Meydan Race 3 - Race 3 - Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors (Group 2) - Turf (G2)
AL RIFFA (1) resumes after a three-and-a-half-month break and brings strong credentials from last campaign, his latest run a solid fourth over 2400m in the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin. He gets another crack at 2 miles after his sound run in the Melbourne Cup in the spring. On top. SONS AND LOVERS (5) is a stablemate of the top pick who was an impressive first-up winner in over 3000m at Riyadh 6 weeks ago, finishing powerfully to score by half a length. The extra 200m should not be an issue, and he can repeat the dose. AL NAYYIR (2) is a durable veteran that resumed in style, taking out the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy over 2810m here by half a length. He is proven at the trip, and he looks like a serious danger to the top picks. SUNWAY (6) is peaking third-up and trending the right way, finishing a close second behind the third pick in the same race last start. The extra distance should suit, and he is well worth serious each-way consideration.

Jockey: Declan Mcdonogh
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Is first-up after a break of three-and-a-half months and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last campaign fourth of 11 at Sha Tin in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase December 14 over 2400m, 1.5 len behind Sosie carrying 57kg at $8.60. First up last campaign fourth in a small field at Longchamp in the G1 Prix Ganay April 27 over 2100m, 3 len behind Sosie with 58kg at $5.60. Look for a bold run.
Last Starts 103 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/11 | 14/12/2025 | 40 | G1 OPEN | $5,118,110.00 | Sha Tin | 2400m | Good | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 57kg | 2:28.05 | 9-6-4 | 2 |
| 1.5L | $8.60 |
| 7/24 | 04/11/2025 | 51 | G1 OPEN 3U | $10,000,000.00 | Flemington | 3200m | Soft 5 | Mark Zahra | 59kg | 3:22.46 | 23-22-7 | 19 |
| 9.4L | $8.00 |
| 1/9 | 14/09/2025 | 57 | G1 OPEN 3U | $848,710.00 | Curragh | 2816m | GY | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 61.5kg | 2:59.87 | - | 5 |
| 4.0L | $4.00 |
| 1/7 | 19/07/2025 | 28 | G2 OPEN 3U | $208,120.00 | Curragh | 2816m | Good | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 62kg | 3:01.81 | 5-2-1 | 7 |
| 5.0L | $1.80 |
| 2/12 | 21/06/2025 | 55 | G2 OPEN 4U | $461,250.00 | Ascot Uk | 2405m | Good Firm | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 58.5kg | 2:28.23 | 5-3-2 | 7 |
| 1.8L | $5.00 |
| 4/6 | 27/04/2025 | 64 | G1 OPEN 4U | $518,130.00 | Longchamp | 2100m | Good Soft | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 58kg | 2:10.71 | 2-2-4 | 6 |
| 3.0L | $5.60 |

Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. Comes off a 36-day let-up. First-up after six months won by a 0.5 len at this track G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy February 20 over 2810m defeating Sunway with 59kg at $5.50. Previously second-up 8th of 10 at this track in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on April 5 over 3200m, 7 len behind Dubai Future carrying 58.5kg at $7. Fitter again and a winning hope.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 20/02/2026 | 182 | G3 OPEN 4U | $272,374.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Rossa Ryan | 59kg | 2:56.38 | 4-3-1 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $5.50 |
| 3/6 | 22/08/2025 | 49 | G2 OPEN 3U | $453,740.00 | York | 3319m | Good Firm | Rossa Ryan | 59.5kg | 3:29.04 | 5-3-3 | 6 |
| 5.5L | $17.00 |
| 2/4 | 04/07/2025 | 36 | LR OPEN 4U | $78,320.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3218m | Good Firm | James Doyle | 58kg | 3:41.58 | 3-3-2 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $4.50 |
| 3/4 | 29/05/2025 | 54 | G3 OPEN 4U | $147,600.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3264m | Good | Silvestre De Sousa | 59kg | 3:37.03 | 4-4-3 | 1 |
| 9.8L | $6.50 |
| 8/10 | 05/04/2025 | 42 | G2 OPEN 4U | $434,783.00 | Meydan | 3200m | Good | Luke Morris | 58.5kg | 3:21.50 | 7-7-8 | 5 |
| 7.7L | $7.00 |
| 5/11 | 22/02/2025 | 126 | HCP 4U | $1,072,961.00 | Riyadh | 3000m | Good | Luke Morris | 62kg | 3:06.63 | - | 4 |
| 6.3L | $6.00 |

