Timeform Dubai SmartPlays: Friday February 10

Dubai / Stephen Molyneux / 10 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

William Buick: Rides Emmrooz

"This represents an ease in grade for Emmrooz having chased home Treble Jig here last time, Treble Jig a winner again since..."

Timeform's Dubai Handicapper Stephen Molyneux advised UAE 2000 Guineas winner Kinglet and handicap scorer Mutahadee at Meydan yesterday, and highlights a trio of SmartPlays for Jebel Ali on Friday...

A big field will go to post for the opening thoroughbred contest at 11.05 and Daboos looks to hold sound claims of getting himself back in the winner's enclosure after an eye-catching display behind Rutland Boy last time. A slightly awkward beginning left him on the back foot that day and he very much conceded first-run before flying home at the finish to grab second. Prior to that he'd finished first and second in a couple of outings at today's track and he comfortably looks the most progressive performer in the field. He's well drawn in stall one bearing in mind the first bend comes up fairly soon after the start and he should take plenty of beating under Richard Hills.

Most of the field have something to prove in the 11.35 and I'm happy to take a chance on Escape Route, who will be facing his optimum conditions for the first time this season. He's only once finished out of the first three at Jebel Ali, and he's rarely out of the placing's when tackling seven furlongs, so with those two variables in place for a minor event in which he holds sound claims at the weights anyway, it will come as no surprise to see him get his head in front. He will certainly find it easier than the handicap he finished sixth in behind African Story last time, and indeed the Maktoum Challenge in which he wasn't beaten that far by Musir, the one note of caution being his on-going aversion to the stalls, his tendency to miss the break by varying degrees ensuring he will never be one for maximum faith.

A meeting at Jebel Ali rarely passes by without a victory for Dhruba Selveratnam (his string are based at the track) and Emmrooz looks his best chance of a winner in the 12.45. The race represents an ease in grade for Emmrooz having chased home Treble Jig here last time, Treble Jig a winner again since and comfortably one of the most progressive horses currently based in Dubai. I acknowledge that Emmrooz wasn't at his best in being beaten ten lengths that day, but it was still an effort that contained some promise, primarily in the way he travelled and he did have some useful performers finish behind him. A 3 lb drop since he last ran in a handicap enables him to contest today's lesser event, and it will be disappointing if he doesn't go close.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Daboos to win the 11.05
Back Escape Route to win the 11.35
Back Emmrooz to win the 12.45