2 Guys and a Crown: United Arab Emirates Derby

Bram Weinstein and Joe Kristufek return in 2016 to take fans step by step down the Triple Crown trail. This week's focus is Saturday’s Group 2, $2-million United Arab Emirates Derby at Meydan in Dubai, where the winner earns 100 points toward a potential berth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands.
Run at 1 3/16 miles, the $2-million UAE Derby is worth 100-40-20-10 on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
Godolphin and trainer Saeed bin Suroor have captured seven of the 16 editions of the UAE Derby, but none since 2011. They are not represented this season. 
Eleven horses who have competed in the UAE Derby have run in the Kentucky Derby, but none has finished better than fifth (Master of Hounds in 2011).
In her UAE Oaks victory on March 3, probable UAE Derby favorite Polar River earned 50 points toward a potential run in the Kentucky Oaks. A filly has never won the UAE Derby.
U.S.-based Frank Conversation, the winner of the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby on the synthetic Tapeta Footings surface at Golden Gate Fields, has traveled more than 8,000 miles to compete in the UAE Derby.
Japanese-based Lani has had designs on a potential run for the roses for months, and were he to win or finish second in the UAE Derby, chances are he would ship to Louisville.
Joe’s UAE Derby Picks
#2 Polar River
#3 Lani
#5 Vale Dori
#1 Frank Conversation
Bram’s UAE Derby Pick
#2 Polar River
Joe’s Kentucky Derby Top 20
1. Mohaymen
2. Nyquist
3. Danzing Candy
4. Mor Spirit
5. Destin
6. Greenpointcrusader
7. Mo Tom
8. Exaggerator
9. Cupid
10. Gun Runner
11. Zulu
12. Outwork
13. Whitmore
14. Suddenbreakingnews
15. Creator
16. Star Hill
17. Conquest Windycity
18. Shagaf
19. Cherry Wine
20. Dazzling Gem