Marnane eyes first big win at Carnival

Dubai: Former Dubai-based handler David Marnane will be looking for his first Pattern race success at the Carnival when he saddles the progressive Elleval in the Listed Meydan Classic at Meydan on Thursday.

Marnane, who worked as an assistant at the Red Stables before obtaining his training licence in Ireland, is confident of a big run from the Damian Lavelle gelding who was a smart winner of the Trial four weeks ago.

A three-year-old by Kodiac, Elleval was following up on his previous maiden win on the all-weather at Dundalk.

Marnane said: “He did well to win the first day as he did not get the clearest of runs. The step up in trip should suit him and he has improved quite a bit since then so we are expecting another big run.”

His principal rivals appear to be the Tom Dascombe-trained Deauville Prince and Luhaif, who is bidding to give former England football star-turned-trainer Mick Channon his first win at this year’s Carnival.

Luhaif was third in the Trial while Deauville Prince was a noteworthy third behind Soft Falling Rain in the UAE 2000 Guineas.

Godolphin’s Mahmoud Al Zarouni saddles local debutant Now Spun and Filfil, fifth in the trial.

Mickael Barzalona takes the ride on the former, a winner once in England, while Kieren Fallon partners Filfil.