1

Ekhtiyaar

Runner-up in this G3 dash for the last two years. Chances of
putting that right this time are not great on the basis of his latest start – when fitted with blinkers – and way below what he is capable of.

2

Fanaar

About two years since he last won, and the general level of his form is short of what is normally required to win this G3 sprint. Didn’t have enough pace for a 1000m handicap here last time.

3

Fleeting Prince

Andrea Atzeni’s mount has won just one of his 13 starts and would need a clear career best to have chances in this G3 sprint. He did run a decent 3rd over this trip here two starts back.

4

Man Of Promise

His trainer sounds enthusiastic about this lightly-raced gelding’s prospects, not surprising considering how impressive he was on his Meydan debut last month when easily outspeeding 13 rivals.

5

Medahim

Apart from when winning a maiden, his other wins have come over further so he may lack enough pure speed. But he does arrive here in warm form, having won a 1400m Listed event in Abu Dhabi.

6

Motafaawit

His first win since moving from the UK to the UAE came last time out when he surged past rivals to easily land a surprise win. His position by the near rail may have been an advantage that day.

7

Mutaraffa

Second in both UAE starts this year, latterly when just finding surprise winner Motafaawit too strong in a 1000m handicap here last month. Should again run well, but a win seems very unlikely.

8

Royal Crusade

Could well be a class or two ahead of most of these rivals, competing at a high level in Europe last season. Latterly he accelerated stylishly to win a 1200m G3 at Deauville last July.

9

Taamol

Did win a minor handicap over this trip on Meydan’s dirt surface in January, but his four turf wins have all come over further than this. Will probably struggle in the closing battle here.

10

Taneen

Gained his third career victory on turf when powering to an easy victory over 15 rivals in a course and distance handicap last month. However he will face one or two much more fearsome rivals here.

11

The Perfect
Crown

Showed some encouraging form on all-weather surfaces in Europe last year but disappointed on his only grass start. Also disappointed on his Meydan debut – on dirt – last month.

12

Yaalail

Showed enough pace to lead for much of the trip in a 1400m sprint here in January. Finished 8L 5th in this last year, and will be doing well if he gets any closer this time.

13

Final Song

Has invariably run well on his Meydan starts including last time when beating all but the very smart Man Of Promise and not given a hard time when his winning chance had gone.

14

Acklam Express

Not very big but very fast, winning three consecutive sprints in the UK last year. Made an excellent start at Meydan when 2nd in a 1000m G2 last month. His strong finish that day suggests the move up to 1200m may be OK.