1

Alohi Alii

Japanese galloper steps out for the first time since his 16th in October’s G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) and his win in August’s G2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (2000m) at Deauville suggests he can be competitive here.

2

Bolide Porto

Local galloper was a last-start winner over this course and distance in a qualifier for this contest but would need to be at his absolute best to be truly competitive here after finishing ninth of 10 behind Shin Emperor in this race last year.

3

Facteur Cheval

The French galloper is a familiar face in the Middle East and finished seventh in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m) on dirt 12 months ago. The turf is more his go and he has plenty of class, but the distance could be a query.

4

Galen

After finding only the reopposing Royal Champion too good in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy (2000m) in November, produced a solid fourth behind Romantic Warrior in December’s G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m). Chance here.

5

Phantom Flight

Resumed with a comfortable victory in Bahrain’s Listed Al Adiyat Cup (1800m) on 16 January but shapes as a level below the best here. Look elsewhere.

6

Royal Champion

Steps out for the first time since November’s G2 Bahrain International Trophy (2000m), where he saw off Galen by around three-quarters of a length. His best is good enough to be competitive here.

7

Shin Emperor

Was a swashbuckling winner of this race last year but has failed to really fire in four starts against strong opposition since. A return to the King Abdulaziz 2100m looks ideal and he is one of the top chances.

8

Silawi

Snared October’s G1 Canadian International Stakes (2400m) before disappointing in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m) in November. Was second behind Opera Ballo in the G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) last month and improvement on that effort would make him a factor here.

9

Yamanin Bouclier

Boasts a close second behind Museum Mile back in September but has only been fair since, finishing seventh in a Kyoto G2 last start. It pays to be wary of the Japanese but he would need to improve.

10

Direct Security

Is racing in strong form after snaring a course-and-distance success on 2 January before finishing second behind Bolide Porto in the qualifying race. Gets weight allowance but others appeal more.

11

Survie

Comes in off victory in a three-horse race on the Lingfield all-weather track and should take improvement from that outing. Light weight will help and looks a place chance.