The first thoroughbred race of the 2016 Carnival is a low-key affair. Rafeej won a Listed contest here just over a year ago and has remained in good form finishing runner-up at that level last month though over five lengths behind the winner with KIFAAH, who was receiving 3lb, just a head away in third. The latter is now 10lb better off so should have no difficulty reversing the form and can take this. My Catch had been highly tried since his Listed success here almost two years ago and was on a lenient mark when gaining a very easy victory in a handicap here in November so a 5lb rise is highly unlikely to prevent another big run. Royal Ridge wasn't in the best of form last season and rarely runs over a trip this short, a remark that also applies to Nawwaar, though the latter did score over the distance at Jebel Ali in November. The once promising Unforgiving Minute is interesting for a new stable though might just need the run.
Rafeej 6-1 (9-3) 2nd of 9, 5 1/4l behind Muarrab (9-5) at Meydan 6f lst stks fst in Dec.
My Catch (IRE) (9-4) won at Meydan 6f hcp fst in Nov beating Tamaathul (8-11) by 6 1/2l, 6 ran.
Unforgiving Minute 8-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, driven and lost place inside final 2f, weakened final furlong, 9th of 10, 12 3/4l behind Halation (9-4) at Ascot 1m hcp (2) gf in Aug.
Frank Lloyd Wright (SWE) (9-13) won at Taby 7f pol in Oct beating Visiteur Du Pom (8-3) by 3l, 9 ran.
Nawwaar (USA) (8-13) 2nd of 4, 8l behind Muarrab (9-5) at Jebel Ali 6f stks fst in Nov.
Cheongu (USA) (8-11) 4th of 0, 1l behind at Ohi 6f in Oct.
Royal Ridge (SAF) 6-1 (9-2) 6th of 13, 4l behind Heavy Metal (9-1) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Feb.
Kifaah 25-1 (9-0) 3rd of 9, 5 1/4l behind Muarrab (9-5) at Meydan 6f lst stks fst in Dec.
