Dubai: When Postponed flew to a stunning success last season a top-class European campaign was anticipated and we were not disappointed. Shaikh Mohammad Obaid Al Maktoum’s silks were carried to glory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the Juddmonte International at York.
Roger Varian trains this son of Dubawi and he made a pleasing return on Super Saturday when narrowly beaten in the Dubai City Of Gold. He struggled to get a clear run and did well to finish so close and that certainly looked to put him spot on for another victory in this signature Meydan race.
There can be few tougher horses in world racing than Highland Reel who makes his seasonal reappearance tonight. He finished fourth last year, but this globetrotting son of Galileo showed strong form throughout the season with the highlight seeing him take the Breeders Cup Turf under a magnificent Seamie Heffernan ride. Ryan Moore takes the ride tonight for Aiden O’Brien and this lovely horse who ran in six different countries last year - and has more air miles than many pilots - looks to be the major threat to Postponed.
Aiden O’Brien sends over another fascinating contender from his Ballydoyle base in Ireland in the shape of Seventh Heaven. She was the heroine of both the Yorkshire and Irish Oaks and finished the season with a strong effort in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mares Turf. Also by Galileo and ridden tonight by Seamie Heffernan, she cannot be discounted.
Hobbs good on his day
The 2015 Irish Derby winner Jack Hobbs is very good on his day, but sadly we have not seen enough of him since then. A brave third in the Champion Stakes at the end of last season proved that the Godolphin-owned son of Halling looked to retain his old ability and excitement is mounting ahead of this year’s campaign. This looks like a great place to start and John Gosden’s smart middle distance performer will be right in the fight again.
Prize Money also runs in the Godolphin blue for Meydan record breaking Saeed Bin Surour with Adrie De Vries keeping the ride following his victory over Postponed in the Dubai City of Gold. He is bound to be a massive player again but it is unlikely Postponed will get such a checked run and that could see placings being reversed.
Sounds of Earth has loads of experience in Group 1s and represents the team from Japan. He has looked to be very consistent, but does not win enough and his last victory was three years ago. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could win, but others are preferred tonight. Earnshaw would also need a career best to be victorious here.
This is a classy Sheema Classic but we will go for Postponed to see off Highland Reel. Prize Money could be the fly in the ointment.
The author is a racing journalist, broadcaster and Managing Partner of Tregoning Properties.
