1

Bentornato

American galloper was undefeated from two starts in 2025, including victory in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m) in November, and he looks very well placed here. Tough to beat.

2

Tuz

Won this race in 2024 and wasn’t far off the mark when running third 12 months ago. Has only run once since, however, finishing fifth behind El Nasseeb last month. Place hope.

3

Drew’s Gold

Failed to beat a runner home in this race last year but two nice recent wins suggest he can give a better account of himself this time around. Place hope.

4

El Nasseeb

Saluted in the main lead-up race for this contest, the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (1200m) on 28 February, and shapes as the biggest danger to Bentornato.

5

Lovesick Blues

Made the trip from the United States to run fifth in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1200m) last month and is a G1 winner on home soil. May not match up to Bentornato but can trouble the placings.

6

Midland Money

Former Bob Baffert-trained galloper boasted strong form in America, including a G1 second placing last start, and is an each-way chance in his first start for Michael Costa here.

7

Dark Saffron

Was a shock winner of this race last year and an improved second behind El Nasseeb in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (1200m) on 28 February suggests another bold run is not out of the question.

8

Nakatomi

Pipped by Dark Saffron in this race last year, the American speedster could only manage ninth, 9.5 lengths off Bentornato, in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m) last start. Not this time.

9

American Stage

Japanese colt has had a big 12 months or so on the road, finishing sixth in this race last year, fourth in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m) and fourth in last month’s G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1200m). Outside place chance.

10

Mufasa

Was a last-start third behind El Nasseeb in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (1200m) on 28 February and has been racing consistently in recent months, but this looks a bridge too far.

11

Colour Up

Local galloper hasn’t been running badly of late but he has gone over two years between wins and that looks unlikely to change here.

12

Cats By Five

Has been effective in handicap company in the opening months of 2026 but G1 racing looks beyond him. Look elsewhere.

13

Khanjar

Steps back to 1200m for the first time in well over a year and may just lack the zip to challenge the best of these. Ignore.