1

Al Madhar

Leaving handicap company behind and also going back up in trip. His two recent handicap wins have been gained in good style but this looks much harder.

2

Alignak

Wins in the UK have been up to Listed level. Stays well and has improved race by race at Meydan this year, latterly when a fast closing second in a handicap.

3

Amhran Na Bhfiann

Competed at a high level when Irish-trained including finishing third in the 2020 G1 Derby at Epsom and winning a G2. His form did tail off badly prior to joining this stable.

4

Court Poet

Sole win came on the all-weather in the UK on his career debut. Has shown very little either on turf or dirt in the UAE recently.

5

Global Heat

In good form here early last year including a handicap victory over this trip. Respectable efforts here on his last two starts but one or two others look to have stronger claims.

6

Global Storm

Although he had a ground-saving trip it was still an impressive return to form when winning a Meydan handicap under a big weight over this trip last month.

7

Hukum

One can see why he will be fancied for this, having won three of his last four starts – all at G3 level in the UK – showing great acceleration each time. Meydan should suit his racing style ideally.

8

Island Brave

Will want a swift gallop to aim at as he mostly competes over further than this, and tends to sit out the back before challenging. Not in great form so far at Meydan in 2022.

9

Mekong

Beaten on his last 14 starts and has also had some notable absences. UK trained, he has stamina but hasn’t shown much spark on his last two Meydan outings.

10

Square De Luynes

One of the most exciting horses to come out of Scandinavia in recent years, often thrashing his rivals in local group races over this sort of trip and under this UK based rider. Interesting.

11

Valyrian Steel

Won four of his seven starts in the UK, effective over this trip and on grass as well as the all-weather. However made no impact on his first UAE start for this stable.

12

Without A Fight

Closed down last season in the UK with two wins, forwardly ridden each time. Will need to prove he’s effective after a break but his trainer thinks Meydan will really suit him.

13

Iron Butterfly

Has some smart winning form in Scandinavia but does not have the same charismatic profile as stablemate Square de Luynes. Well beaten on his Meydan debut.

14

Light Of Darkness

An eight-time winner over shorter distances than this at Veliefendi in Turkey. No show on his Meydan debut in a handicap and very hard to fancy.