1

Giustino

A multiple winner in Argentina and responded to strong pressure to bag a 1600m G1 dirt prize in Palermo last September. But hard to fancy here, given a very modest display in a G3 on last month’s Meydan debut.

2

Apples and Bananas

A tough and progressive 3yo, the highlight being when he led throughout to win a valuable 1400m prize at the Curragh last September. His pedigree does not shout dirt, but his astute trainer would only run him here if he thought he could handle it.

3

Badr Alsamawi

Plenty of experience over this course and distance. Finished fast from well off the pace when third of 20 in a prestigious event last month. Would surely need to sit closer to the early speed to have any chance here.

4

Cyclone State

A highly progressive US challenger, looking for his fourth consecutive victory after dominating three times at Aqueduct over 1600m, easily handling a rise in class each time. Likely to push hard from the gates and make it tough for his rivals again.

5

Faal Khair

Withdrawn

6

Golden Vekoma

Has shown sharp upwardly mobile progress in three starts on the Meydan dirt, latterly when quickening to lead 300m out and then keeping on strongly to easily see off 14 rivals in that 1600m G3. A serious player on that evidence.

7

Mhalhal

Has won three of his seven starts and looked to deliver a career best last time, leading throughout and coasting clear in the straight, over this course and distance. That was impressive.

8

Mhally

Winner of four of his nine starts. The first three victories coming over 1200m but proved his aptitude for this trip when beating 19 rivals here last month. He had a better trip than some of his opponents that day but did show a fighting spirit up the straight.

9

Shin Forever

Some decent form over this trip on turf in Japan and not beaten far when fourth in a 1600m turf G3 at Tokyo last October and second over the same course and distance in November. Needs to prove himself on this dirt surface now.

10

Mistress

From the triumphant stable in this race last year. But the race profile of Mistress is not nearly as strong as Forever Young was then. Best effort was when second of 11 in a 1600m G3 at Tokyo last October. Switches to dirt now.

11

Myriad Love

Looks a strong Japanese contender. Has won all three starts and showed her trademark early speed lying second and once she hit the front her momentum proved unstoppable to beat a strong field of colts over this trip at Kawasaki in December.