Timeform Dubai SmartPlays: Meydan, Thursday November 22

Stephen has picked out three bets from Meydan

Meydan plays host to a competitive six-race card on Thursday. Timeform's Dubai handicapper has three more to follow on the back of his 9/2 winner at Jebel Ali last week.

Long-standing maidens aren't exactly ideal punting material but Mutayaser looks to have plenty in his favour in the 16:00 and he is worth supporting. He struggled badly during his first season in Dubai, like so many do, but he looked a different horse on his recent reappearance when finishing second to Skycruiser having been clear for much of the final two furlongs. First-time blinkers presumably helped, and they will need to work a second time, but he is well drawn in stall six and remains on the same mark, so must have sound claims of going one better granted a slightly more conservative ride.

Ganas caught the eye on his UAE debut at Jebel Ali earlier in the month and is sure to be popular in the 16:35 but he looked to have a fairly hard race that day and I am prepared to take him on with Lord Tiger who will appreciate the sound pace that should be on offer in this. Another reason for opposing Ganas is that he is likely to get taken on up front and the one thing that Lord Tiger has looked to need above anything else is a strong gallop. His best effort last season came when beating Rutland Boy at this track and that is very solid form with Rutland Boy improving the best part of two stone subsequently. It's only right to acknowledge that the selection didn't really build on that but a couple of his efforts could easily be excused and hopefully he can bounce back in this.

Doug Watson may not have the winners on the board just yet but most of his are running with credit and I expect Famous Warrior to improve enough for his recent return and take the 1m handicap at 17:45. He found things tough last season off his mark in the 100's (runs off 95 here), his style of racing also leaving him vulnerable as he was always there to be shot at in some very competitive events. He made his return over a trip he probably doesn't stay, but still ran with credit in finishing third to Rochdale and hopefully he will get his own way out in front here. Farrier is interesting after winning his only start to date but there was no depth to that race and quite obviously lacks the experience of Famous Warrior who should be tough to pass in this. 

Timeform Dubai SmartPlays
 
Back Mutayaser in the 15:00
Back Lord Tiger in the 15:35
Back Famous Warrior in the 16:45