There was plenty of racing to appreciate at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night with most praise being heaped on Laural River (92), who near enough made all to run away with the feature race unchallenged. In terms of pace, there is no doubt jockey Tadhg O’Shea timed it to perfection to finish eight and a half lengths clear of Japanese runner Ushba Tesoro. The closing 400 metres (2 furlongs) clocked by the winner was timed at 26.30, proving that the winner was slowing significantly and did most of his best work mid-race. Looking at this, he is likely to be as effective over a mile. The runner-up is a likable sort but was never in with a chance of winning. Very slowly away at the start, he sat well off the pace and made up plenty of ground proving he is one of the best Dirt horses around currently. If the pair meet again, perhaps in the Breeder’s Cup Dirt later this year I would expect Laurel River to confirm form around the tighter track at Del Mar but Ushba Tesoro should finish much closer given half a chance.

Of those we are likely to see in the UK this season, Rebel’s Romance (85) was a convincing winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic. Again, the pace did not look overly strong and winner looked as if he was able to gain some cheap lengths down the back straight managing to get away from a few of his main dangers. Already a three-time Group 1 winner, including a Breeders Cup Turf, that will likely be on his agenda again at Del Mar come November. Races such as the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp could be genuine targets but connections have routinely decided to keep him racing abroad so it may be more likely seeing him racing in the US.

Facteur Cheval (89) was placed in four European Group 1’s last summer and stepped up to win at the highest level for the first time in the Dubai Turf. Connections had kept him to soft ground in the main, but he proved here that he can handle a quicker surface and his jockey even felt that he would be effective over ten furlongs going forard. His trainer has suggested that the QEII Cup in Hong Kong could be next on his agenda and it will be interesting to see how he gets on there before returning to Europe. He looks as if he will have a very productive five-year-old career and definitely has the ability to add to his Group 1 tally. The Charlie Appleby trained Measured Time went off the 4-1 favourite for this after winning the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on his previous start, eventually finishing fourth. He will have to carry a penalty for his Group 1 success so options in the UK may be limited early on. A half-brother to Rebel’s Romance, he is still lightly raced, he could still be open to more improvement stepped back up in trip. Races such as the Prince Of Wales Stakes and Eclipse could be possibilites depending what else Godolphin have for them.

In regards to staying races, Tower Of London (87) showed a good trun of foot to win the Dubai Gold Cup from Al Nayyir and Trawlerman, covering the final 400 metres in a rapid 22.20 seconds, which is rather impressive considering the overall distance. A son of Galileo out of a mare called Dialafara, he is a full brother to St Leger and Irish Derby winner Capri, so connections will be keen to land a Group 1 with him and it looks within his grasp. His trainer (Aidan O’Brien) feels that he could be just as effective over middle distances and races like the Coronation Cup and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes could be on the cards for him this summer, with a tilt at the Ascot Gold Cup apparently less likely with some stamina concerns.

Finally, the Al Quoz Sprint saw a few British runners line up with Star Of Mystery for Godolphin faring best in second, and Diligent Harry a further three quarters of a length back in third. Both will likely contest Sprint races at the highest level in the UK including at Royal Ascot and perhaps at Newmarkets July meeting. That said, they would need to back this run up and it will be interesting how the form fares domestically. The winner California Spangle (90) will go back to Hong Kong now for the Group 1 Chairmans Sprint.