1

Presage Nocturne

Ran a bold fourth in the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October before finishing his Australian expedition with a disappointing 19th in the G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Has won at this trip, however, and can give a sight.

2

Tabletalk

Hasn’t been seen on a racetrack since running second at Chester in August and hasn’t saluted in well over a year. Others look more appealing.

3

Epic Poet

Produced a big showing to run second behind Byzantine Dream in this race last year and comes into this off a similar lead-up run at Meydan. One of the top chances.

4

Sons And Lovers

Was last seen running third in a G3 over the Leopardstown 2400m and the big step up in distance after a layoff looks a sizeable ask. Prefer others.

5

Struve

Was outclassed when running 10th behind the mighty Calandagan in November’s G1 Japan Cup (2400m) but the step into calmer waters away from home looks suitable here. Place chance.

6

Tennessee Stud

Was a G1 winner as a two-year-old and finished around the mark in both the Epsom and Irish Derbies. Was impressive at this distance last start, winning a Longchamp G2, and should be right in the finish here.

7

Burdett Road

Comes off a solid second behind the capable Meydaan over the Meydan 2810m on 2 January but has struggled to win recently and looks a level below them here. Prefer others.

8

Goodie Two Shoes

Scratched

9

Espoir Avenir

Raced almost exclusively at this distance through the back half of 2025 and wasn’t disgraced in some strong company, but was no match for Tennessee Stud at Longchamp in October and looks a place chance at best.

10

Vermicelles

Has largely been racing below her best at home in Japan and connections will look to a trip away to extract something from their galloper. Can certainly figure in the placings.

11

Real Dream

Finished eight and a half lengths behind the reopposing Epic Poet when sixth at Meydan last month and looks to lack the class to be competitive here. Look elsewhere.

12

Tarriance

Lightly raced galloper has been given a spell since finishing last in the G1 St Leger Stakes (2905m) at Doncaster in September. Has been gelded and should still be improving, but may just need the run here.