1

C Z Rocket

This US-trained veteran has been second on his last three starts, including in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland, a famous dash that he had also finished second in 2020.

2

Gunite

Versatile distance-wise with a high win and place strike rate in top US dirt events. Only found the brilliant Elite Power too strong in a hot event at King Abdulaziz racecourse last time.

3

Hopkins

The winner of three of seven starts, most recently when a decisive winner of a 1200m G3 at Santa Anita. His brilliant Californian trainer has successfully targeted this sprint before.

4

Justin

Has G3 winning form over this trip in Japan. Racing prominently until fading into fourth at King Abdulaziz racecourse last time. Well beaten in this race in 2021 and hard to recommend.

5

Lemon Pop

Admirably consistent with a super record in Japan, having won eight of his eleven races,  the most recent coming in a 1600m G1 last month. The drop in trip is the only concern.

6

Mouheeb

Down to this trip in recent starts, including a course and distance victory in last December. With such a strong US and Japanese contingent of sprinters against him, he’ll probably struggle.

7

Red Le Zele

Finished 1.5l second to today’s rival Lemon Pop in a 1600m G1 in Tokyo last month. Has finished second in this G1 in the last two years, making fast late progress each time.

8

Remake

The winner of a G3 over this trip at Nakayama on his penultimate start. Kept on into third (rival here Gunite finished 2l ahead in second) in a strong 1200m event in Saudi Arabia last month.

9

Road Bloc

Three wins in the UAE – including here – since moving from the US. But comprehensively beaten in a G3 over this course and distance in February. Unlikely to be good enough.

10

Sibelius

Effective at this trip and with a consistent profile in the US, he has won his last two starts including a G3. Likely to sit up with the speed.

11

Sound Money

Having his first start since leaving the US, he looked very well suited to this course and distance as he led 400m out before easily winning that G3.

12

Super Ocho

Has plenty of gate speed as he showed in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland, before fading late on. Prominent tactics again look likely but surely is vulnerable late on.

13

Switzerland

Locally trained he has twice been well beaten in this G1, but a different story last year, always cruising along and winning easily. His last-time-out win here – in January – adds confidence.

14

Tuz

Very familiar at Meydan, his last 12 runs coming here including a win over this trip in February, exploiting his inside gate to lead early in that G3 and win easily. Will find things harder here.