Race 4 – GROUP 2 UAE DERBY (1900m, Tapeta)

This is always a difficult race to assess with so many different formlines coming together.

I do think the main lead up from three weeks ago, the Listed Al Bastakiya (1900m), will provide the winner. Therefore, it is a matter of selecting which horse to follow from that race. It’s hard to go past the winner of that race, SECRET NUMBER, who did it very easily at the finish. He’s now two from two, and looks to have plenty of scope for improvement.

If there’s one horse who can come from outside that form, it is Aidan O’Brien’s LINES OF BATTLE. He did win the race last year with DADDY LONG LEGS, and Lines of Battle looks a similar horse. He was beaten six lengths by the very smart Dawn Approach at Royal Ascot, and he looked to have no luck when he tackled the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He’s drawn to get a perfect run and he’s the main danger, for sure.

It’ll be interesting to see if Traralgon form can step up on the world stage through the exploits of ZAHEE. Formerly with Mick Price at Caulfield, Zahee won his maiden at Traralgon, also recording wins at Kilmore and Mornington. He was good in the Al Bastakiya last start, although Secret Number always looked to have his measure. Still provides interest.

Next best looks to be SNOWBOARDER, who also placed in the Al Bastakiya last start.

7 – SECRET NUMBER
4 – LINES OF BATTLE
8 – ZAHEE
11 – SNOWBOARDER

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