G2 – 1900m – Dirt
| 1 | Rayya | A really smart filly for a local stable who have great success on the Meydan dirt. Early this month she stepped up to this distance – and from an identical inside gate to this – led most of the way for a comfortable G3 victory – looking relaxed and always travelling nicely. |
| 2 | Ruggero | Successfully switched from turf to dirt when stalking the pacesetters and then holding off closers to win to gain a second career win in a 1600m event at Tokyo last November. Latterly finished third in a similar event in February. His pedigree does suggest some stamina concerns for this trip. |
| 3 | Reride | A progressive US-trained colt who has won both starts this year, latterly when always handy and then battling bravely to win over 1700m at Sunland Park in February. That form was subsequently given a big boost when the runner-up went on to win the Sunland Derby. |
| 4 | Mendelssohn | Closed down last year with a terrific G1 victory over 1600m at Del Mar, always close to the speed around the inside. He limbered up for this with a Listed win at Dundalk, his first racing venture on an artificial surface – something he’s certainly bred for. Good chance for a stable who have twice won this race. |
| 5 | Gold Town | Bred for dirt, and he looks much happier on it than grass. Has won both Meydan starts this season – recording good times – latterly when dominating nearly from the start in a G3 over 1600m here in February since then this has been the target. This extra distance is not considered a problem. |
| 6 | Seahenge | A 1405m G2 winner on a slow turf surface at Doncaster last September, closing late. On his 2018 return, he finished 4.5 lengths behind stablemate and rival here Mendelssohn in a 1600m Listed race on the Dundalk all-weather, slowly away and too keen early on. |
| 7 | Yulong Warrior | Has beaten 15 rivals and 12 rivals in his last two starts, latterly when recording a clear career best as he stepped up to this distance in a Listed event this month. Clearly in great form though on those last two starts he had the run of things from an inside gate, plus much stronger opposition here. |
| 8 | Taiki Ferveur | Came from way back with a strong late surge that took him into second (today’s rival Ruggero was third) in a 1600m event at Tokyo last month. That improved performance suggests there could be more to come from Moreira’s mount, and his closing style might make the wide gate less problematic. |
| 9 | Threeandfourpence | Behind today’s rivals Mendelssohn and Seahenge when fourth in a G1 at Newmarket last October, still a good effort considering a difficult trip. Led in a 1600m Listed race on his 2018 return on the all-weather at Dundalk, run down by Mendelssohn. This extra trip not certain to help. |
