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Angus McNae's Dubai Carnival tips: Siskany set to strike

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

Our presenter and Meydan expert Angus McNae gives you four fancies for week seven of the Dubai Carnival. Enjoy the return of Grade One winner Nations Pride and all of Friday's card on Racing TV, with dedicated coverage on Racing TV Extra.

We have two more Carnival fixtures to look forward to before Super Saturday and this week the action centres on three Group Three contests - namely the UAE Oaks, Dubai Millenium Stakes and Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

Here are my four picks.

3.45 Meydan: Tranquil Night

Finished: 11thSP: 11/2

He looked to be thoroughly progressive in the UK last season, winning three times before being well beaten in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot when asked to race in the disadvantaged group.

His return to action subsequently saw him go off a well-backed favourite at Meydan but he couldn’t justify that support, weakening from two out as if needing the run. He wasn’t given a hard time and can resume his progression here and give James Doyle another winner at this year's Carnival.

4.20 Meydan: Siskany

Finished: 1stSP: 4/5

Godolphin have dominated this race over the years with the royal blue silks passing the post in front in 10 of the last 12 years. I see no reason why the trend will not continue.

Siskany is the mount of William Buick and must have an excellent chance given his UK form in 2022. He was a Listed winner at Newmarket and was Group One-placed in Germany. He also won his only start at Meydan last season when he bolted up by five lengths in a Listed contest.

He clearly goes well at this track and can prevail at the expense of his stable-companion Kemari.

It was a Godolphin 1-2-3-4 in this race in 2021

4.55 Meydan: Ottoman Fleet

Finished: 3rdSP: 11/10

I think this race is a straight shoot-out between the Godolphin pair Ottoman Fleet and Nations Pride. I am with the mount of James Doyle, who may be the second string here but has plenty in his favour.

He has had two recent runs at Meydan and, although only third last time, shaped better than the bare result as he was caught a bit too far back having travelled well. He steps up a furlong now to 10 furlongs, a distance over which he won impressively last year, and he gets stall 1 here.

Nations Pride is a big danger, but this is his seasonal reappearance and he is better over further. It has to be Ottoman Fleet on this occasion.

5.30 Meydan: Ever Given

Finished: 12thSP: 5/2

Ever Given to make all and win is the call.

I tipped him to win the Firebreak Stakes last time, and while he ran well in fourth he didn't appear to stay the mile trip. The drop to seven furlongs here - combined with what is sure to be a front-running ride from Mikael Barzalona - can do the trick.

This race represents a drop in grade to boot and he will be sharper for his first ever run on the dirt last time.

Golden Goal is a danger as he is well drawn and takes a big drop in class here, but he ran very poorly on his seasonal reappearance and could just be on the downgrade.

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