Preview: Equilateral, Khadem and Godolphin’s Final Song Headline Group One Sprint Feature

We take a look at the each contender in detail:

• EQUILATERAL (GB): The Charlie Hills trained 6YO son of Equiano showed fantastic form when he beat Acklam Express in his last outing – The Gr.2 Meydan Sprint. The fitter, fresher and in-form gelding piloted by Frankie Dettori will be the one to beat in this tough contest.

 

• EXTRAVAGANT KID (USA): Brenden Walsh trained is one of the better turf sprinters in Kentucky and Florida the past few years, will return to dirt Jan but has been runner up on Dirt as well in his last two outings. The son of Kiss the Kid could find it a tough outing.

 

• KHAADEM (IRE): Charlie Hills’ other pupil contesting the same feature will be steered by Shadwell’s retained jockey Jim Crowley. The 5YO son of dark angel was a strong fourth in the Gr.1 July Cup last year over the same distance.

 

• MAN OF PROMISE (USA): Charlie Appleby saddles the in-form 4YO son of Into Mischief who won his last outing against Final Song over the same C&D. The gelding is definitely one to watch out for.

 

• MOSS GILL (IRE): The 5YO son of No Nay Never represents two generations of Bethells in the US$1m spectacle. Was last seen as runner up in a field of 7 at Lingfield All Weather in February. The gelding could be outclassed in this company.

 

• MOTAFAAWIT (IRE): Doug Watson’s charge was runner up behind Final Song in the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint in February and is looking for redemption in this one. The 5YO son of intikhab definitely has the form and sprit to win this contest.

 

• ROYAL CRUSADE (GB): The Godolphin owned entire is likely to be outclassed here. The son of Sharmdal returns to Meydan after eight months when he finished a disappointing 6th of 14 in the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (2020)

 

• SPACE BLUES (IRE): A very popular Appleby trainee, gained redemption for last year’s defeat in the US$1m Turf Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard when Space Blues out-powered last year’s winner Dark Power for a compelling three-quarter-length victory. The in-form son of Dubawi can easily continue on his dominant winning streak.

 

• SPEAK IN COLOURS (GB): A Joseph O’Brien trainee, will be making his Meydan debut after a 50-day spell. Could possibly be out classed in this company.

 

• TRUE VALOUR (IRE): Graham Motion returns to the proverbial scene of the crime after winning the Dubai World Cup with Animal Kingdom in 2013. Interestingly the son of Kodiac will be piloted by Joel Rosario who beat him riding Hembree in the Gr.2 Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. The 7YO entire will struggle to challenge this field.

 

• FINAL SONG (IRE): Saeed bin Suroor’s star performer, will be the one to beat. He won his last start on this track, the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint defeating Motafaawit. The in-form son of Dark Angel will additionally benefit from the favourable post.

 

• ACKLAM EXPRESS (IRE): The son of 3YO Mehmas, has placed in his last two outings against formidable opponents. The Nigel Tinkler trained gelding is on a war path for redemption of the biggest king. He one to watch out for.

 

• COWAN (USA) – The Hill n Dale bred and Steven Asmussen trained 3YO was runner-up behind Pink Kamehameha in the Saudi Derby last month. Cowan's second-place finish in Riyadh was his fifth straight bridesmaid performance. He looks ready to step up to first place challenge.