Godolphin haven't always enjoyed great success with their recruits from Australia but few will have had better form than Long John and he should be good enough to win this
The UAE 2000 Guineas is the feature race on another good Meydan card and Timeform provide you with their assessment of the runners...
Safety Check was kept busy as a juvenile, winning 3 times, and would have pushed Emirates Flyer even closer on return had he not had to wait for a run. Already stays 1m but this looks a better race.
Jallota had just the one win for Mick Channon, but did hold his own in some good races, particularly when fourth to No Nay Never in the Prix Morny. Trip not guaranteed to suit on first start for new yard.
Paximadia won 4 of his 8 starts in Australia, including a Grade 2 at Caulfield when last seen. Interesting to see how he goes in the market compared to Long John.
Journeyman is nothing special judged on his 2 starts at Meydan this year, soundly beaten behind Emirates Flyer on return and looked hard work when fifth to He's No Saint last week. Others preferred.
Wednaan cost €450,000, and made a winning debut at Yarmouth last year. Runner-up has at least franked the form and he looks sure to improve a lot for that, so not ruled out despite lack of experience.
Long John won the Caulfied Guineas last year, one of five victories for Peter Snowden. Finished ahead of Shamus Award that day who won the Cox Plate (Long John behind) subsequently so form looks very strong.
My Catch was a dual winner in France last year for David Brown, his only failure coming on soft ground. Ran well when third to Emirates Flyer on return but step up in trip not guaranteed to suit.
Nezar looked awkward at times last year, but still won twice including a nursery at Chester. Didn't put up much resistance behind Emirates Flyer on return and shouldn't be good enough.
Asmar is a half-brother to the top class Zagora (Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner) and has shaped with plenty of promise in a pair of maidens at this track. Will need to break on terms in this company.
Emirates Flyer can't be knocked for toughness or consistency, and made it 3 wins from 7 starts when beating Safety Check here last time. Should be fine at the trip but this is a better race.
Full Combat has one win from his 4 starts in South Africa last year, and not totally disgraced in a Grade 1 on his final start. Eyecatching return when fifth to Emirates Flyer and could easily reverse form.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Long John
2. Full Combat
3. Asmer
Timeform View: Godolphin haven't always enjoyed great success with their recruits from Australia but few will have had better form than Long John and he should be good enough to win this. Full Combat can improve past several who contested the prep for this race and chase him home whilst a big run from the maiden, Asmar, wouldn't surprise, although he does need to break better than he has done to date.
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