1

Ajwad

This veteran hasn’t won a race since 2019, and was 15th in this race last year. Virtually impossible to favour in this.

2

Al Suhail

Ratings give him a strong winning chance. Ridden with more conservative than usual he delivered a potent winning challenge to easily win a G2 over this course and distance in January.

3

Danyah

Could never threaten from a very wide gate on dirt two starts back. A different story from a good gate on turf last time when a convincing Listed winner.  Needs taking seriously.

4

Haqeeqy

A devastating surge saw him win a major UK handicap over a straight 1600m at Doncaster in 2021. Less exciting since but did win in Abu Dhabi last year, and a close third there on his 2023 return.

5

Laneqash

Having his first start in the UAE, having shown plenty of quality in the UK last year, including a fast-finishing Listed victory around Chester’s tight bends. This appears his ideal trip.

6

Path Of Thunder

Keeping on well in the straight, he finished third in this last year. A shade disappointing back in the UK and he has a tricky gate to contend with on this 2023 return.

7

Rodaballo

A frequent winner – often over this trip – in Spain and also a G2 winner in Germany. His two runs at Meydan this year have been fair without being exciting.

8

San Donato

First start since leaving the UK was a stylish success in a Listed event at Abu Dhabi. His two subsequent runs in G2s at Meydan were less good but this drop in trip looks more suitable.

9

Shining Blue

Tricky but talented, making a winning debut here in January – defying a wide trip over this distance – and then third in a Listed event. Best chances if his rider can persuade him to settle.

10

Syrtis

More often seen on dirt – and often over further than this – than grass since moving to the UAE. But did run well on grass over this trip when a close second at Abu Dhabi last time.

11

Taamol

This veteran gained a narrow victory under a big weight over this course and distance last month. That was a messy race however and the form might prove unreliable.

12

Western Writer

Quite lightly raced and he has won his last two starts.  And his Listed win over this trip at Abu Dhabi last time looked like a career best, with some of these rivals behind him.

13

Zainhom

Hasn’t won for over two years, and never looked like winning this race last year. Will probably find a few too strong here.

14

Internationalangel

Placed in G3’s in England and France last year, but hasn’t adapted perfectly to Meydan conditions so far with two just modest performances.