1

Dubai Mirage

Moves up significantly in grade – his previous starts being handicaps. Ran 2nd on both Meydan starts this year – solid efforts after racing too keenly. Will need to settle better at this distance.

2

Firnas

Very effective at this trip and surface, winning three consecutive races between November and January. Not disgraced when 4L 5th to Salute The Soldier in G2 company last time, and should again run well.

3

Hypothetical

Both trainer and jockey have a great record in this race. Lightly raced he is on the upgrade judged by a career best run last time when smoothly moving forward to win a 1600m handicap. Chance.

4

New Trails

Returned from an absence to win a handicap here last month, losing position at one point but then surging forward. However he’s been beaten quite a long way in this G1 in both 2019 and 2020.

5

Quip

Clearly talented with G2 winning dirt form when US-trained. So far rather disappointing for two Dubai stables but did show a bit more zest when 6th – but not beaten far – in a G2 here last month.

6

Roman Rosso

A triple G1 winner when trained in South America, and seems to be gradually finding his form in Dubai as his trainer predicted. His 4th in a G2 over an inadequate 1600m here in January promised plenty.

7

Saltarin Dubai

Will probably be outclassed here as he has struggled each time he has faced group company before. At least he showed he was in good heart with a narrow victory at Jebel Ali last time.

8

Salute The Soldier

Sure to be well fancied. This classy and tough gelding romped clear in a 1600m G3 at this meeting last year, and last time survived a blistering pace to win a 1900m G2 here. Just needs to prove stamina for this first career run over 2000m.

9

Secret Ambition

Not yet proven at this 2000m trip despite a 40-race career. But certainly in good form judging by his convincing front-running defeat of Hypothetical and others in a 1600m G3 here last month.

10

Tailor’s Row

An improved horse this year, leading most of the way to win a Jebel Ali handicap and not beaten far under top weight in a Listed handicap over this course and distance last month.

11

Thegreatcollection

Has masses of experience at this track, though mostly over shorter trips. He did look to last the 1900m here last time when finishing fast as the blistering pace collapsed, just failing to overhaul Salute The Soldier in that G2.