Jockey: K Shoemark
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
First-up. Finished off last campaign when last in a small field at York in the G2 Lonsdale Cup August 22 over 3319m, 11 len behind Trawlerman carrying 59.5kg at $17. Previous preparation first-up to post a big 4.5 len win. This track G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy February 21 2025 over 2810m defeating King Of Conquest with 59kg at $11. Not at this stage.
Last Starts 217 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | 22/08/2025 | 24 | G2 OPEN 3U | $453,740.00 | York | 3319m | Good Firm | Kevin Stott | 59.5kg | 3:29.04 | 6-5-6 | 3 |
| 11.5L | $17.00 |
| 6/8 | 29/07/2025 | 40 | G1 OPEN 3U | $907,470.00 | Goodwood | 3218m | Good | C Soumillon | 62.5kg | 3:27.96 | 6-6-6 | 6 |
| 7.5L | $29.00 |
| 3/8 | 19/06/2025 | 25 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,199,260.00 | Ascot Uk | 4014m | Good | James McDonald | 59kg | 4:15.02 | 6-4-3 | 5 |
| 14.0L | $29.00 |
| 9/9 | 25/05/2025 | 50 | G1 OPEN H 4U | $710,480.00 | Longchamp | 3100m | Good Soft | Silvestre De Sousa | 57kg | 3:19.09 | 8-7-9 | 1 |
| 30.5L | $5.50 |
| 1/10 | 05/04/2025 | 43 | G2 OPEN 4U | $434,783.00 | Meydan | 3200m | Good | Silvestre De Sousa | 58.5kg | 3:21.50 | 8-5-1 | 4 |
| 2.2L | $9.50 |
| 1/6 | 21/02/2025 | 427 | G3 OPEN 4U | $307,018.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Silvestre De Sousa | 59kg | 2:57.55 | - | 3 |
| 4.3L | $11.00 |

Jockey: W Buick
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign when last of 7 at Saint-Cloud in the G1 Prix Royal Oak October 26 over 3100m, soft track; 9 len behind Arrow Eagle with 59kg at $4.10. Previously first up; eighth of 15 at Haydock Park September 6 over 2817m, 5 len behind The Reverend with 60kg at $11. Can run a good race despite the gap between runs.
Last Starts 152 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 26/10/2025 | 22 | G1 OPEN H 3U | $619,470.00 | Saint Cloud | 3100m | Soft | Tom Marquand | 59kg | 3:23.68 | 2-3-7 | 7 |
| 9.8L | $4.10 |
| 1/8 | 04/10/2025 | 13 | G1 OPEN H 4U | $535,710.00 | Longchamp | 4000m | Soft | Tom Marquand | 58kg | 4:34.74 | 2-2-1 | 5 |
| 1.8L | $5.80 |
| 1/6 | 21/09/2025 | 15 | G3 OPEN 3U | $98,214.00 | Dortmund | 2800m | Good Soft | Adrie De Vries | 60kg | 3:06.01 | - | 3 |
| 2.8L | $4.70 |
| 8/15 | 06/09/2025 | 81 | HCP 3U | $184,500.00 | Haydock Park | 2817m | Good | Callum Shepherd | 60kg | 3:01.30 | 12-12-8 | 12 |
| 4.8L | $11.00 |
| 2/16 | 17/06/2025 | 24 | HCP 4U | $199,640.00 | Ascot Uk | 2816m | Good Firm | Callum Shepherd | 59kg | 3:01.07 | 5-6-2 | 9 |
| 2.5L | $7.50 |
| 1/6 | 24/05/2025 | 15 | HCP 4U | $83,030.00 | Haydock Park | 3260m | Good | Callum Shepherd | 57.5kg | 3:36.41 | 4-4-1 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $1.91 |

Jockey: James Doyle
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 42-day let-up. First-up after five months won by 0.5 len at Riyadh RED SEA TURF HANDICAP February 14 over 3000m defeating Tabletalk with 58kg at $9. Previously second-up 4th in a small field at Curragh in the G2 Mooresbridge on May 5 over 2011m, 3 len behind Los Angeles with 59.5kg at $34. Improver with winning prospects.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/11 | 14/02/2026 | 154 | HCP 4U | $950,570.00 | Riyadh | 3000m | Good | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 58kg | 3:11.56 | - | 6 |
| 0.5L | $9.00 |
| 3/9 | 13/09/2025 | 37 | G3 OPEN 3U | $173,430.00 | Leopardstown | 2414m | GY | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 62.5kg | 2:35.45 | - | 1 |
| 2.0L | $12.00 |
| 1/6 | 07/08/2025 | 51 | G3 OPEN 3U | $104,060.00 | Leopardstown | 2414m | Good | Dylan Browne Mcmonagle | 61kg | 2:39.80 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $2.20 |
| 5/16 | 17/06/2025 | 43 | LR OPEN 4U | $217,790.00 | Ascot Uk | 2011m | Good Firm | Ryan Moore | 59.5kg | 2:04.79 | 1-2-5 | 1 |
| 2.0L | $6.50 |
| 4/6 | 05/05/2025 | 23 | G2 OPEN 4U | $208,120.00 | Curragh | 2011m | Good | Chris Hayes | 59.5kg | 2:05.27 | 5-5-4 | 3 |
| 3.0L | $34.00 |
| 3/7 | 12/04/2025 | 161 | G3 OPEN 4U | $104,060.00 | Curragh | 2011m | Good | Chris Hayes | 59.5kg | 2:06.78 | 5-5-3 | 3 |
| 5.5L | $21.00 |

