Dubai 100 Challenge Stakes Preview

The Dubai 100 Challenge Stakes (2.40) at Newmarket on Friday has typically been a poor race for favourites in recent years and, while the nature of the race means that it’s rarely won by an out-an-out longshot, we fancy a couple to go better than their odds imply.

It’s interesting that connections are still persevering with Code Red (40/1), who’s still an entire colt and could, conceivably, have been shipped off to stud by now. Anyway, the son of Bahamian Bounty ran his best race of the season when last of six, beaten just 2¾ lengths, behind Opal Tiara in the Supreme Stakes at Goodwood in August, his first start since May, and may be able to build on that effort. The form leaves him with a little to find with So Beloved and Jallota, but he could fare better if ridden with a little more restraint and comes into the race a relatively fresh horse. Any rain that falls is in his favour.

So Beloved (14/1) ran his best race of the season when second of ten, beaten 1¼ lengths, behind Nemoralia in the City of York Stakes three starts ago, but has failed to settle in subsequent races. On his best form he only has a few pounds to find with the principals and, with a slightly larger field to help him settle, he could represent some value at double-figure odds. He’s yet to win a Group 2 contest, but was far from disgraced in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes, over a mile, at Goodwood in July – a race in which Richard Pankhurst finished last – and appears to have been underestimated by the bookmakers.

Selections: Newmarket 2.40 Code Red (40/1), So Beloved (14/1)