1

Al Riffa

Could only manage seventh as one of the fancies in November’s G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) before dropping in trip to run a close fourth behind Sosie in the G1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in December. Looks tough to beat at this level.

2

Al Nayyir

Runs in this race for the fourth time after finishing 10th behind Broome in 2023, second to Tower Of London two years ago and eighth behind Dubai Future 12 months ago. Place chance off a last-start win.

3

Dubai Future

Won this race with authority 12 months ago but was in winning form on entering the contest, whereas this time around the 10-year-old is first up since August and will likely need the run. Prefer others.

4

Caballo De Mar

British galloper snared the G1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) at Longchamp in October before weakening in the G1 Prix Royal-Oak (3100m). Is coming off a five-month spell and others appeal more.

5

Sons And Lovers

Looms as the biggest danger to Al Riffa after a nice last-start success in the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000m). Gate two will also help his cause.

6

Sunway

Has been racing in strong form since landing in the United Arab Emirates, saluting over the Meydan 2810m in a January G3 before running second to Al Nayyir in another 2810m G3 in February. Strong place hope.

7

Epic Poet

Was fifth behind Sons And Lovers in the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000m) last month and second to Sunway a start earlier. Could trouble the placings with some luck.

8

Burdett Road

Could only manage ninth in G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000m) last month before running third behind Rebel’s Romance at Meydan recently. Prefer others.

9

Ruling Dynasty

Local galloper shapes as one of the outsiders of the field after a distant fourth behind Rebel’s Romance in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m) on 28 February. Look elsewhere.

10

Fairy Glen

Has been racing in top form, finishing 2025 with a win and then opening 2026 with a last-start success in an 1800m G2 on the Meydan turf. This is much tougher, however, and others appeal more.