1

Majestic Mambo

Won a Listed event over this distance in South Africa last year and was runner-up in a G1. First start at Meydan and first start for Mike de Kock who doesn’t hurry the preparation of his team so perhaps this horse will have bigger chances later on.

2

First Contact

Tried in a G2 over this trip on his Meydan debut in January but he made no impact. Did much better last time when third in a 1600m G2, racing a bit too keenly but sticking on. He will again face Century Dream who finished just ahead of him that day.

3

Janoobi

Led around 300m out in this race last year, and kept battling on to finish a close third. However he came into that race off a G2 win whereas this time he has proved disappointing on all four starts at Meydan this year. A win does not seem likely.

4

Century Dream

A smart handicapper in the UK in 2017, developing into a smart Group horse last year. Widely expected to win a G2 on his Meydan debut last month but though leading for some of the journey found a race-fitter rival too strong at the end. Sure to be sharper for that. 

5

Muzdawaj

Made a smooth challenge from midfield to beat 15 rivals in a handicap over this course and distance last month. However he proved unable to launch a serious challenge in a G3 here more recently and will encounter even stronger opposition this time.

6

Wootton

Formerly trained in France where he had some useful form, including a 1600m G3 win. Made a very encouraging Meydan debut in a G2 last month, finishing fastest of all after struggling to find space to challenge. He could reverse placings with Century Dream and First Contact who finished in front of him there.

7

Forest Ranger

Returning from a break since last October but that may be no worry for this big gelding as arguably his two best starts last season came on his first two runs – a G3 win over this trip at Newmarket, and a G2 win over further around Chester’s tight bends. 

8

Blair House

Jockey bookings would suggest that he is not the stable’s number one here, even though he was delivered with a powerful challenge to win this G1 last year. Failed narrowly to win another G1 – at Caulfield last October – and not disgraced on his Meydan return when fourth in a G2 in January.

9

Dream Castle

Struggled to make much impact – often too headstrong – in four starts at Meydan last year, but it has been a different story this time following a break, being gelded and moving up in trip. He has won both starts and was especially impressive when winning a G2 over this distance last time.

10

Loxley

A very smart performer in Europe winning four of his eight starts, including a comfortable G2 victory over 2500m at Deauville last August. Also effective over shorter though he could be done for pace on this speed-favouring track plus his outside gate makes things tricky.