Ghaiyyath and Equilateral are the star attractions on Dubai Carnival week 8. Both horses have outstanding form claims and ought to get the job done at short odds. UAE 1000 Guineas heroine Dubai Blue takes on Japanese contender Serein in the Oaks, this is a clash to savor. Midnight Sands is another that will be popular with punters, he arrives with form figures of 1111. Doug Watson’s charge does everything right and he may not have to come outside his comfort zone to dispatch his seven rivals.
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Race 2: Jaguar XE Handicap Div 1 (1 Mile)
This is a tricky little contest on the face of it with many of the contenders having run against one another last time out. Moqtarreb appeals from an each-way perspective and could be over priced based on his finishing position (10th) in a course and distance handicap on Jan 30th. This son of Kingman was a progressive sort for Roger Varian in England before running a fine race on his UAE/yard debut earlier in the carnival. His latest effort can be excused due to a wide draw and being forced to race in rear off a moderate pace. Jim Crowley was easy on him once his winning chance had gone and we are likely to see a much improved performance now breaking from stall five.
Race 4: G2 Zabeel Mile (1 Mile)
Mythical Magic won this race 12 months ago in fine style and he has solid claims of doing so again. His re-appearance in the G3 Al Fahidi Fort was very encouraging. The 7 furlong trip was sharp enough but the son of Ifraaj stuck to his task nicely, eventually passing the line in second place. The selection’s stablemate Zakouski has star potential but he takes a big step up in class. William Buick rode both horses on their latest starts and he has opted for Mythical Magic.
Race 7: Jaguar XE Handicap Div 2 (1 Mile)
The second division of this handicap is by far the stronger but while it does have plenty of depth, it’s hard to see Simon Crisford’s Epic Hero out of the frame. This gelded son of Siyouni was a very unlucky loser when beaten a short head behind Suedois in January. He then came with what looked like a winning run in a nine furlong handicap a fortnight ago but stamina gave way late on. James Doyle has a fabulous record when teaming up with Simon Crisford in 2020 and this 5yo looks to have outstanding each-way claims.
