1

Bolthole

Topweight and from the stable that plundered this prize last year. With a good strike-rate, winning ten of his 30 starts, the most recent being on his latest start - in Qatar - Chance.

2

Qaader

Returns to the scene of his decisive victory in this race in 2023. But injury issues have meant that he has not been seen much since though he should be sharper for a run in Bahrain last month.

3

Aafoor

Probably posted a career best when beating ten rivals at Doha last month, then won two in a row last week. Chances here if able to repeat that over a trip that looks suitable.

4

Carracci

Withdrawn

5

My Frankel

Runner-up in a 2000m dirt event here last November but had no chance with the winner that day. More significantly he had finished second in this turf event last year and might have gone close to winning with a better passage.

6

Aemilianus

Some good winning form in Germany earlier in his career though over shorter trips than this. Got minor placings more than winner in eight starts in Qatar. And again looks more place than win material here.

7

Austral

Not a threat to rival here Bolthole in Qatar on his most recent start and always struggling in this race last year. Hard to fancy.

8

Tabaretta

Has been kept busy on a dirt surface here in recent months, second on various occasions and winning over 2000m last November, strong in the straight that day.

9

Blue Brother

Won a soft-ground 1600m handicap at ParisLongchamp last October, then only just beaten in a Saint-Cloud Listed race. Ran a respectable fifth in the Qatar Derby – a Local G1 – on his Qatar debut. Improvement very possible.

10

Iron Lion

His three handicap wins when trained in the UK came over further than this, and he looked best on a slow surface – unlikely here. Hasn’t shown much on two runs here this year.

11

Cracksking

A versatile and consistent performer over this trip and further when trained in the UK. His victory in a 2400m turf handicap in Bahrain last month will have offered some hope for this challenge.

12

Salah Al Din

His eight career victories have all come over shorter trips than this which is a bit of a concern. But this Italian challenger does arrive here fresh off a 1600m victory at Pisa in December.

13

Alcaraz

This Spanish-trained challenger hasn’t won since October 2023. But he is a consistent sort who looks decently handicapped and is certainly effective at this trip.