G1 – 2410m – Turf
| 1 | Junko | Coming from the back his strong surge up the Sha Tin straight saw him win last December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, a clear career best. No disgrace in his second at Chantilly this month, a trial for this much more suitable test. |
| 2 | Justin Palace | His second to superstar Equinox over 2000m in Tokyo last October looked like a career best for this horse, who is very versatile in terms of trip. Couldn’t justify favouritism in a G1 subsequently, but not beaten far. |
| 3 | Point Lonsdale | Needs firm handling to galvanise him, and, though he has shown some decent form in G1 company on occasions, it would surely take a clear career-best to have any chance here. |
| 4 | Rebel’s Romance | Had a fabulous 2022 including three straight G1 wins, all at around this trip. Showed his class yet again when crushing his rivals at Doha in February. Much respected. |
| 5 | Shahryar | Saving ground up the inside, he was strong up the Meydan straight and led around 200m out to win this huge prize in 2022. Lightly raced since including not making the same impact in this last year. |
| 6 | Simca Mille | A G1 winner over this trip in Germany last year and showed his continued enthusiasm with a victory at Doha in January. Didn’t show the same flair there last time and this looks challenging. |
| 7 | Sisfahan | An impressive winner of the German Derby back in 2021 but didn’t make a big impact over a longer trip than this at this meeting last year, and, though making late headway, never looked like winning a G2 here this month. |
| 8 | Spirit Dancer | The oldest contender, also having raced more times than the others though not proven at this trip. But showed how effective he still is with a convincing defeat of 12 rivals in a G2 over 2100m in Saudi Arabia last month. |
| 9 | Auguste Rodin | A couple of very poor runs disguises a generally brilliant career, including English and Irish Derby success last season. More G1 glory on his last two starts, latterly at Santa Anita in November. Will probably be delivered late. A major contender with an edge on ratings. |
| 10 | Emily Upjohn | A lightly raced 5-y-o who has won five of her nine starts, two of them at G1 level when ridden cautiously but very powerful at the end each time. Without a start since last July, but often at her best after a break. |
| 11 | Stars On Earth | Despite some training issues she has an incredibly consistent profile, even if collecting place money more often than win money. Her courage was displayed yet again when a close G1 second at Nakayama. Expect a late surge. |
| 12 | Liberty Island | Her G1 winning spree in Japan began in December 2022 and stretched to four consecutive victories (including the fillies’ Triple Crown) only ending when second to superstar Equinox in last November’s Japan Cup. Shortlisted. |
