Ed Marnane: Frankie Dettori, operating at an impressive 26% strike rate at the Dubai Carnival, has strong book of rides at Meydan on Thursday, all for Saeed bin Suroor.

Ed Marnane: The absence of the Saudi Derby-bound Soft Whisper, impressive winner of the UAE 1000 Guineas, has left the door open for Doug Watson to win his third UAE Oaks, one of the features of a cracking seven-card at Meydan on Thursday.

Ed Marnane: Frankie Dettori combines with main employer John Gosden when he rides Dubai Warrior in Round 2 of the Al Maktoum Challenge, Thursday’s feature at Meydan.

Ed Marnane: The UAE 2000 Guineas — the opening leg of the Dubai Triple Crown — headlines Thursday’s card at Meydan, the third night of the Dubai Carnival.

The financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are being felt all over the world, with the Emirates Racing Authority the latest to announce significant prize-money cuts to its headline fixture, the Dubai World Cup card.