1

Master Of The Seas

Dubawi homebred has been something of a Newmarket specialist so far, posting all three of his wins there highlighted by the Superlative Stakes (G2) and Craven Stakes (G3), as well as a narrow defeat in the 2000 Guineas (G1). Steadied at the start and never fired in the 16 Oct. Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) on a course drenched by race-day rain.

2

Smooth Like Strait

Locally-based contender has been racing in tough luck in his last three starts, finishing a close second in the Eddie Read (G2), Del Mar Mile (G2), and City Of Hope Mile (G2) after leading in the stretch each time. Stayed on very gamely in the latter race after an enervating duel. Probable pacesetter earned his spot here by winning the Shoemaker Mile (G1) on 31 May.

3

Space Blues

Homebred from connections with sparkling 6-for-14 record shipping to US in 2021. Stretch-running Dubawi horse has banked US$1 million winning important stakes in Saudi Arabia, England and France this season and handling ground ranging from firm to heavy. Sprinter hasn’t been two turns since very early in career but may stretch out effectively on tight-turned course with short stretch.

4

Raging Bull

Five graded stakes wins include 2018 Hollywood Derby (G1) at Del Mar and 2020 Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita in two prior trips to the Southern California circuit. Began 2021 with a cracking score in the Maker’s Mark Mile (G1), but has tailed off in three subsequent starts. Chad Brown theorized he disliked the going in Woodbine Mile (G1) last out.

5

Vin De Garde

Homebred son of Deep Impact has made all but one start in Japan, topped by a victory in the Fuji Stakes (G2) last fall. However, he showed the ability to ship and run well earlier this year when a fine second in the Dubai Turf (G1) over the Meydan course. Would need to produce another effort of that quality to contend.

6

Mo Forza

Hasn’t been beaten in Southern California in over two years, winning all eight of his starts on the local circuit including seven graded stakes during that time. Missed this race last year due to soft-tissue injury that sidelined him for nearly 11 months, and posted repeat hard-fought wins in Del Mar Mile (G2) and City Of Hope Mile (G2) when returned late summer.

7

In Love

A 5-year-old Brazilian-bred son of Agnes Gold (Sunday Silence). Versatile sort has won three in a row in US on ground rated firm, good and yielding capped by upset of Keeneland Turf Mile (G1) to earn this spot. Appears more focused since blinkers added, gets along well with little-known but capable Alex Achard.

8

Hit The Road

All six wins have come at this distance, notably Frank Kilroe Mile (G1) and Thunder Road (G3) to begin 2021. Well suited to Del Mar judging from a victory in Oceanside Stakes as a 3-year-old. Comes off two tough-trip thirds in Del Mar Mile (G2) and City Of Hope Mile (G2) when crowded late in the former and lacking room around far turn in the latter.

9

Mother Earth

Fast-closing runner-up in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies  Turf (G1) has been running hard all across Europe at age 3, beginning with 10-1 upset of 1000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket in early May. She was a punctual favourite taking the Prix Rothschild at Deauville in midsummer, and was most recently caught behind a slow pace running on for fifth in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot behind unbeaten sensation Baaeed.

10

Blowout

With a front-running win in 9 Oct. First Lady (G1), this speedy mare earned a free roll in Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) but connections wisely opted to keep her at this distance. At the very least she ensures honest pace for Raging Bull, a deep closer also trained by four-time Eclipse Award winner Chad Brown.

11

Got Stormy

Veteran mare and seven-time graded stakes winner blazed to course-record clocking in 2019 Fourstardave Handicap (G1) against males, and ran bang-up second in BC Mile (G1) two starts later before closing out stellar season winning Matriarch (G1) at Del Mar. Returned to top form taking Fourstardave again in August, then tuned up for this with mild rally in Turf Sprint (G3) behind Gear Jockey’s course record. Don’t sell this US$2.4 million earner short.

12

Pearls Galore

French-bred filly is a four-time winner in Ireland and stepped up to capture back-to-back wins against group 3 opposition in pace-pressing style over the summer. Second by a neck in Matron Stakes (G1) two back, and maintained that sharp form saving second behind Space Blues in Prix de la Foret (G1) last month.

13

Casa Creed

Picked up a spot in Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) rallying from far back to win Jaipur (G1) in June, but that dash is at too short a trip for him this year. Won 2019 National Musuem Of Racing Hall Of Fame (G2) at this distance, and has been third in Fourstardave Handicap (G1) the past two years.

14

Ivar

South American beat Raging Bull in 2020 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), and was then a respectable fourth in the BC Mile (G1). Rallied belatedly making seasonal debut in Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, then missed some time due to a minor physical issue before returning to run fourth behind In Love at Keeneland. Likely to improve with that race under his belt.

Reserves

15

Real Appeal

Arrives in solid form after wins in Ballycorus Stakes (G3) in June and Solonaway Stakes (G2) in September. German-bred gelding has never faced this caliber of opposition through 19 career starts, but the half-full view is those two stakes wins came toting 137 and 136 pounds.

16

Queen Supreme

Won back to back at the turn of the year in South Africa, notably the Paddock Stakes (G1), but trailed throughout return from layoff at Newmarket in Joel Stakes (G2). Hard to recommend.