1

Bilhayl

Couldn’t reach the front-running winner when second in a 1000m Listed event here last December. May be better over that trip than 1200m, and anyhow is probably not good enough.

2

California Spangle

Drops back to 1200m after seven wins over further, the latest being a powerful front-running display in a 1400m G1 at Sha Tin. Earlier in his career had shown terrific speed over this trip and even 1000m. Must be respected.

3

Casa Creed

Couldn’t quite get into the late action when fifth in this in 2022. But this very accomplished US performer boasts G1 success over this trip and further. Finished last year with some excellent efforts.

4

Danyah

Finished fast to land a surprise success in this last year. Targeted to defend his crown ever since and his solid third in a 1400m G2 here in January must have encouraged his supporters.

5

Diligent Harry

Has won his last two starts with the latest one in Listed company at Southwell. Like his other six wins that was on an all-weather surface and he is 0-12 on grass but nearly won a G3 at Newbury last year.

6

Emaraaty Ana

A G1 winner for a different stable over this trip at Haydock in 2021. Two victories since then, latterly in a local G3 at Doha last month when always up with the speed and brave at the end.

7

Jasper Krone

A Japanese challenger in a race they are yet to win. A winner over a rare straight track in Japan is positive, and not beaten far – after leading – in a 1200m G3 on the dirt at Riyadh last month.

8

King Gold

In great shape in France last year and gained a G1 victory on very soft ground over 1300m at Deauville. Decent efforts at Meydan and Riyadh this year, but unlikely to be quite quick enough.

9

Ponntos

Likely to try to lead from the gates, tactics that saw him win here in December and later finish second in a 1000m G2. A well-travelled and smart speedster but a few others look preferred.

10

Sight Success

Though some recent disappointments, he has chances on the sort of performance that saw him short-head Lucky Sweynesse in a Sha Tin G2 Handicap last October. A bit keen in this last year but did some good late work for a close fourth.

11

Frost At Dawn

Has hit peak form at the right time with this valuable prize in mind, posting a clear career best when outspeeding hot favourite and rival here Star Of Mystery in a 1000m Meydan G3 this month.

12

Star Of Mystery

A formidable sprinter who has won twice here this year latterly in G2 company, surging late each time. Although beaten by Frost At Dawn over 1000m here this month, still looks to have good chances.