1

Ombudsman

Comes off a huge 2025 that featured G1 wins in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1993m) and International Stakes (2051m) and he appears in top order ahead of his first run since October. The one to beat.

2

Gaia Force

Found only Jantar Mantar too good twice at G1 level at home in Japan last year and will aim to become the second consecutive Japanese winner of the race. Each-way chance.

3

Quddwah

Scooped the G2 Singspiel Stakes (1800m) at this course and distance on 28 February and if the big names fail to fire, he will be ready to strike. Each-way hope.

4

Elnajmm

Locally trained galloper enters the race in top form after consecutive 1400m victories but this is a significant step up in grade and others appeal more.

5

Facteur Cheval

Won this race in 2024 before running sixth behind Soul Rush in a top renewal 12 months ago. Was second in Saudi’s G1 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) last month and is again among the top chances here.

6

Fort George

British galloper has taken to the Meydan track with aplomb across the first three starts of his winter swing and was second behind Rebel’s Romance in last month’s G2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m). Place hope again.

7

Make Me King

Well-travelled galloper was a last-start winner in Qatar last month and he will now tackle G1 company for the first time. Is likely to have his work cut out against these.

8

Dividend

British galloper hasn’t missed a place in four Meydan runs this year and was second behind Quddwah when stepping up to G2 level last start. Place hope with further improvement.

9

Andreas Vesalius

Local galloper gets his chance in a big race after finishing third behind Elnajmm in a G3 earlier this month. Tough ask here, however, and he’ll struggle to make an impact.

10

Folk Festival

Another of the local brigade, the five-year-old is thrown in the deep end here after mixing his form in lesser company. Look elsewhere.

11

Tumbler

Has mixed his form across three starts in the United Arab Emirates this preparation, producing one third, and he could only manage seventh over this course and distance in a G2 last start. Look elsewhere.