1

Al Musmak

Dominant for most of the trip on last month’s Saudi and dirt debut, over this course and distance. Much stronger opposition now but that easy defeat of 19 rivals offers hope that this three-times winner on grass in the UK can make an impact.

2

Defunded

A former G1 winner in the US – leading throughout – he finished seventh in this last year and also didn’t figure in the 2024 Dubai World Cup. On the plus side he won his prep for this over todays course and distance last month. This is a much harder task.

3

El Kodigo

Though narrowly bettered by rival here Intense For Me on turf at San Isidro two starts back, he is considered the best dirt horse in Argentina. A five-times G1 winner, he will want an electric pace here as he is used to racing over further, his latest victory coming over 2400m in Uruguay.

4

Facteur Cheval

Showed what he is capable of when winning last March’s G1 Dubai Turf over this trip at Meydan. Well below that level when trying dirt for the first time when third in a G1 at Meydan last month. But it wasn’t a bad effort and he seemed to act on the surface, only beaten by two hard fit and smart dirt specialists.

5

Forever Young

A terrific dirt champion who came from near the back to win the 1600m Saudi Derby on this card last year, coming mighty close to victory in the Kentucky Derby subsequently. A convincing G1 winner in Japan when last seen and it is hard to find fault with him. Big chance.

6

Intense For Me

Nailed classy Argentinian rival here El Kodigo late on when winning a 2400m turf G1 – considered South America’s most prestigious race – at San Isidro in December. Now locally trained and moving to a dirt surface. Worth a try at this huge prize.

7

Ramjet

Has shown great talent on dirt in Japan. But has finished fourth and third behind Forever Young on his last two starts and no obvious reason why that form should be reversed, plus this is Ramjet’s first experience out of Japan.

8

Rattle N Roll

Showed his talent along with a fighting spirit when winning a G2 over this trip at Churchill Downs last November. Looked to be in a hopeless position on his debut over this course and distance last month, but weaved his way through to easily outclass 19 rivals.

9

Romantic Warrior

This superstar has an amazing record outside of Hong Kong, winning in the highest class in Australia, Japan and last month when surging up the Meydan straight to win a G1 over this trip in fantastic style. With his ability and enthusiasm unquestioned all depends on how he handles this surface on his first start away from grass.

10

Ushba Tesoro

This Japanese contender has an excellent record when travelling to the Middle East and came desperately close to winning this last year, surging from the back only to find Senor Buscador, another huge closer, finishing even faster. Likely to again make an impact.

11

Wait To Excel

Ratings suggest that he has an extremely difficult task. He did win over 2000m here last November, but, although second of 20, was powerless to respond to today’s Rattle N Roll’s late surge here last month.

12

Walk Of Stars

Formerly quirky and difficult to win with but has developed into a very smart dirt horse at Meydan and posted a clear career best when winning a 1900m G1 there last month, leading almost throughout with today’s rival Facteur Cheval well back in third.

13

Wilson Tesoro

A classy performer in Japan who rarely underperforms and was not beaten far when second to Forever Young last time, having his first run for this stable then. Only Middle East experience when fourth – though well behind – in last year’s Dubai World Cup.

14

Wootton’sun

Third – but having no chance behind today’s rival Rattle N Roll in the closing stages – here last month. Probably requires a long trip than this and very hard to fancy.

Reserve

15

Scotland Yard

Eighth in this last year at long odds, and will probably again not make a serious impact. Didn’t figure behind today’s rival Rattle N Roll on his latest start.