G1 – 3991m – Turf
1 | Cross Counter | Famously won the G1 Melbourne Cup in 2018 and his UK record is strong also, including only 1.75L 4th to Stradivarius in this last year – on an unsuitably slow surface. |
2 | Mekong | Not proven over this trip, but did finish strongly over 3000m to grab some big money when 2nd in Saudi Arabia in February. |
3 | Prince Of Arran | Made no impact in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase in 2018 and 2019 but this well-travelled six-times winner has some strong staying form but unproven over this far. |
4 | Stradivarius | Hugely talented and hugely tough, he put his head down and outbattled his rivals to win this for the past two years. Prepped for this with a fine 3rd over an inadequate 2400m at Newmarket. |
5 | Withhold | Has delivered some fantastic handicap wins including a runaway victory over 3600m suggesting he’ll stay this trip. This front-runner was below his best on his 2020 return. |
6 | Moonlight Spirit | Lightly raced, progressive and yet to run a bad race. An easy G3 Longchamp winner last September, he might lead and has best chances on good or faster ground. |
7 | Nayef Road | A brave 3rd in a G2 at this meeting in 2019, and this uncomplicated prominent racer proved his well-being when winning a Newcastle G3 this month. |
8 | Technician | Getting stronger as the race went on, he closed down 2019 with a G1 Longchamp victory. Slow ground will help and if he has the stamina for this marathon he’s got a chance. |