MENUISIER STAYER ON THE WAY UP
5 year old Sunway won’t be on the dating scene after his racing career. He recently had the op. My wife requested I undertake a similar op - having completed all of our planned and unplanned breeding, but I opted out, citing the possibility that it may not work.
David Menuisier and Sunway target the G3 Nad Al Sheba - 20th Feb 2026.
It seems to have worked for Sunway, he’ running fast again, and winning. He lines up in the G3 Nad Al Sheba at Meydan on Friday night UAE time (approx. 4:45am AEDT). Sunway’s strongest opposition comes in the form of By The Book a Charlie Appleby (Godolphin) runner. The lightly raced five year old has had 3 wins from 5 starts and has been sent out favourite at every start. He had a great win over 2400m at this track in December, but most recently was 5 lengths 3rd over 2000m (30 Jan). Is this guy reliable?
Sunway himself was underachieving in 2025 and so the aforementioned operation was mandated. In 2024 he was 2nd in the Irish Derby and 3rd in the English St Leger. The highlight from 2025 was a 3rd in a Group 3 at Newbury. In total it was 0 wins, 1 placing from 8 starts.
Trainer David Menuisier has the gelding nominated for both the Dubai Sheema Classic and the Dubai Gold Cup on March 28th. A lofty target no matter which path connections choose, clearly things have changed though.
When comparing By The Book’s win at Meydan in December (2400m) and Sunway’s win in January at Meydan (2810m), By The Book looked stronger, having cleared away from his opposition by 4.25 lengths and running at a slightly higher tempo. However, By The Book’s recent failure as favourite paints a different picture and pushes my doubtful buttons. Additionally, Sunway races close to the pace while By The Book is usually further back, somewhat reliant on a strong tempo.
Amongst the other six runners, is the seasoned Al Nayyir - another who races back in the field and Aeronautic who will need to stage a form reversal. Another that might need to be monitored is Surabad who is with a new trainer - Salim bin Ghadayer - based in UAE. Previously racing in the Aga Khan colours, Surabad contested the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G2 Prix Chaudenay without success last year.
If you’re brave a win bet on Sunway is still available at $3.20 at online bookmakers in Australia. Or you could be like me and put a large place bet on the horse at $1.50 - check Bet365 Australia.
