1

Al Madhar

Has twice won Meydan handicaps this year, swooping in the straight each time. They were over 2000m and this big step up in trip is an issue especially as he can race too freely.

2

Alignak

Ratings make this look difficult for this UK-trained stayer, though this big horse is very genuine. But for a slow start and a wide trip he may have won a handicap here last month.

3

Baron Samedi

An international traveller, he is a big horse who seems to relish a fight, and once the winner of seven consecutive races including two G2’s and a G3. Handles this trip. Plenty to like.

4

East Asia

A smart four-times winning handicapper in the UK, and very effective at this staying trip. Ran way above most expectations when second in a G3 here last month, and could outperform his odds here.

5

Emperor Of The Sun

Twice ran in European G1’s over even longer trips than this last year, but not good enough whilst his current trainer tried him over shorter last time and he wasn’t quick enough.

6

Mirinaque

Won a couple of G1’s in Palermo, Argentina, much earlier in his career but is sitting on a long losing run now plus there is no real evidence that he lasts this trip.

7

Passion And Glory

Well beaten at Meydan and King Abdulaziz in three starts this year. Seems best on slow ground – unlikely here – and also untested at this sort of trip. Not an obvious winner.

8

Rodrigo Diaz

Should improve for last month’s Meydan debut when he suffered a poor trip but did make some late headway. Up in distance, but he has proven in the UK that he stays it.

9

Stay Foolish

This race has not been a big target for Japanese horses, but they look to have some hope here as Stay Foolish looked to thrive on the move up to 3000m with a convincing front-running King Abdulaziz G3 win.

10

Volcanic Sky

Ran so badly in this in 2021 that there must have been excuses. The inadequate 2000m trip and a very wide trip both contrived to ensure that he didn’t make much impact last time.

11

Castlebar

Ran three good races here in February, including a handicap win and a G3 third. But they were over much shorter trips, and his breeding does not suggest stamina for this.

12

Manobo

Unbeaten in five starts and liable to start a very warm favourite. Has a formidable blend of speed and stamina and his class shone through with an easy G3 win here last month.

13

Veloce Oro

This Japanese challenger has not totally convinced as a real stayer, fading late over 3400m in a G3 at Tokyo last time. Had won his previous race over 2500m.