Dubai World Cup night is back on Saturday and there is a returning hero that did me a big favour in Dubai last year and I am keen to get him onside once again!
I put Wildman Jack up on Twitter at 28-1 when he blitzed his rivals over 6f on turf here last March, breaking the course record in the process. Connections had intended to run him in the Al Quoz, but obviously the meeting was abandoned.
He had his first experience on dirt when fourth in a Grade 1 at Del Mar in August, and then moved back to turf for three runs. However, a return to Meydan, where he very much has unfinished business, was always on the cards and connections have been persuaded to go for this race, rather than the Al Quoz, after a blistering performance in the Grade 3 Palos Verdes at Santa Anita, recording a very fast time and looking an absolute natural on the surface. That race has proven a very successful trial for the Golden Shaheen in the past, with two winners and five places from the nine winners of the Palos Verdes to try their luck here.
Doug O’Neill has been making some very positive noises about Wildman Jack, reporting him to be a much better horse than he was last year. Connections suggested after his January win that they felt he is a better horse on dirt and at 10-1, it is worth taking the hint.
2.40pm Meydan (Saturday) – 2pts win, 1pt place Wildman Jack @ 10-1 4 places (Ladbrokes, 9-1 4 places Coral, William Hill, 8-1 4 places Paddy Power, Betfair, Skybet, Boylesports)