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.