G3 – 2000m – Turf
| 1 | Folkswood | Running well in Australia late last year, including a win over this distance and not far behind the mighty Winx in a Moonee Valley G1. Some fine efforts here last year included when only caught late on after leading from the gates in an 1800m G1. Has a good record first time off a break. |
| 2 | Carry On Deryck | Although he won a 1600m handicap here in 2016 – surging late on – he has not been one of the stars of Godolphin’s Dubai operation and has failed to make any serious impact in two Meydan starts this year. |
| 3 | Leshlaa | Came with a smooth challenge in the straight to win a handicap over this distance here earlier this month, and the second horse home enhanced the form with an easy win a few days ago. He looks improved and very happy on the Meydan turf. He deserves a crack at this G3 prize. |
| 4 | Gilt Complex | Effective at this distance, he has won some valuable prizes at Kranji in Singapore, usually charging from mid-field or closer. Probable excuses for a modest first show on this month’s Meydan debut when the jockey reported that he lost momentum after slipping. |
| 5 | Team Talk | Has reportedly suffered many training setbacks which explains a career of just four runs to date. A soundly-beaten last of eight when he returned to action in a handicap here last month, but he was found to be lame after that run and his trainer remains confident that we’ll see much better in due course. |
| 6 | Earnshaw | His two career wins came when French-trained but beaten in his last 21 starts, prompting his currently in-form trainer to describe him as ‘the unluckiest horse in our yard.’ However in last year’s Carnival he did come close to success in a G1, a G2 and a G3. A late closer. |
| 7 | Jubilance | This Scandanavian-trained nine-year-old has a modest strike-rate and has been beaten in much lower grade races than this. Soundly eclipsed in two handicaps at Meydan this year and with no serious chance, surely. |
| 8 | Special Fighter | Took maximum advantage of an uncontested lead when winning a 2000m G1 on the dirt here in 2016, running a good second in the same race last year. Back on grass for his first start of 2018 but he did win three races on this surface earlier in his career. |
| 9 | Al Sahem | Won last year’s South African Derby at Turffontein for a different stable. He led for most of the way – racing keenly – on his Meydan debut in a 1800m G2 early this month but tired quickly to finish last of seven. Held in high regard and over this more suitable distance better is expected. |
| 10 | Light The Lights | Won a handicap over this course and distance last month, doing well as he had raced too enthusiastically early on. However he could never muster the necessary speed to get into the serious action when fourth in an 1800m G2 early this month. Versatile tactically. |
