Our presenter and Meydan expert Angus McNae can’t wait for Super Saturday, the final fixture of the Dubai Carnival ahead of World Cup night on March 25. Enjoy dedicated coverage of all the action live on Racing TV Extra.
A fantastic nine-race card graces this magnificent Carnival before the flagship Dubai World Cup card at the end of the month. I have four selections on a superb card where the Jebel Hatta is undoubtedly the best race.
12.05 Meydan: Kemari
This is not the strongest renewal of the Dubai City of Gold and Kemari can outclass his rivals.
He had some strong form in the UK last season when chasing home the very talented Rebels Romance on a couple of occasions while his return at Meydan saw him finish fourth to stable companion Siskany. That was his first run for six months and I would expect him to be much sharper now.
Kemari is a strong stayer at this trip and I can see him being ridden prominently, which is no bad thing on this turf course. He won the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot in 2021 and he can make his class tell in a much weaker race.
2.25 Meydan: Bendoog
Bendoog can finally have his day here with a low draw in stall 4 and after a very good run last time out.
On the face of it he has a bit to find with Salute the Soldier on their January meeting in the Thunder Snow Challenge, but he has a tactical advantage now with that rival hampered by a wide draw in stall 10.
Bendoog seemed to improve for the application of blinkers last time out behind Algiers and they are retained here, while he should be able to lead from his low draw and is fancied to take some pegging back.
3.10 Meydan: Al Suhail
He has never fulfilled his potential, but it could be that his time is now.
Al Suhail set a new course record when winning over seven furlongs here last time and ran the fastest final 400 metres of the Carnival. The turn of foot he showed was wildly impressive and, if he reproduces that, looks unbeatable here.
I believe that his win last time was in part down to a more patient ride than has often been the case in the previously. He has loads of speed that needs to be saved for a late charge and, if ridden in a similar way to last time, will win easily.
I think he is a Group One horse and despite his inconsistent record he can outclass his rivals here.
3.45 Meydan: Master Of The Seas
Master Of The Seas, Real World and Valiant Prince are the headline acts in a superb Jebel Hatta.
Master Of The Seas won on his recent return here, displaying a fine turn of foot and breaking the track record. He has a good draw in stall 2 and promises to get a much better trip in the race than his main rivals.
Real World is a class act and I don’t buy the line that he will need the run, but he is a drawn wide in stall 10 and the Dubai Turf is the main goal.
The result may well be different on World Cup night, but on this occasion I am happy to go with the classy Master Of The Seas from his good draw.
