The Meydan Punt: Nick Driver with his best bets on Thursday

BANKER

(4.50 Meydan)

Following his ultra-impressive performance in round one of the Al Maktoum Challenge, it's hard to think anything will get close to the North America in round two. There's no Thunder Snow this year, who beat North America in the corresponding race last year, and Heavy Metal has also bypassed the engagement, which makes things easier. He's rated 8lb higher than anything else in the race and arguably this trip will suit more than the mile he routed a good field over in round one. As ever at Meydan, it is absolutely imperative that he breaks well and if he does he shouldn't be pegged back.

GOOD THING

Midnight Sands (2.30 Meydan)

What looks an otherwise promising card, it starts with a very mediocre maiden and Midnight Sands should be head and shoulders above his rivals. It's interesting that his connections have not sold him out to Dubai but just given him to Doug Watson for the carnival and he should be making his mark in this race. He was thought highly of to start off his racing career in a good conditions race, before finishing down the field in the Coventry Stakes. He then went on to run well in a reasonable novice race and that form is miles the best on offer. His breeding suggests the dirt should suit, he certainly has early pace which will suit the track style and I'd expect him to burst out and make all.

EYECATCHER

Dubhe (3.05 Meydan)

Despite his poor showing last time, I'm going to stick with my guns on Dubhe. He got caught for pace on the bend over 1m4f last time out while doing most of his best work in the latter stages. With the cobwebs blown away and the step up to two miles, he should have a great chance off bottom weight in a small field. I still believe he is a Group horse and he will have to be to get the better of Red Galileo. William Buick has been booked for the ride, which gives me hope that the Charlie Appleby team have him spot on.

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