1

Forever Young

A closer, not easy at Del Mar, but boasts some outstanding form outside of Japan, winning the Saudi Derby and arguably an unlucky third in the Kentucky Derby.

2

Highland Falls

Gained his first G1 win over this trip at Saratoga in September. Has posted some big speed figures in his career and seems to deliver his very best each time.

3

City Of Troy

Likely favourite despite having first start on dirt, though his early speed should help with that. The star of the European Classic generation, winning the Derby at Epsom with two more terrific G1 victories following.

4

Mixto

An outsider but has already pulled off a surprise G1 shock over Del Mar’s 2000m, winning August’s Pacific Classic. Improving, and his forward racing style should help.

5

Senor Buscador

Came from way off the speed to win the world’s richest race – the Saudi Cup – in February. Not nearly as good last two starts, and a late closing profile is tricky here.

6

Derma Sotogake

Ran a mighty race after an absence to run second in this (at Santa Anita) last year. Will need to recapture that sparkle after some modest efforts since.

7

Ushba Tesoro

A deep closer racing over what is usually a speed-friendly venue. But a brilliant performer at his best, such as his stunning victory in the 2023 Dubai World Cup.

8

Pyrenees

Has developed a very consistent profile, and a G3 winner and G1 placed this year. But facts and figures suggest that some opponents may have just too much class.

9

Fierceness

A major player with his gate looking suited to his running style.   Runaway winner of the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and outstanding form has mostly continued including his G1 Saratoga win.

10

Tapit Trice

In the shadow of his stablemate Fierceness but has won two of his three 2024 starts, posting a career-best with a last-to-first G2 victory at Aqueduct in September.

11

Sierra Leone

A beaten favourite on his last three starts though twice placed to rival here Fierceness. A closer whose best chances rest with a brutal early gallop and then a pace collapse.

12

Arthur's Ride

His upfront running style should be nicely suited to Del Mar’s 2000m. Capable of mixing it at this level, convincingly winning a G1 at Saratoga in August.

13

Newgate

A fast-finishing third in a G1 at Santa Anita in September and back in March another strong finish had resulted in a narrow victory in a 2000m G1, also at Santa Anita.

14

Next

Used to racing over further, and maybe rivals will go too fast for him. But he certainly knows how to win, triumphant in nine of his last ten starts in marathon dirt races.

Reserve

15

Rattle N Roll

Won three consecutive G3s at three different tracks in 2023. Has not managed to win in G1s and G2s since and will probably again find this G1 too hot.