THE 2026 classics are just over two months away and Meydan is the first point of call this weekend and the most interesting race might be the last on the card at 6.30pm, the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas. Talk Of New York was an impressive five-and-a-half-length winner at Kempton in October, and Charlie Appleby’s Wootton Bassett colt is best priced at 10/1 and among the early favourites for the 2000 Guineas. He is one of three runners from the Appleby yard and stablemate Pacific Avenue could give a marker on the form as he was campaigned at top level last season, finishing behind Bow Echo and then six and a half lengths behind Gewan in the Dewhurst.

Gerry Keane runs Crystal Black in the mile and a half Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold (5.10pm) but he ran poorly last time, eighth of eight. The eight runners are headed by the best horse on show on the day, the dual Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Rebel’s Romance, second to Ethical Diamond at Del Mar last November. He should be able to cope with this field with Ed Walker’s Fort George the danger.

Title Role was a winner of the Guineas trial last month for Simon & Ed Crisford in the Smith/Magnier/Tabor colours.

Johnny Murtagh runs Alakazi in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes (4pm) over nine furlongs. Last seen when third in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last year, he has the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup fourth Quddwah to beat.

Classic

Jamie Osborne’s Heart Of Honor heads the betting for the 10-furlong Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic on dirt (4.35pm). Twice a winner here before Christmas, he was then third to Imperial Emperor in the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, the form boosted by the second, Tumbarumba finishing third to Forever Young in the Saudi Cup. Pat Dobbs on the American runner Tap Leader for Doug Watson might be the danger. The six-furlong Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (2.50pm) has a field of 16 runners and Rayevka will go off favourite for Francis Graffard. She looked a filly would would step up on her early season form last year, when third in last year’s Commonwealth Cup. Symbol Of Honour for Charlie Appleby must improve on his January listed race fifth to Great Wish. Ponntos at around 20s, could be worth the each-way investment.

Tuz for Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O’Shea is odds-on in the 3.25pm Group 3 Mahab Al Shimaal over six on the dirt.

The opening Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas is tight between the unbeaten Taifuu, Fairy Oak, True Test.