Al Maktoum Challenge R3: Timeform's Runner-by-Runner Guide

Little Mike: Winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf

Timeform take you through a strong-looking field for Saturday's Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan.

Little Mike made up into a high-class performer last year, victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf the highlight of 4 wins. That form sets the standard and his run style suggests he will handle this surface.

Prince Bishop was an impressive winner on reappearance last year, though failed to replicate that form subsequently. Not disgraced when third to Hunter's Light here last time but had the run of things and more needed.

Trailblazer is a very smart performer in Japan, looking better than ever when winning a Group 2 at Kyoto early in 2012. Ran every bit as well when fourth to Little Mike at Santa Anita after and not ruled out.

Hunter's Light has an impressive strike rate, winning 3 times last year, including a Group 1 in Italy. Better than ever when comfortably beating Surfer here last time but did get the run of things more than most.
 
Monterosso is lightly raced in recent years but top-class performer, winning the Dubai World Cup last year. Had needed his reappearance prior to that so no surprise if that is the case again here.
     
Surfer is a smart performer who won his first 2 starts this year, and improved significantly when second to Hunter's Light here last time. Flattered to a degree by that and more needed.
   
Saint Baudolino - NON RUNNER.

Daddy Long Legs won the UAE Derby last year, and matched that form when fourth in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Built on reappearance when fourth to Plantagenet last week but more needed again in this.
 
Treasure Beach is an Irish Derby winner in his time but failed to win for Aidan O'Brien last year, best effort when second to Point Of Entry in a Grade 1. May need further ideally and entitled to need the outing

Jamr really thrived last year, winning 3 of his 4 starts. Not disgraced on occasions this campaign but has reached his limit in form-terms and shouldn't be good enough to take this.
           
Mendip won the second round of the Maktoum Challenge last year but not as good in 3 starts since then, only fifth to Hunter's Light in this year's renewal. Place claims at best if returning to form.
    
Haatheq is a smart performer who built on a couple of placed efforts behind Barbecue Eddie to win twice at Jebel Ali. Far from disgraced when fourth to Moonwalk In Paris latest but more needed in this.
 
Kassiano is progressing really well, winning 3 of his 4 starts this year, impressively demolishing his field last week. This obviously a step up in grade but deserves to take his chance and could surprise.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Little Mike
2. Kassiano
3. Hunter's Light

Timeform's View: A race that deservedly has Group 1 status and a fitting field for a Dubai World Cup trial. The vote goes to Little Mike who was last seen winning the Breeders' Cup Turf and tactically at least seems sure to be suited by this track. The improving Kassiano deserves his place in this field and can go well along with Hunter's Light.

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