The Haiku Handicapper: Dubai Recap

Dubai World Cup

Well Armed shuts it down
Didn’t see “Jockeys” film crew
Someone just got canned

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U.A.E. Derby

Ransom gets revenge
Desert Party had his pooped
A Derby duo?

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While you are here, be sure to check out the new Twitter widget I added to the right side of the page called “The Claim Box.” My tweets might not always be about horse racing, but they’ll always be entertaining.

The Haiku Handicapper: Dubai Daily Double

I’m in a giving mood today and don’t feel like tackling the list of things I should be doing right now, so I have decided to double my output on the haiku end of things. It makes perfect sense.

With this Saturday being Dubai World Cup day, it seemed fitting to tackle more than one of the multi-million dollar races. Aside from the obvious choice of the $ 6 million Dubai World Cup itself, I decided to look at the big Derby prep on the Dubai path to Louisville, the $2 million U.A.E. Derby – featuring the last man standing in Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s once formidable three-year-old stable, Desert Party. In order to save room on the front page, I have placed the U.A.E. Derby segment behind the jump, so be sure not to miss it.

Also, consider this your two minute warning to vote in the “Where would you like to see the next season of ‘Jockeys’ held” poll. Barring some outstanding event, I will discuss the results and perhaps offer a new question next time we convene.

Enough housekeeping, let’s get to the races…

Dubai World Cup

No Curlin this year
American hopes look slim
Can’t win every time

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#1 – Muhannak (Ire)
Marathon winner
On a cold streak since Cup win
Might not like surface

#2 – Arson Squad
Hits wall in Grade 1s
Closer’s form going wrong way
Would be a surprise

#3 – Snaffy
Steady improvement
Has come alive in Dubai
Best as a sprinter

#4 – Asiatic Boy (Arg)
A Dubai mainstay
Loves the track, no layoff rust
It’s his race to lose

#5 – Happy Boy (Brz)
Runs well, but bridesmaid
Can’t get past Dubai’s elite
Worth glance for super

#6 – Gloria de Campeao (Brz)
Well back last World Cup
Had to drop class to compete
Behind the field’s best

#7 – Well Armed
Third in last year’s race
Could be working into form
Uncle Sam’s best shot?

#8 – Casino Drive
Belmont streak breaker
Disappears in global tests
Shouldn’t be a threat

#9 – Joe Louis (Arg)
Falls flat in Dubai
Arabian heavyweight
Would need knockout race

#10 – Albertus Maximus
Comes off two big wins
Only question is distance
Should be there near end

#11 – Muller (Arg)
Arabia’s best
Won’t break sweat at ten panels
Can Saudi class rate?

#12 – Anak Nakal
Underachiever
Can’t hit board in Grade 1s here
No chance on world stage

#13 – Paris Perfect (SAf)
Ran huge in King’s Cup
Would rather see him on turf
Could shock, but doubt it

#14 – My Indy (Arg)
The Sheikh’s lone Cup hope
Came back big after layoff
Will the post trump class?

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Who gets the big check?
The four gets his World Cup win
Ten, fourteen, the tri

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Now let’s take a look at the U.A.E. Derby…