Local hero Drafted headlines the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Drafted has won 3 of his four starts at Meydan this season, defeating several of horses who are also part of the Golden Shaheen field, Including Nine Below Zero and Tato Key.
Fans also get to see the much-awaited rematch between Imperial Hint and Roy H, the winner of the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint in which the former stood as runner-up. Imperial Hint was disappointing in the Pelican Stakes which he was expected to win with ease. Let’s hope the son of Imperialism has returned to form for this race.
Conversely, Peter Miller-trained Roy H’s form has never been better. He won the Gr.2 Palos Verde after his Breeder’s Cup run defeating the likes of Conquest Tsunami and Kanthaka. He is a force this year and the main threat to Drafted.
4YO Promised Fulfilled is another American raider, out to take on the big guns in this race. He won 6 out of his eleven starts and was unbeaten for 3 starts prior to his run in the Gr.1 Breeder’s Cup Sprint where he landed a strong fourth. This race should be interesting for him, but it's unlikely for him to beat his betters.
X Y Jet was runner up to Mind Your Biscuits in the last installment of the same event, defeating Roy H. The 2018 winner has been retired. So, if he can best Roy H and Drafted, he has a chance at the crown. However, it doesn’t seem like he is at his 2018 form. Only time will tell.
Hideyuki Mori trained-Matera Sky has raced just once since last year’s Golden Shaheen, where the colt landed fifth. The lightly raced colt may not be a sound match for this august company.
Fawzi Nass trained-son of Showcasing was at his best in his last start, when facing Drafted. He landed a strong runner up in the Gr.3 Mahab Al Shimaal.
Group winning Argentinian runner Tato Key is in good form and has enjoyed his runs at Meydan. Hopefully, the trend continues, and he will land well in the trifecta.
Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Steven Asmussen’s pupil Switzerland has yet to prove himself at Meydan. It's unlikely, he will pick the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen to do it.
Hong Kong raider Fight Hero has yet to win a race after his Class 2 win in 2017. Unlikely to take the field by storm.
Winner 2018: Mind Your Biscuits
Click here to Runner list 2019
Race Info:
Distance: 1,200 metres (6 furlongs),Surface: Dirt, Track: left-handed, Qualification: Northern & Southern Hemisphere, 3-year-olds & up,Weight: NH 3yo: 55kg. - SH 3yo: 58.5kg -,NH & SH 4yo+: 60kg, Purse: US$2,000,000, Bonuses: Global Sprint Challenge
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com