Race 3 – GROUP 3 DUBAI GOLD CUP (3200m, Turf)

This race, ever so controversial last year at its first running on Dubai World Cup night, will be looking to stamp itself as a worthy addition to the card tonight.

SADDLER’S ROCK looks the class in the race, with very similar formlines to Opinion Poll who won this race for Godolphin last year. Forget his form in the second half of last season – he’s a Goodwood Cup winner, a Doncaster Cup winner and an Ascot Gold Cup placegetter. Should be right in the mix.

Godolphin’s best hope looks to be TENENBAUM, who beat Brigantin in France last year before finishing midfield behind Arc placegetter Masterstroke and Geelong Cup winner Gatewood in a Group 2 at Deauville.

IMPERIAL MONARCH is the query, given he is stepping up to the trip for the first time. He should appreciate the trip but I want to see him do it first. I would love to see him in a Melbourne Cup.

And don’t discount CAVALRYMAN, who ran 12th in the Melbourne Cup off a muddling tempo last year. He was game behind Jakkalberry three weeks ago at his first run since his Australian sojourn, and he’ll be much improved for that performance.

7 – SADDLER’S ROCK
8 – TENENBAUM
1 – IMPERIAL MONARCH
3 – CAVALRYMAN

Written by Andrew Hawkins – Get the latest Dubai World Cup updates by following him on twitter: @AndrewNJHawkins