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2.30
Unsurprisingly, Godolphin have a very strong hand in the opening contest of the evening with a string of horses that have top chances. Officially the top-rated horse in the race, Enak, is a Group 1 winner in Argentina but is carrying a lot of weight and may have to settle for only minor honours. Cappiwino won a maiden in confident style on his only racecourse appearance to date and is one to watch. However, Fareej is fancied to be the first horse in royal blue past the post. Ted Durcan’s mount was a two-time winner in the autumn and, providing he has trained on, there seems to be no reason why he can’t notch up a hat-trick on his Meydan debut. Although, Frankie may have something to say about that on stable mate Mendip. The three-year-old won nicely on his debut at Kempton and is very well regarded by connections. He may be the one for the forecast.

3.05
Undoubtedly, Swop is the class horse in the field but, as he showed here a fortnight ago, he may need further to be most effective. He may be worth backing in running if there is a very strong gallop but is avoided unless that is the case. As a result, a chance is taken on Fateh Field on his first run for Abdulla bin Huzaim. Recently he has been plying his trade at Belmont Park and has had a smattering of success so he may be the one to be on this evening. Green Coast cannot be ruled out though following a decent fourth on the first night of the Carnival.

3.45
UAE based Monte Alto has shown some improved form over the last couple of weeks but his best form has still only seen him run into a place and the same could be expected this evening. Therefore, Highland Glen is the selection as, despite his apparent quirks, he is a horse with plenty of ability and should relish racing on the new tapeta surface for the first time. A bad experience in the stalls early on in his career has haunted him somewhat but, he has shown that he has the ability to get over poor breaks on his last two wins and is fancied to go well once again; providing he makes starters orders. If he is withdrawn, Bridge Of Gold ought to be the one to take advantage. He won on his reappearance at Lingfield last month and was rather impressive so could be the toughest opposition.

4.20
On paper, this looks like a pretty competitive handicap but there seems to be little opposition to Mike De Kock’s Lizard’s Desire. He registered a comfortable victory here on the opening night of the Carnival and, with that form being franked by runner-up King Of Rome winning last week, he looks to be the most solid bet of the night. Christophe Soumillon is in the saddle again this evening and there seems to be no reason why the pair won’t be able to register a second success at the Carnival. The only other value in the race could be from Indian raider Antonios. The five-year-old is a dual Group 1 winner in his native land and could be a surprise package. An each-way punt wouldn’t be the worst bet in the world.

5.05
As expected, the UAE 1000 Guineas looks to be extremely competitive but the clues may lie with the trial that was run a fortnight ago. Although Raihana was most impressive that day, she will more than likely go off as a strong favourite this evening so value may be elsewhere. Both Talenta (4th) and Silver Grey (3rd) ran well in the trial but preference is for the latter. Roger Ingram’s filly was finishing well despite only finishing 3rd and may be well be cracking each-way value as bigger named yards generally head the market. 2nd in the trial, Waasemah, is another that stayed on strongly and she could also be a major player. The top two in the field, Ishitaki and Mensajera De La Luz, have ran well in South America but that form is difficult to weigh up and they may be best watched. French raider Ayun Tara had a great season last year and is one to be wary off on her seasonal reappearance.

5.40
On ratings alone, War Artist seems to be well-in, but he often needs a run and may be one to note on his next start. Consequently, Godolphin’s Gayego is fancied to be first past the post. He was somewhat unlucky in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint back in November as Garrett Gomez led him down a blind alley on the rail when he looked to be galloping all over his rivals. He will be carrying a penalty tonight for a previous Grade 1 success but he should cope well with the tapeta surface and the trip should suit. Fellow Grade 1 winner Our Giant has been a solid performer in South Africa and can challenge along with Strike The Deal.

6.15
German challenger Quijano was a revelation at the Carnival three years ago but his best days seem to be behind him and he may struggle this evening under top weight. Therefore, Herman Brown’s Mourilyan is expected to make his mark on his first outing since finishing a good third in the Melbourne Cup. He may be better over a longer distance than the 12 furlongs that are ahead of him this afternoon but he has prevailed over this trip twice before in Dubai and he looks to be the class act in the field. Halicarnassus finished a surprising second here a fortnight ago and could go well if getting the run of the race.

6.50
Saeed bin Suroor’s pair, Shaweel and Spring Of Fame, are likely to be well supported due to the yard’s fine run of form but both are inconsistent sorts and others are preferred. As a result, Golden Sword is fancied to notch up his first victory for new connections. The Chester Vase winner followed up that success by finishing 5th in The Derby (only 2 ¼ lengths behind Sea The Stars) and then 2nd in the Irish Derby behind Fame And Glory; two very respectable efforts. He has to concede at least 6lbs to the rest of the field but if he gets out of the stalls well and leads in the early stages, he could be very hard to pass.