1

Acklam Express

Third in this G3 sprint two years ago, and seventh last year. Two respectable efforts – both over 1000m – on his two Meydan starts this year.

2

Batwan

Clearly happy over this course and distance, winning both his Meydan starts last year. This French trained gelding was a close fourth in a handicap here last month despite not having an ideal trip.

3

City Walk

Disappointing on his only Meydan run last year, but doing much better this time and was too strong for 15 rivals in a handicap over course and distance last month.

4

Coachello

Showing improved form for this stable when leading near the finish to win a Listed event over this course and distance in January. Soft ground then probably helped.

5

Could Be King

Scandinavian-trained and a regular Meydan visitor though yet to win from seven runs here. Always prominent and not beaten far in a Meydan handicap last month.

6

Equilateral

Mostly competes at around 1000m, and may not be quite as effective over this trip.  A G2 1000m winner here in 2021. Two respectable efforts – again at 1000m – here this year.

7

Erasmo

When French-trained his victories came over further than this and mostly on a slow surface. Has had some lengthy absences since then, and well beaten when last seen.

8

Khaadem

Very fast on his day as he showed when winning a G2 sprint at Goodwood last year. Will need to be quicker from the gates than he was in a G2 here last month.

9

Lord Tennyson

Withdrawn

10

Meishar

The general level of his form would not look strong enough but he did way outperform expectations last time when almost pulling off a shock win in a 1400m Meydan handicap.

11

Miqyaas

Comes here in great winning form, with the figures suggesting race by race improvement. Latterly he led most of the way and just held off better fancied rivals in a 1000m Meydan G2.

12

Motafaawit

Finishing strongly, he almost won this G3 sprint back in 2021. But he has mostly done much less well since including in his three Meydan runs this year.

13

Spirit Of Light

Although with speed in his pedigree, he drops down to an unfamiliar sprinting trip. Despite an imperfect trip he did come close to winning a competitive 1400m handicap here in January.

14

Thunder Of Niagara

Versatile distancewise and he did prove too quick for seven rivals in a 1000m handicap here in January, then a close third in a Listed event over this trip.

15

Ventura Rebel

Would certainly have chances if returning to the level that saw him win a G3 over this trip at The Curragh in 2020. Now locally trained and struggling to get back to top form though he ran better last time.

16

Al Dasim

Has easily won both starts at Meydan this year, both times ridden by Mickael Barzalona. Now facing older and more hardened rivals but this progressive colt still looks interesting here.