TimeformBlog

Just as you were coming to terms with the end of the Rio Carnival, the Dubai version winds up as well. At least there were some scantilly-clad Brazilians (not Ronaldinho) to help you get over the former, a trio of tips from Stephen Molyneux will have to do to greet the end of the Meydan jamboree

The 3-y-o colts have been a massive disappointment this year and they may have to play second fiddle again to Chocolicious in the 14:35. The likes of Mahbooba and Reem have dominated these events for the classic generation, Chocolicious not far behind that pair on her first two starts and she is sure to find this a lot easier. Her main challengers on form all have something to prove - Electric Waves is the clear pick on ratings but she raced exclusively over 5f last year and her effort when a distant third in the UAE Oaks was inconclusive as regards how far she is actually going to stay. Chocolicious actually beat Mahbooba in South Africa last year and although it's fair to say their careers have gone in different directions subsequently, this looks the perfect opportunity for Chocolicious to get hers back on track.

Opinion Poll could well develop into a 'cup' horse for Godolphin this season and he is expected to go close in the DRC Gold Cup at 16:30. He has finished runner-up on both his starts this Carnival, flashing home on both occasions and the step back up to 2m is sure to suit. Whispering Gallery and Claremont were the pair that beat him and they reoppose here but neither are as sure to be suited by the step up in trip as Opinion Poll. Hopefully Ahmed Ajetbi will keep him closer to the pace this time and make his class tell.

The 17:45 is a Group 2 over 1m but very few of these have pretensions to be cutting it at this sort of level. There is a chance Fanunalter falls into that category but he's looked an improved performer of late and should be given the chance to make his mark in a race that won't take as much winning as first appears. He is the type that perhaps keeps a bit for himself, hence why he keeps pulling out a bit more when least expected, and his reappearance at Meydan when second to Raihana came in a race that has worked out very well. Fanunalter briefly looked as though he would quicken all the way through but he hasn't always convinced as being a strong-stayer at 9f and in the end his effort was petering out. The drop back in trip will suit and expect to see him played late by Ryan Moore.

Recommendations
Back Chocolicious in the 14:35 Meydan
Back Opinion Poll in the 16:30 Meydan
Back Fanunalter in the 17:45 Meydan