Dubai Dewhurst Stakes Group 1

                                                          Dewhurst Stakes Group 1

The preeminent juvenile race on the calendar and one that is often won by the years champion freshman. Winners in the last decade include greats such as Shamardal, Sir Percy, Teofilio, the father and son pairing of New Approach and Dawn Approach and of course the greatest of them all the incomparable Frankel. The latter is the only home based winner since 2005 with Jim Bolger in particular enjoying an incredible record in the race with 5 winners in the past 7 years. He doesn't have a runner this year but Aiden O Brien brings over his impressive Coventry winner in an attempt to maintain Ireland's recent domination of the race

Anjaal- Richard Hannons sole representative who has won his last two starts. Won a muddling renewal of the July Stakes, race not really worked out, and will have to step up on that form to win this. Looks an unlikely winner

Cable Bay- Admirably consistent sort but who keeps finding one or two too good in his forays into group company. Has only a maiden victory to his name and let a winnable opportunity in a group three slip by last time. Very likely to run up to his mark and that mark is very unlikely to be good enough

Friendship- Aiden O Briens second string and very likely to be responsible for the pace. A decent sort in his own right but his limitations have been exposed with his two fourths in group company and one would have to assume, even if he was running on merit, that he would lack the class to do so

Outstrip- Classy sort from the Godolphin team who has only found Toormore too good in his career to date. Looked to be an improving horse when slamming Cable Bay in the Champagne Stakes last time and has to be respected as the sole choice of a barn with an abundance of juicy two year olds. Has every chance of taking the prize

Stormadal- Rated 88 having finished third in a mile nursery at Newmarket. Looks to be making up the numbers

War Command- War Chant colt who sprang to prominence when blitzing the field by six lengths in the Coventry.That may not have been a vintage renewal but he was still a mightily impressive winner. Bubble appeared to burst the time after when only third behind Sudirman in the Group One Phoenix Stakes but he bounced back to something like his best when readily winning a Group Two at the Curragh last time. Has to be considered the horse to beat for his master trainer

Verdict- A slightly disappointing turn out which on form looks a match between crack juveniles representing the powerhouses of Darley and Coolmore. Preference goes to the latter's Coventry hero War Command who arrives here having bounced back to form last time after his below par effort in the Phoenix Stakes. He is no good thing mind and it would be no surprise if Godolphins Outstrip improved past him having looked better than ever at Doncaster last time. The rest appear to be running for third and Cable Bay looks the most likely to grab that position

1 War Command
2 Outstrip
3 Cable Bay