1

Clapton

A G2 winner when US trained and also third in this last year after a wide trip that apparently suits him. Will need to upgrade significantly on his last run, though after a break and over too short a trip.

2

Dhahabi

Similar efforts in two Listed starts here late last year, well beaten at long odds each time. Would still be very hard to fancy even if this was over a more suitable trip.

3

Facteur Cheval

Only previous Meydan start was a terrific winning performance in an 1800m G1 here last March. That alone would give him an edge over these opponents but now he must prove himself on a dirt surface.

4

Global Hit

Trained in Korea where he is formidable, winning ten of his 17 starts, and particularly impressive on his last two outings, winning over 2000 and 2300m. Now confronted with international opposition.

5

Imperial Emperor

Unbeaten in two starts for this trainer, looking very comfortable on Meydan’s dirt surface over a 1600m trip when landing handicaps here late last year, latterly romping clear under top weight.

6

Kabirkhan

Won eight of his nine starts across Kazakhstan and Russia, proving he could handle top Meydan company when quickening impressively to win this G1 last year. Things didn’t go right for him when favourite for the Dubai World Cup but respected on this return.

7

Local Dynasty

Looked certain to win a 2000m handicap here this month, just grabbed late on. There could be more Meydan dirt improvement to come provided he settles better than he sometimes has.

8

Qareeb

Has lots of Meydan experience including three dirt handicap wins over this trip. A solid second in a G2 here last month, proving yet again that he tries hard. But an unlikely winner of this.

9

Saayedd

Led from the start to win a 1600m Jebel Ali handicap last November. Stumbled early on when a well beaten seventh in a Listed event here last month. Likely to struggle.

10

Walk Of Stars

Some stronger efforts here since finishing fifth in this in 2024 suggest that he could get much closer this year, posting a clear career best when a runaway front-running Listed winner last month. Looks happiest when able to lead early.

11

Gaassid

Lightly raced but appears to be improving, albeit only tested so far at a much lesser level than this. Might try and lead as he did when winning over 1800m at Jebel Ali this month.

12

Generous Tipper

Having his first run for this stable since some strong US form including a third in a G1, and two 1800m victories on his last two starts.  An interesting contender.