1

Botanik

A G3 and G2 winner at Deauville last year, he then ran a terrific second in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase. A respectable prep for this at Chantilly this month. Leads or sits close.

2

Mostahdaf

Stalked the leader before surging past and gaining a highly impressive victory in a valuable G3 at King Abdulaziz last month. Looks to be at the top of his game right now.

3

Rebel’s Romance

Has developed a real winning spirit, aiming for his sixth straight win and his fourth straight G1 victory. Missed his intended 2023 return – at Meydan – due to a minor injury. Closes fast and late.

4

Russian Emperor

Twice a G1 winner in Hong Kong, also gaining a valuable victory over this trip at Doha in February. A very encouraging strong-finishing fifth over an inadequate 1800m in a G1 here this month.

5

Senor Toba

Winner of a G3 Centenary Vase (Handicap) at Sha Tin in February. That was over 1800m and though he is also very effective at this trip, his run at Doha and then at Meydan on its last two starts have only been fair.

6

Shahryar

Last seen with a terrific second – having to race wide – in Tokyo’s G1 Japan Cup last November. Has been targeted to repeat his brave victory in this last year.

7

Equinox

Some tremendous G1 winning performances mean that he is the likely favourite. Brilliant in a hotly contested 2500m event at Nakayama in last December – his last start – accelerating away from his rivals.

8

Westover

Ran way above general expectations when third in the 2022 Epsom Derby before a career-best runaway success in the Irish Derby. If he returns to that level on this 2023 return he has chances.

9

Zagrey

Must be some stamina worries as he has never raced beyond 2000m and his pedigree does not shout stamina. But strong at the finish when second in a 2000m G3 here last month.

10

Win Marilyn

Proved that travelling was no issue, and that this Japanese-trained mare was a genuine G1 performer when winning the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, a fine performance after having to come from rear and challenge wide.