Dubai: Gentildonna was an absolute sensation last year, when she swept the fillies’ Triple Crown in Japan before taking on males and older horses with success in the Japan Cup. No three-year-old filly had won the Japan Cup previously, making her win over the mighty Orfevre even more meritorious. It was also some result for Sunday Racing Co. Ltd, owners of both these top class performers. Only a nose separated them as they passed the winning post. If Gentildonna runs like that again at Meydan, she will be tough to beat. She can actually improve, so is a logical choice here.
Shareta is another who could strike for the girls. She has been one of the best fillies in Europe the past two years, and 2400 metres is her optimum trip. She first made her presence felt at the top level when second to the German champion Danedream in the 2011 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and last year she won two top level contests — the Yorkshire Oaks in England and the Prix Vermeille in France. The ground is the key to many racehorses and none more so than Shareta. She loves it firm or good. Another point: she is at her best over courses with long straights, like Meydan.
St Nicholas Abbey, runner-up in this event 12 months ago, is also in with a good chance. This Irish-trained runner captured the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in 2011 and last year he was an impressive winner of the Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom in England (beating Red Cadeaux by four-and-a-half lengths). St Nicholas Abbey finished well here last year to go down by just a quarter of a length to Cirrus des Aigles, who enjoyed a tactical advantage and got first run on him in the straight. St Nicholas Abbey can make an impact again.
— Geir Stabell is the publishing editor of Newmarket-based Globeform