Jockey: S De Sousa
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Comes off a 36 day let-up. First-up won by a 0.5 len at this track G3 AL KHAIL TROPHY January 23 over 2810m defeating Epic Poet with 59kg at $7.50. Second run from a spell 2nd of 8 at this track in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy on February 20 over 2810m, 0.5 len behind Al Nayyir carrying 59kg at $2. Worth including.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 20/02/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN 4U | $272,374.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Silvestre De Sousa | 59kg | 2:56.38 | 2-1-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $2.00 |
| 1/8 | 23/01/2026 | 89 | G3 OPEN 4U | $284,553.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Silvestre De Sousa | 59kg | 2:55.48 | 2-1-1 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $7.50 |
| 6/7 | 26/10/2025 | 22 | G1 OPEN H 3U | $619,470.00 | Saint Cloud | 3100m | Soft | Marvin Grandin | 59kg | 3:23.68 | 6-7-6 | 4 |
| 4.3L | $16.00 |
| 4/8 | 04/10/2025 | 22 | G1 OPEN H 4U | $535,710.00 | Longchamp | 4000m | Soft | Cristian Demuro | 58kg | 4:34.74 | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 3.4L | $5.80 |
| 7/8 | 12/09/2025 | 13 | G2 OPEN 3U | $276,750.00 | Doncaster | 3599m | Good Soft | Oisin Murphy | 60.5kg | 3:52.24 | 2-6-7 | 8 |
| 30.5L | $7.00 |
| 5/6 | 30/08/2025 | 32 | G2 OPEN 3U | $325,040.00 | Deauville | 2500m | Soft | C Soumillon | 59kg | 2:40.35 | 6-3-5 | 5 |
| 4.7L | $7.50 |

Jockey: D Tudhope
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Freshened for 42 days. Resuming 2nd of 8 at this track in the G3 AL KHAIL TROPHY on January 23 over 2810m, 0.5 len behind Sunway carrying 59kg at $4.20. Second-up 5th of 11 at Riyadh RED SEA TURF HANDICAP on February 14 over 3000m, 2.5 len behind Sons And Lovers carrying 58.5kg at $3.75. Should be right in the finish.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 14/02/2026 | 22 | HCP 4U | $950,570.00 | Riyadh | 3000m | Good | Daniel Tudhope | 58.5kg | 3:11.56 | - | 12 |
| 2.4L | $3.75 |
| 2/8 | 23/01/2026 | 160 | G3 OPEN 4U | $284,553.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Daniel Tudhope | 59kg | 2:55.48 | 7-6-2 | 8 |
| 0.5L | $4.20 |
| 2/6 | 16/08/2025 | 56 | G3 OPEN 3U | $163,350.00 | Newbury | 2715m | Good Firm | Daniel Tudhope | 60.5kg | 2:51.96 | 6-5-2 | 6 |
| 3.0L | $4.00 |
| 11/12 | 21/06/2025 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $461,250.00 | Ascot Uk | 2405m | Good Firm | Daniel Tudhope | 58.5kg | 2:28.23 | 7-12-11 | 3 |
| 24.0L | $26.00 |
| 2/5 | 16/05/2025 | 41 | G2 OPEN 4U | $354,610.00 | York | 2787m | Good Firm | Daniel Tudhope | 58.5kg | 3:07.88 | 4-4-2 | 5 |
| 0.2L | $8.00 |
| 3/10 | 05/04/2025 | 42 | G2 OPEN 4U | $434,783.00 | Meydan | 3200m | Good | Daniel Tudhope | 58.5kg | 3:21.50 | 5-2-3 | 2 |
| 3.3L | $9.00 |

