Dubai Carnival – Week 1 Times

I’ll start with the more recent (and first) meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival, which was held last Thursday 15th January 2009.

7f – Dirt – Normal
86.63 – Sos Brilliante
84.63 – India Tiberna
81.63 – Purple Sage
79.13 – Jargelle
Analysis: Less than a thorough test by usual dirt standards here but a two useful performers in both the winner and second. Both with almost identical profiles the second was backed as if defeat was out of the question and both showed their quirks, with the winning flashing her tail and the second moody in the prelims. Both horses probably capable of improving on the numbers they’ve posted here but wouldn’t be ones to be taking short odds about.

7.5f – Turf – Good To Soft
97.42 – Silver Mist
96.17 – Fateh Field
90.92 – Seihali
88.17 – King Jock
Analysis: A good performance from the front two who pulled clear off a sound pace. The Mike De Kock trained winner came from a wide draw and has the potential to win again, those in behind the front two look likely to struggle as they failed to perform under sound fractions.

9f – Turf – Good To Soft
92.43 – Third Set
90.97 – Brave Tin Soldier
89.97 – Yasoodd
89.22 – With Interest
88.97 – Heartshead Maison
Analysis: A slow early pace certainly didn’t help Brave Tin Soldier who posted a blistering effort when running here last time and he probably did too much running mid-race to have anything left at the business end. The slow gallop certainly didn’t really test these and Third Set too can also be upgraded as he’s better off a stronger gallop. Heartshead Maison ran a huge race and too will be better suited to a strong gallop and over a slight bit further, that said the second placed horse interests me more than anything and is to be followed next time.

8f – Dirt – Normal
103.96 – My Indy
98.21 – Green Coast
94.46 – Don Renato
94.36 – Frosty Secret
91.86 – Gloria De Campeao
Analysis: The performance of the evening without a doubt but the winner showed worrying signs by flashing his tail when under pressure. That said he powered away from some useful rivals and the form looks strong with Green Coast filling second place (has won a handicap off 102). That said both Gloria De Campeao and Royal Vintage failed to run upto form and can be value for abit more than figures posted.

12f – Turf – Good To Soft
94.80 – Crime Scene
93.55 – Engrupido
90.55 – Age Of Reason
89.30 – Far From Old
89.05 – Sugar Ray
Analysis: Another race with slow early fractions and one which went to the admirable Crime Scene who goes well out here. The recent spin on dirt served him well and he picked up the race at a price. Engrupido ran well considering how the race panned out and remains of interest next time. Far From Old also ran well and is worth noting.

Non Carnival Time (Notables):
Big City Man 99.30 (08/01/2009)
Brave Tin Soldier 97.48 (01/01/2009)
Ekhtiaar 95.22 (26/12/2008)

Watchout for these three especially the top two.