Angus McNae: Top tips for week six of the Dubai Carnival

While Friday’s action is a bit low key compared to previous weeks, we still have competitive racing and some good opportunities to find a winner.

The dirt track did not perform to type last week, riding deep and slow and suiting closers rather than front-runners. This is unusual, but it would pay to tread carefully with the dirt races this week bearing in mind that the pace bias may well return.

Lord Glitters was a 4/1 winner here on the blog last week and I have five selections this time on a six-race card.

2.00 Meydan: Desert Safari

I am taking a chance on him despite his wide draw in stall 10.

Desert Safari is essentially a speedy horse who looks sure to be ridden aggressively and is likely to lead. If the track has returned to type, he may be capable of making all.

His UK form is certainly good enough to win a race of this type and he boasts a very good second at the Shergar Cup at Ascot last season off a mark of 95.

Desert Safari seemed to handle the dirt on his first Meydan start where he showed bright speed before weakening in the straight as if needing the run. He will be much better for that effort and under Mickael Barzalona - the best gate jockey in Dubai - I expect the five-year-old to jump quickly and lead this field from gate to wire.

2.35 Meydan: Silent Speech

I see no reason why he cannot back up his recent success over course and distance.

Silent Speech is a lightly-raced three-year-old by Dubawi and winner of two of his three starts. He looks certain to improve further yet just needs to repeat his effort from last time to score here.

He travelled strongly on his Meydan debut last month, and from off the pace hit the line strongly to win going away. He has a fairly stout pedigree on the dam’s side, but Silent Speech is speedy and his main asset seems to be a bright turn of foot that he has displayed in winning his last two starts.

He can go in again and remain unbeaten in Dubai.

3.10 Meydan: Shahama

While unproven at this extended nine-furling trip, the UAE 1000 Guineas winner should make short work of this Oaks field.

This three-year-old fillies’ division is traditionally quite weak and Shahama has looked to be head and shoulders above her rivals. She was very impressive in the Guineas and cruised clear to win by an untroubled 3¾ lengths.

This extra furlong should not trouble her and there are no new shooters turning up here to provide a new test. It is possible that she is not only the best three-year-old filly in the UAE, but the best three-year-old full stop.

3.45 Meydan: He’s A Balter

I am taking a chance on this Australian raider who should be a decent price.

I thought He’s A Balter shaped like the best horse when runner-up on his Meydan debut last month, travelling strongly and quickening up to lead just after the two-furlong marker and looking the winner before Batwan came back to catch him close home. If his challenge had been delayed a little longer, I believe he would have won.

This is a slightly tougher task, but I felt He’s A Balter was one to follow after his recent effort and I am not deserting him now. Watch for him swooping late on this fast turf sprint track.

4.20 Meydan: Manobo

This unbeaten gelding can strike for another winner at this year’s Carnival for William Buick and Charlie Appleby.

Manobo looks to be a thoroughly progressive son of Sea The Stars, landing a Listed race at Saint-Cloud by 10 lengths in the autumn before winning a Grade Two at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend.

It is possible that Manobo may make up into a Dubai Gold Cup horse and, if that is a legitimate aim, he should be able to land this prize. William Buick needs to overcome a wide draw in stall 10 but given a smooth passage I think he will win.

Charlie Appleby has won three of the last renewals of this race, including with the useful Ispolini and Secret Advisor, and Manobo looks capable of following in their hoofprints.