1

Cafe Pharoah

Some very high class performances from his seven victories in Japan. Last seen when prominently ridden and showing courage to win. Having his first run outside Japan.

2

Country Grammer

Came back from a 270-day absence to run a terrific second in this last year, going on to win the G1 Dubai World Cup. A stylish G2 Santa Anita winner in December. Good chance.

3

Crown Pride

Second on his last three starts in Japan but all worthy efforts. Has overseas credentials, winning a 1900m G2 at Meydan last March – fine effort after quite a difficult trip.

4

Emblem Road

Surging from the back with a sustained charge, he landed a shock triumph in this last year. A likely outsider again but prepped for this with a decisive four-length win here last month.

5

Geoglyph

A never dangerous sixth after an awkward start in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup in December. Career highlight was a G1 turf victory at Nakayama last April. Makes an ambitious switch to a dirt surface. This looks hard.

6

Jun Light Bolt

A formidable dirt horse at around this distance in Japan. Has won his last three starts, coming from off the speed each time. Must be considered.

7

Panthalassa

This Japanese-trained confirmed front-runner faded out in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup last December. His previous overseas venture had resulted in him dead-heating for the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan. The switch to dirt is the issue.

8

Remorse

A smart, tough and consistent Dubai-based gelding who has come close to landing a Meydan G1. A winner on his penultimate start but looks vulnerable to some classier rivals.

9

Scotland Yard

An impressive locally-trained contender who has won his last three starts – over shorter and further than this – with some decisive winning margins.

10

Taiba

May start favourite under his veteran rider Mike Smith. This US challenger keeps improving and has won in some very fast times. Hugely impressive with a 4.3l G1 Santa Anita win in December.

11

Vin De Garde

Moves from a turf to a dirt surface and that will need to make a big impact for him to win this especially as he returns from a long break. But his powerful late surge did almost result in a shock win in a Meydan G1 last March.

12

Lagertha Rhyme

This local hope has been keeping busy in preparation for this huge prize, winning four of her last five starts, though second to rival here Sunset Flash last month.

13

Sunset Flash

Fairly modest when UK trained but has thrived in Riyadh, and has won her last four starts. However they all came over shorter trips than this, and she will probably find this too tough.