Saeed Bin Suroor well placed to enjoy Group success at Meydan

Last week's first Dubai International Carnival meeting proved to be business as usual for the major players; Saeed bin Suroor, Mahmood Al Zarooni and Mike de Kock, who collectively landed five of the seven Thoroughbred races. Godolphin field 18 runners today, and while they are unlikely to offer much of a return, it would be a surprise to see them draw a blank. Bin Suroor's Aspectoflove (5.45pm GMT) is widely fancied to go one better than the second place she managed 12 months ago in the newly upgraded Cape Verdi. The Saudi raider Deem, who beat her by a short head in a subsequent Group Three event, again poses the main threat, although her absence since running an excellent fourth behind Dar Re Mi in the Sheema Classic in March is a concern. The opening seven-furlong Tapeta handicap looks competitive and Tybalt, formerly trained by John Gosden and now a new recruit for Al Zarooni, can go well on his local debut but preference is for the front-running Swinging Sixties (2.35) , who drops down in trip after being caught close home on his previous two outings this campaign. The multiple Group winner War Artist drops down to Handicap company for the first time in more than three years but may find the five furlongs a bit sharp, so Masta Plasta (3.10) is taken to register a first Dubai winner for David Nicholls at the 53rd time of trying. The speedy filly Noble Heir, a Group One winner in South Africa, can also go close in the hands of the in-form Ryan Moore. De Kock took this last year with the subsequent UAE 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner Musir and this year he has another well-regarded candidate in th e Grade One-placed Zanzamar (3.50pm) . Frankie Dettori's mount Janood, deemed good enough to contest the Group One National Stakes last term, looks the danger. The mile turf handicap looks a good opportunity for the top weight Kingsfort (4.25) to prove he retains the ability that saw him scoop the 2009 National Stakes. Derbaas, a dual winner on the all-weather this term, can also make the frame. A collection of one-time Classic hopes converge in the closing 10-furlong handicap, which can go to the Chester Dee Stakes winner Azmeel (6.20) , who makes his handicap debut. The French Derby withdrawal Simon De Montfort is also interesting on his belated return, while conditions should suit Dettori's partner Peligroso.