Race 1 – GROUP 1 DUBAI KAHAYLA CLASSIC (2000m, Tapeta)

Purebred Arabian form is hardly my forte, so I’ve applied similar form principles to what I’d use with other form I didn’t know.

The Americans won this race last year with TM Fred Texas, who lines up again here. I think they can win again, but this time I’ll be tipping TM JUNIOR JOHNSON. He has been racing in weaker company in the United States but has been very consistent, winning five from six.

NIESHAN was very good winning the lead up to this race, the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (2000m) three weeks ago. He won the same race last year before finishing fifth in this race, but I think he can run better this year.

Second in that race was VERSAC PY, who comes here with a good chance. He’s drawn well, but he did finish in front of Nieshan last year. Drawn well and can capitalise.

Next best is last year’s winner TM FRED TEXAS, who has been here and done it before. However, he has not been racing as well this preparation, so he’d need to improve to be in the finish.

Best of the rest is SERAPHIN DU PAON.

7 – TM JUNIOR JOHNSON
10 – NIESHAN
2 – VERSAC PY
9 – TM FRED TEXAS

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