Manobo pulled so hard and was trading at odds against for much of the race, it was surprising to see him loom up with a major challenge in the straight, looking the winner when hitting the front and only edged out of it late on by a high-class Japanese runner. It was a massive run from the Godolphin horse.

The first two can be upgraded, as the pace wasn't strong and the winner, Stay Foolish, was unable to dominate as he had in Saudi Arabia, only really getting going as the line approached.

Manobo will need to settle if he's to fulfil his potential and it might be wise to drop him back in trip for the time being – connections had toyed with the idea of running him the half-mile shorter Sheema Classic.
Ron Wood

Full result

3.35 Doncaster

SBK Lincoln, 1m

What happened?

Silvestre de Sousa returned with his first rides in Britain this year at Doncaster and landed the feature handicap on Johan. The five-year-old, making his debut for Mick Channon, was well positioned and stayed on best for a length and a quarter win over Saleymm. Rogue Bear and Irish Admiral completed the placings.

The winning time

It was 1m 37.34s and slow by 0.44s compared to Racing Post Standard on ground described as good to soft.

What do our experts reckon?

Racing in one big group centre-field, what is usually a highly competitive handicap proved uneventful with the first two in the leading pair throughout.

William Haggas appeared to hold a strong hand, but his trio came up short, and it was one of his former inmates, Johan, who took the race from the unexposed Crisford runner Saleymm.

It's unlikely we saw any future Group performers, as can sometimes emerge from this race, with the most likely candidate to go on to compete at a higher level, the previously unbeaten Mujtaba, disappointing.

The race can often be a good guide to the Spring Cup at Newbury in April, and Tom Clover's Rogue Bear could be of interest if turning up there, having done best of those from off the pace, and to have raced towards the stands' side in this.
Mark Brown

Full result and replay | Report

3.55 Meydan

Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1), 1m4f

What happened?

Shahryar was perfectly placed and gained first run on eventual runner-up Yibir, holding on late to score by a diminishing neck. Cristian Demuro's mount, trained by Hideaki Fujiwara, was a fifth winner on the Dubai World Cup card for Japan. Fourth-placed Pyledriver was an unlucky loser, having gone without a clear run in the home straight.

The winning time

This race compared favourably as it was fast by 0.42s in a time of 2m 26.88s.

What do our experts reckon?

Japanese domination continues.

Authority had it easy in front and kicked first into the straight, and Shahryar, who tracked him the whole way round, had the ability to come round him in the closing stages. They were closely matched on their Japan Cup running and the winner looks to have stepped up from three to four.

Yibir can be considered unlucky as he was trying to close from the back of the field in a race lacking pace, but his style of running does put him at that disadvantage. When things set up for him he's more than capable of winning in Group 1 company again.
Steffan Edwards

Full result

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