2010 Dubai Duty Free at Meydan Racecourse

We've got some real international flair set to go tomorrow in the 2010 Dubai Duty Free, which is the premier turf event during Dubai World Cup day at Meydan Racecourse.

It's been a hell of a meet with some really solid talent on display from, literally, all four corners of the planet. This is where the best of the best come to slog it out.

At the moment, Previs (Sakhee) is the betting favourite at a rather reasonable 5/2. He is the definition of what Dubai racing is all about- globetrotting flat runners in the 4-6 year old range who flourish in high-profile handicap company.

Since he shipped in from Sha Tin (after finishing 3rd to Vision D'Etat) he's gone 21, beating out the second favourite in this race, Alexandros (Kingmambo), in the Jebel Hatta on March 4th. The second place finish was to Allybar (King's Best) and that was on the Tapeta- Presvis is an out-and-out turf horse. I don't think he's a lock, I think he needs things to go his way, but he can handle everybody here on his day.

Alexandros is another Saeed Bin Suroor charge who knows how to get it done. He scored on his Meydan debut in February in a Group 3 against a solid field of 9, and he finished second to Presvis in the aforementioned Jebel Hatta. He'll need a typically strong close and I'm not sure if he gets it here. He trades at 6/1.

Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan) is one of the premier flat horses at Sha Tin racecourse, but he's winless since last December when the 8 year-old bay took the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile. There's no shame in finishing 4th to Collection, which happened in the Hong Kong Gold Cup a few weeks back. He's a seasoned veteran experiencing an Indian summer in his career and will be a threat here. He trades at 7/1.

Mike De Kock's Imbongi (Russian Revival) has enjoyed a very solid carnival running 221 with his strike finally coming against a field of 12 in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile. He went off as the 9/4 favourite and didn't disappoint. He'll be looking to slip into a stalking position and may even make a move along the rail. He's priced well at 12/1 and is certainly a valid option for those looking for an up-and-comer.

My long-shot tip is actually a very strong play- the Usual Q.T (Unusual Heat), who trades at 20/1, is an extremely solid American runner with vast experience on turf. His switch to the pro-ride a few weeks back is the only blemish on his record as he had taken 4 from 4 previously on turf. He's run against absolute quality and is set for his first spin around the surface at Meydan. I think he's a serious darkhorse and is capable of beating anyone in the race. He's the youthful side of this field and could be a very big surprise. You need to respect the Usual Q.T. and that price is too good to pass up.