G1 – 2000m – Dirt
| 1 | Gunnevera | Can be slow from the gate as he was in a G1 at Gulfstream Park in January, making some late headway but the leaders didn’t come back. Yet to win at 2000m but was gaining at the finish when an excellent second – 3/4L ahead of Thunder Snow – in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs last November. |
| 2 | Capezzano | Would not be on the radar for this race on his form before January this year. However he has found some vast improvement and his latest win proved that he is a threat to all here. In that G1 over this distance this month, he pinged the gate and set strong fractions, still 9.5L ahead of Thunder Snow at the wire. |
| 3 | North America | A dismal failure when missing the break in this last year, but this giant long-striding sparely-campaigned beast has had no such problems in his two Meydan G2 races this year, soon leading each time and grinding his rivals into submission. A good start would give him a very good chance. |
| 4 | Audible | Last year’s G1 Florida Derby winner over 1800m at Gulfstream Park went on to run a fine third in the G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs last May. A light campaign since has included a Churchill Downs win. Fifth – well behind second placed Seeking The Soul – in a G1 at Gulfstream Park last time. |
| 5 | Seeking The Soul | Has G1 winning form at 1800m in the US and comes here on the back of a big payday when runner-up in the G1 Pegasus Invitational at Gulfstream Park in January. He had no chance with the winner there but again showed he is one of the best in the US. Needs to prove himself at 2000m. |
| 6 | Pavel | Prominent from the gate, he won a G1 handicap over 1800m at Churchill Downs last June. However he’s mostly been beaten by considerable margins since – including at Santa Anita in February – so a victory in this huge event would not look too likely. |
| 7 | Gronkowski | Oisin Murphy’s mount has no stamina issues having run second in the prestigious G1 Belmont Stakes (2400m) last June. He will need to upgrade significantly on his Meydan debut when four of his rivals here finished ahead of him in a 2000m G1 this month. Perhaps he will be doing some strong work in the later stages. |
| 8 | Axelrod | Had some solid dirt form in the US at around this distance. He didn’t make much of a show on his Meydan debut in a 1600m G3 this month and, though he was reported to have finished mildly lame then, it was hardly an encouraging prep for this. |
| 9 | New Trails | Looks an improved performer since moving from France to Dubai. However he has seen the backside of some of today’s rivals on his last two starts, second to North America in a G2 in February and fourth behind Capezzano, Thunder Snow and Dolkong in a G1 last time. A strong pace would help his closing style. |
| 10 | Yoshida | Yet to win at this trip but has proved adaptable in his career, successful at a high level on dirt and turf. Not quite at his best on his last couple of starts but would be in the mix here if in the same form as his 1800m G1 dirt win at Saratoga last September, going away at the finish. |
| 11 | K T Brave | Joao Moreira rides this experienced Japanese-trained horse for the first time and ratings would give him a chance of making the placings. Twice a winner late last year he also run a close third in a G1 over this distance on his penultimate start, finishing well. |
| 12 | Thunder Snow | This Meydan-loving horse will be hard to beat if in the same mood as this time last year when he thrashed nine rivals after grabbing the front early. It was today’s rival Capezzano who was able to steal the early advantage in a G1 here this month, but Thunder Snow appeared to need that first start for four months. |
| 13 | Dolkong | The pride of South Korea where he is a multiple dirt winner at up to this distance. His Meydan career started slowly but warmed up fast when Olivier Doleuze galvanised him into a strong winning run over this distance in February. Made some late ground when third to Capezzano in a G1 here this month. |
