1

Alfareeq

An outsider when seventh in this last year, but is twice a course and distance G1 winner, including when having much more fancied rivals behind him here this month. This is harder.

2

Danon Beluga

Won a Tokyo G3 over this trip early last year. Some solid efforts in G1’s – without managing a win – over longer trips. Dropping back to this distance may prove helpful.

3

Do Deuce

Disappointed in France last autumn on slow ground. But was best Japanese two-year-old colt and subsequent Japanese Derby winner, arriving here fresh off a smooth 2200m G2 winner at Hanshin last month. Good chance.

4

El Drama

UK trained but made a very good start at Meydan when leading for most of the way in a G1 over this trip earlier this month, caught close home by rival here Alfareeq.

5

Glorious Dragon

Has past winning form over an identical trip to this at Sha Tin. Keeping on bravely and running above his 78-1 odds when fourth in a 2000m Sha Tin G1 last month.

6

Junko

Yet to finish out of the first three in seven starts in France – including a G3 victory – and he looked in good shape on his 2023 return when winning his prep for this at Chantilly.

7

Lord North

Tough and very talented, winning this in 2021 and dead-heating with the subsequent 2023 Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa last year. Prepped for this with an easy Lingfield win.

8

Master Of The Seas

Gained a fourth Group race success with a G2 victory here in January. Had a bad passage when favourite for a G1 here this month – a fast finishing third. Chances granted better luck.

9

Nations Pride

Well travelled, winning in the UK, the US and here at Meydan where he is unbeaten in two starts, comfortably landing a G3 here in February. With strong stamina a swift pace will help.

10

Order Of Australia

A G1 winner in the US, and twice a G2 winner in Ireland. Although he needed some strong handling from Ryan Moore, he got back to winning form at Doha last month. A harder task now.

11

Real World

A former handicapper who has proved very useful at a higher level, including a 1600m G2 victory here last year. Too keen and never competitive in a G1 here this month.

12

Serifos

Excellent efforts in top Japanese turf races. Surged from the back to win his last two starts, latterly in a 1600m G1 in Hanshin. Watch for another powerful finish on this Meydan debut.

13

Shelir

Some super efforts in big-field UK handicaps, including a late pounce to win at Ascot last October. Not at all disgraced in group company here recently, but a win is unlikely.

14

Shirl’s Speight

A G1 winner over 1600m at Keeneland, almost repeating that feat – despite not getting a clear run – in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Mile.

15

Sir Busker

Will probably struggle here though he has plenty of high class form in the UK, also making late progress to finish fifth in this G1 last year. Well beaten on his latest start.

16

Vin De Garde

Well behind in the Saudi Cup last time, but his exciting late acceleration only just failed to win him this prize last year. Will need to be back to that level to have a winning chance.