1

Aegean Finale

Lots of success in Turkey and has proved he could mix it with Meydan performers with two close seconds in hot handicaps, most recently unlucky not to win, having to wait to launch his challenge.

2

Aeonian

Led for some of the trip but could not maintain the gallop when sixth in a 2000m G3 here last month. Formerly trained in the UK, he looks to have a tough assignment here.

3

Alfareeq

Won this G1 last year, admittedly appearing to benefit from a low gate that he doesn’t have this time. In warm form this season also, only a short-head behind today’s rival Valiant Prince in a G2 last month.

4

El Drama

High class in the UK though has only won at up to Listed level but did come close to a G2 victory, at Newmarket in last September following a 398-day absence. Maybe at his best again after another break.

5

Erzindjan

Not beaten far in a couple of G2’s at Meydan in January though outpaced in the closing stages in Listed company over 1400m last month. Victory in this G1 would look unlikely.

6

First Winter

In top form of late, winning Meydan handicaps on his last two starts. The issue is the steep rise in class here with ratings suggesting that this task is very challenging.

7

Hawa Bilady

Comprehensive defeats in all three starts this year and, though he is capable of better, it would be a huge shock if he proved himself capable of G1 glory here.

8

I Am Superman

Has an international profile, doing well in Ireland before doing even better in Australia, last seen there when a fast finish almost won him a G1. Not so far in two Meydan starts. Up in trip.

9

Land Of Legends

Below his best in this race last year, and is a past G2 winner here – albeit over just 1400m. A poor effort on his latest start will also need to be forgiven.

10

Master Of The Seas

This classy gelding is a G2 winner and twice a G3 winner – one at this trip – in the UK. A comfortable G2 win on his Meydan debut in January advertises his live chance in this.

11

Maydanny

Four times a winner in the UK and effective at this trip and further. However he’s been beaten plenty of lengths in all three Meydan starts. Others much preferred.

12

Real World

Gelded since his excellent second to the brilliant Baaeed in a G1 at Ascot. Also has plenty of good Meydan form including a G2 victory over 1600m last year. With a good record after a break, his chance looks strong.

13

Russian Emperor

Arrives at Meydan after that terrific history-making late burst to win a local G1 over 2400m in Doha. A dual G1 winner at Sha Tin with that Qatar victory suggesting that he also thrives on travel. A big run expected despite the shorter trip.

14

Shelir

A high class handicapper in the UK, but three strong efforts in G2s at Meydan this year, doing best at the finish when fourth over this trip last month.

15

Valiant Prince

The very smart winner of six of his ten starts and unbeaten here. His 2022 Meydan wins were in handicap company but he has graduated to G2s now, winning two of them this year. A strong candidate.