Jockey: L Morris
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run 3rd of 8 at this track in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold on February 28 over 2410m, 7 len behind Rebel's Romance carrying 58kg at $10. Before that 9th of 11 at Riyadh RED SEA TURF HANDICAP on February 14 over 3000m, 5 len behind Sons And Lovers with 57.5kg at $13. Doesn't profile as a likely winner.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 28/02/2026 | 14 | G2 OPEN 4U | $536,398.00 | Meydan | 2410m | Good | Oisin Murphy | 58kg | 2:28.73 | - | 6 |
| 7.4L | $10.00 |
| 9/11 | 14/02/2026 | 43 | HCP 4U | $950,570.00 | Riyadh | 3000m | Good | Patrick Cosgrave | 57.5kg | 3:11.56 | - | 8 |
| 5.3L | $13.00 |
| 2/12 | 02/01/2026 | 48 | COND 4U | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Pat Cosgrave | 59kg | 2:59.12 | 6-4-2 | 9 |
| 1.9L | $9.00 |
| 3/6 | 15/11/2025 | 27 | G2 OPEN 4U | $136,120.00 | Cheltenham | 3218m | Soft | Sam Twiston-Davies | 71.5kg | 4:02.56 | 2-4-3 | 0 |
| 11.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/4 | 19/10/2025 | 23 | LR HDLE 4U | $87,040.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good | Sam Twiston-Davies | 72.5kg | 3:43.53 | 2-2-2 | 0 |
| 1.0L | $2.38 |
| 6/7 | 26/09/2025 | 97 | LR OPEN 3U | $99,820.00 | Newmarket (Rowley) | 2414m | Good Firm | Pat Cosgrave | 60.5kg | 2:30.34 | 1-6-6 | 2 |
| 15.5L | $8.50 |

Jockey: H Al Busaidi
Weight: 58.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently 4th of 8 at this track in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold on February 28 over 2410m, 10 len behind Rebel's Romance carrying 58kg at $34. The race before that won by a 0.1 len at this track February 13 over 2000m defeating City Of Delight with 62kg at $41. Fully tested on his recent run.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 28/02/2026 | 15 | G2 OPEN 4U | $536,398.00 | Meydan | 2410m | Good | Saif Al Balushi | 58kg | 2:28.73 | - | 4 |
| 10.2L | $34.00 |
| 1/14 | 13/02/2026 | 28 | HCP70-90 3U | $73,930.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Good | Hamed Al Busaidi | 62kg | 2:04.17 | 9-8-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $41.00 |
| 10/12 | 16/01/2026 | 14 | HCP85-105 4U | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 2410m | Good | Richard Mullen | 56.5kg | 2:31.25 | 9-10-10 | 5 |
| 15.2L | $31.00 |
| 10/12 | 02/01/2026 | 14 | COND 4U | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | Tadhg O'shea | 59kg | 2:59.12 | 9-7-10 | 3 |
| 17.7L | $41.00 |
| 7/7 | 19/12/2025 | 377 | HCP85-105 3U | $125,000.00 | Meydan | 2410m | Y | Tadhg O'shea | 62kg | 2:31.28 | 4-6-7 | 2 |
| 10.8L | $16.00 |
| 3/8 | 07/12/2024 | 302 | HCP85-105 3U | $40,336.00 | Jebel Ali | 1600m | Fast | Qais Al Busaidi | 62kg | 1:38.01 | - | 5 |
| 7.2L | $4.20 |

Jockey: M Barzalona
Weight: 56.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 36-day let-up. First-up after three months won by 0.7 len at this track G2 Balanchine February 20 over 1800m defeating Riyabovka with 57kg at $5.50. Previously second-up 2nd of 13 at Bath in the LR Beckford Stakes on October 9 over 2816m, 0.5 len behind Term Of Endearment with 60kg at $5.50. This is tougher so prefer others.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/7 | 20/02/2026 | 92 | G2 OPEN 4U | $330,739.00 | Meydan | 1800m | Good | Mickael Barzalona | 57kg | 1:49.89 | 3-3-1 | 2 |
| 0.7L | $5.50 |
| 1/13 | 20/11/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN F 3U | $119,930.00 | Lingfield | 2616m | Neutral | Harry Davies | 59.5kg | 2:46.09 | 8-2-1 | 11 |
| 1.3L | $3.75 |
| 2/13 | 09/10/2025 | 27 | LR OPEN FM 3U | $117,970.00 | Bath | 2816m | Good Soft | Harry Davies | 60kg | 3:01.52 | 5-2-2 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $5.50 |
| 2/4 | 12/09/2025 | 337 | OPEN 3U | $36,900.00 | Salisbury | 2856m | Soft | Harry Davies | 58kg | 3:16.64 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 7.0L | $6.50 |
| 4/9 | 10/10/2024 | 39 | LR OPEN FM 3U | $119,930.00 | Bath | 2816m | Heavy | Harry Davies | 56.5kg | 3:11.11 | 8-6-4 | 8 |
| 6.5L | $4.00 |
| 2/11 | 01/09/2024 | 29 | LR OPEN F 3 | $89,580.00 | Longchamp | 2800m | Good Soft | James Doyle | 57kg | 3:02.42 | 6-2-2 | 11 |
| 0.1L | $5.50 |