Meydan on Friday: Angus McNae marks your card
By Angus McNae
Last Updated: Thu 12 Mar 2026
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
2.50 Meydan: Crown Estate
Crown Estate is becoming well treated in the UAE given that he was able to win in the UK for John and Thady Gosden off a mark of 87 and now gets to race off 83.
He won on dirt on his Meydan debut and since then has been highly tried on that surface.
A switch to turf at Abu Dhabi last time out saw him return to form when he was a good third in a competitive handicap. He sticks to the turf here and from a good draw in stall 3 he can resume winning ways.
4.00 Meydan: Kings Charter
Kings Charter recorded two wins last summer in the UK and after two starts at Meydan he looks to be finding his form again.
He disappointed on his first UAE start, having reared leaving the stalls, but he was much better next time out when finishing second to Dividend in a competitive handicap.
He travels well in his races, so a drop in trip to a mile will suit him and he can continue the good work of last summer where he looked as if he would be better than a handicapper.
5.10 Meydan: Desert Shadow
Desert Shadow is open to plenty of improvement off a lenient mark of 84.
When last seen he was first past the post at Beverley in a fast time only to be demoted due to interference.
Prior to that he had looked to be a handicapper to follow when second in a competitive handicap at Sandown.
He has to overcome a lay-off here, but that is rarely a problem for horses from the Saeed bin Suroor yard and he looks well treated off a mark of 84. He has the potential to leave that mark well behind.
5.45 Meydan: Local Dynasty
I like the drop in grade for Local Dynasty who hails from the in-form Simon and Ed Crisford team.
He was too keen in the Group Three Jebel Ali Mile last time out but now drops into a handicap for horses rated 80-100 and he will find this a lot easier.
When he last competed in a handicap in January 2025 he finished second at Meydan off a mark of 105 and he gets to race off 99 here. This is a significant class drop and he should be backed to take advantage.
Related posts
Five horses to follow at Cheltenham on Thursday
Dave Nevison's Cheltenham tips: 50-1 and 33-1 picks on day three
Dave Nevison's Cheltenham tips: a 100-1 selection on day two!
Lydia Hislop's Thursday Cheltenham tips after 11-1 winner
Five horses to follow at Cheltenham on Wednesday
Featured offers
Fact To File 50/1 top 3 finish + £10 EPL Bet Builder with Paddy Power
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets with Tote
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + Money back all losers first race every day Cheltenham with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £1 get £50 in free bets with Sky Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets + money back up to £10 if your horse loses with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved