Happy Dubai gained a surprise victory over 5f here last week but a 5lb rise makes this more difficult and he was earlier almost four lengths behind Alsadeek at Jebel Ali. The winner is another with a weight rise to contend with and the in-form Montmorency may have a better chance from the foot of the handicap. Mariol generally competes at pattern-race level and ended the last campaign landing a Listed contest at Lyon. CLEARLY SILVER, a regular winner in South Africa, made a very promising Carnival debut two weeks ago when a close third over an extra furlong behind Dandy Boy. With that under his belt and a furlong less to travel he looks the one to be on. Too Nice Name was a long way behind the selection last time but was drawn badly and looked in need of the run. He's better than that and could prove a threat.
Finjaan 16-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, switched left over 2f out, ridden and headway well over 1f out, not able to reach leaders, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Delegator (9-2) at Newbury 7f Listed stks (1) gd in Sep.
Mariol (FR) 15-8fav (9-2) won at Lyon La Soie(FR) 6f 3yo stks in Nov, 9 ran.
Alsadeek (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 200m out, ran on well, won at Jebel Ali(UAE) 6f stks (3yo+) in Dec beating Terrific Challenge (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Dohasa (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) 8th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Our Giant (8-8) at Meydan(UAE) 6f stks (3yo+).
Sir Gerry (USA) 20-1 (9-4) 7th of 16, 7l behind Dandy Boy (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcap gd.
Too Nice Name (FR) 33-1 (8-13) 12th of 16, 14l behind Dandy Boy (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcap gd.
Happy Dubai (IRE) 20-1 (8-5) won at Meydan(UAE) 5f hcap gd beating Monsieur Joe (8-5) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Rock Jock (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) 10th of 12, 5l behind Our Giant (8-8) at Meydan(UAE) 6f stks (3yo+).
Barney McGrew (IRE) 40-1 (9-5) Chased leaders far side, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 20th of 26, 8l behind Redford (9-2) at Ayr 6f hcp (2) gd in Sep.
Evens And Odds (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders and keen, pushed along and outpaced 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went 4th last 50 yards, 4th of 10, 6l behind Harrison George (9-0) at Redcar 7f Listed stks (1) gs in Oct.
Montmorency (IRE) (9-6) Soon led, kicked clear 500m out, kept on well, won at Abu Dhabi(UAE) 7f hcap gd, 14 ran.
Clearly Silver (SAF) 9-1 (8-9) 3rd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Dandy Boy (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcap gd.
Golden Desert (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) 11th of 14, 8l behind Solid Choice (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcp.
Rileyskeepingfaith 16-1 (9-6) Always in rear, eased over 1f out, 15th of 20, 37l behind Fathsta (8-13) at York 6f hcp 105 (2) sft in Oct.
Star Crowned (USA) 16-1 (8-13) last of 16, 10l behind Happy Dubai (8-5) at Meydan(UAE) 5f hcap gd.
