2010 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan Racecourse Tips and Preview

The first big race for Saturday at Meydan is the 2010 Al Quoz Sprint, and we’ve got four strong contenders with a few very talented-looking long-shots.

As it currently stands, California Flag (Avenue of Flags) is the current favourite by a slim margin over Sirocco Breeze (Green Desert) and Our Giant (Giant’s Causeway).

California Flag scored a big victory in the 2009 Breeders Cup Sprint, and then shipped to Sha Tin for a go at the Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint; winding up in fifth.

He’s poised for a strong showing for his first spin around the Tapeta at Meydan, and having shown form on synthetics bodes well. I think he’ll set up to stalk here and make a big push about one furlong out. The long stretch at Meydan means that he’s going to need near-perfect timing, but I do consider him a justifiable favourite. He’s listed at 4.0.

Sirocco Breeze is a very talented Godolphin runner who had a forgettable first outing at Meydan, but then went on to take his next two over some very talented opposition. He was co-top weight when he took the second leg of the Meydan Masters over the likes of Swop and Beauchamp Viceroy. The reason he didn’t take the opener at Meydan was because he went out to challenge the front runners early and ran out of gas on the way home.

That stretch at Meydan is a real challenge for a lot of runners, and it’s no coincidence that his two victories came after going to the rear at the start; making a first-class charge about 2.5 furlongs out.

The favourite California Flag is a similar type of runner, but Sirocco Breeze’s experience on the Meydan surface may be what makes the difference here. He’s trading around 4.5.

Mike De Kock’s Our Giant took the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint at Clairwood without even breaking a sweat, but will likely have to dig a lot deeper to take the Al Quoz at Meydan. He’s been laid off for quite a while and I’m just not sure if he’ll be sharp enough to tackle horses who are in peak mid-season condition. He’s a bit underlaid at the 5.0 mark.

Sir Gerry (Carson City) started brightly at Meydan, but has come up short in his later subsequent races. He’s well-priced at something like 25.0 but is a more realistic place option in my books. I’m also looking at Godolphin’s Asset (Marju) for a potential place finish as well, he’s around 26.0 for the win and should reward well to finish top 3.

If you are looking for a win-only spoiler I’d opt for the talented Judd Street (Compton Place) who has had issues on the synthetic, but ran on well to score a 28/1 victory on the turf just two weeks ago at Meydan. He’s trading at a 26.0 price and is worth a bash.