1

Tuz

G1-winning speedster was a dominant victor in this race last year. Hasn’t been seen since finishing third behind Dark Saffron in April’s G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) and fitness is a query, but will still be hard to beat again.

2

El Nasseeb

One of the in-form gallopers of the contest, the lightly raced five-year-old strung together a hat-trick of victories before running a nice second behind Drew’s Gold last start. One of the better chances.

3

Dark Saffron

Snared the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) over this course and distance in April 2025 but has produced mixed form since. His best is obviously good enough to win this but he looks more of a place hope on current form.

4

World Record

American sprinter joins Bhupat Seemar after four wins and a G1 placing from 11 starts in the United States. Has clear ability and is with the right trainer, but might need the run in his first outing since October.

5

Colour Up

Eight-year-old had been racing in good form at home in Dubai but a trip to Saudi Arabia for the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1200m) ended with a ninth-placed finish. Backs up relatively quickly and is an each-way chance.

6

Mufasa

Boasts Group successes in Chile and the United States but hasn’t really put it all together in four starts for Bhupat Seemar in Dubai. Did finish second behind El Nasseeb two starts back though and can trouble the placings.

7

Lamborghini BF

Swedish galloper who never puts in a bad effort but hasn’t been seen on the racetrack since September 2025. Did win a recent trial on the Meydan dirt, however, and should not be discounted.

8

Cats By Five

Enters the contest in strong course-and-distance form, winning consecutive races including last start by 4.8L, but would need to find more improvement to be competitive stepping up in grade.

9

Sing Dragon

Boasts strong AWT 1200m form at home in Hong Kong and looks capable of measuring up here. Has his first start for Chris So after previously being with Mark Newnham and Karis Teetan will travel across to ride. Place chance.

10

Apollo One

Turned in an improved performance with a switch back to dirt and a move to Jebel Ali last start, finishing second behind Ponntos in a Listed race. This contest looks a stretch for him, however.