1

Cairo

Recently purchased by a Kuwaiti owner, he was slightly unlucky not to win a local G2 at Doha last month. Best run so far was second in a G1 Irish Classic last May but others look preferred here.

2

Calif

Progressive in Germany last year, winning a G3 and a G2, both times coming late. At long odds for a G2 at Riyadh last month but finished strongly into third. Needs a bit more still to win this.

3

Catnip

Has some good class form at around this trip in the US. Especially his close third – at 47-1 – in a G1 at Gulfstream Park in January clearly representing the best run of his life.

4

Danon Beluga

Joao Moreira’s mount has had the misfortune to face the brilliant Equinox on his last two starts, getting closer the first time (4th) than last time (6th). An excellent second in this last year as the modest gallop didn’t suit.

5

Do Deuce

Gained another G1 success – in one of the world’s richest races – when winning over 2500m at Nakayama last December. This drop in trip is a concern but he’s highly talented.

6

Facteur Cheval

Placed in G1 company on his last four starts, several times close to winning. On ratings he has chances, though unless the ground rides soft he will be competing on faster ground than usual.

7

Lord North

Brilliant performances in this G1 for the last three years, winning it each time, just outpacing Danon Beluga – who reopposes – last year.  This veteran galloper ran a solid trial for this on his only start since. Chance.

8

Luxembourg

Long distance travel looks to suit this Irish-trained multiple G1 winner judged by his terrific performance when a close second in the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup. Didn’t manage to exploit his edge on ratings at Riyadh last month.

9

Matenro Sky

The winner of two of his last three starts including over this trip at Nakayama last month. Ratings would suggest that some of his fellow Japanese challengers have a bigger chance.

10

Measured Time

This fast improver must have a decent chance, having won a G2 and a G1 here over this course and distance on his last two starts, both times showing eye-catching acceleration in the Meydan straight.

11

Real World

Probable excuses for a poor show in this race last year but put a 12 race losing run behind him when proving too classy for 11 rivals in Bahrain this month. This is much tougher.

12

San Donato

Quickened nicely to win a 1600m G2 here in January and solid placed efforts in a G1 and G2 over this course and distance subsequently. Would need a career best to win this.

13

Straight Arron

Comfortable with this 1800m trip as he showed with a cosy handicap victory in 2023. His close fourth in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and his unlucky third over this trip in February both read positively as far as this challenge is concerned.

14

Voyage Bubble

Meydan expert Mickael Barzalona takes over on this six-times Sha Tin winner.  Reaching a terrific level in G1’s on his last three starts, winning the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) in January and only beaten a neck by Romantic Warrior over 2000m last month.

15

Namur

Blossomed late last year, winning a G2 in Tokyo and a G1 in Kyoto – both over 1600m. A wide challenge resulted in a commendable third to Golden Sixty in December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.

16

Nashwa

Has a terrific win and place record including three G1 wins, all ridden by Hollie Doyle. Her very close third to Auguste Rodin in a 2000m G1 at Leopardstown in September was yet another example of her class.