Lots of probables in the Grade I Sand Castle in Dubai

Excitement is in the air as fourteen horses go to the post to dispute the feature for this weekend’s classic race card, the $6,000,000 Grade I Sand Castle Classic, to be run at the Classic distance of a mile and a quarter in Dubai. Such a rich purse surely attracts some of the best talent in the Sim, and this year it is no exception. Let’s take a look:

1. Bone Roaming (34-6-4-5) – French Deputy X Forty Niner X Thatching (IRE) – You can ask yourself if this horse was a “One Time Wonder”. He won a Grade I early last year, but before and after that, he has been outclassed repeatedly, even in conditioned allowance company. Should be part of the early flight, but I will look elsewhere.
2. Wonderboy Cougar (IRE) (26-11-5-1) – Barathea (IRE) X Polar Falcon X Nodouble – Very disappointing in his last race, but this was in an off track. This is a proven horse, multiple Grade I winner, will be stalking the pace from a near rail post and he is one of the Top contenders in this classic.
3. Sinanju (15-6-1-3) – Rahy X Nijinsky II X Key to the Mint – This is a slowly improving horse who likes to come from off the pace, and there is enough speed for him to have a nice chance to overcome the leaders deep in the stretch. Big threat to win!!
4. Laconia Light (15-8-2-1) – A.P. Indy X Smart Strike X Nijinsky II – Winner of the Grade I California Handicap last time out, his first graded score. The ten furlong distance fits perfectly, just as his sire, and will be right in the thick of things at the wire.
5. Toy Maker (15-8-4-1) – Harlan’s Holiday X Darshaan (ENG) X Hail to Reason – Winner of six out of his last seven races, including two graded wins. He gets a nice six week freshener from his last race, working great and he will be my favorite to win here.
6. Especially (31-8-6-5) – Saddler’s Wells X Torrential X Relaunch – He specializes in much longer distances and shows two angles which I like: the six week rest by his trainer and the cut back in distance. This one figures to be in the exotics and is a dangerous horse.
7. Squal Me Halo (23-9-4-3) – Summer Squall X Septieme Ciel X Halo – One of the speedsters of the race, if he gets a clean lead he can be a threat, but this is not probable to happen. However, we can not overlook because of his competitive SFs.
8. Macho Niner (23-9-3-3) – Macho Uno X Pulpit X Forty Niner – Multiple Grade I winner and the top rated horse in the sim in the conditions for this Classic. He likes to be near the pace and because of his class is a very tough horse to beat here.
9. Solar Song (20-9-4-2) – Deputy Minister X Nureyev X Bold Ruler – Winner of the Equinics’ Eddie Arcaro, a tough Grade I race two races ago. His last race was very discreet, we will throw it away. His SFs are extremely competitive against this field and we can not discard him coming from way off the pace.
10. Call of the Wild II (20-7-3-4) – War Chant X Nureyev X Valid Appeal – His last two efforts have been pretty bad. He gets a nice rest between races, so is coming on sharp and fresh for this event. He is a multiple Grade 1 winner, so the class is present. Needs to improve, but do not trash him.
11. Act of God (19-2-7-2) – Empire Maker X A.P. Indy X Majestic Light – He is very nicely bred, but so far has not shown he belongs in this classy group. He will need his best effort and a little ore to stand a chance here.
12. Rock Cutter (IRE) (19-6-4-2) – Giant’s Causeway X A.P. Indy X Forty Niner – Another very honest horse, Grade III winner, but he is taking a step way up in class. His best racing is when coming way off the pace, so he has a chance to outrun the tired ones.
13. Donner (22-9-1-2) – Thunder Gulch X Deputy Minister X Mr. Prospector – Multiple graded winner and is coming in his top form lifetime. He is a stalker and if he gets a clean trip, definitely is a contender to win.
14. Obispo Town (31-10-9-3) – Kingmambo X Nijinsky II X Kris S. – Was nearly eased in the Eddie Arcaro in a race where he had a decent chance of winning. Another one who is getting the six weeks off, working nicely, and can be a big upset in this race.

You can make a case for almost all participants, so the possibilities are infinite. Toy Maker will be my lukewarm favorite, but horses like Especially, Sinanju and Macho Niner can put the tote board to work at extra capacity.

Good luck to all!!!