G1 – 1800m – Turf
1 |
Alfareeq |
Steps up in trip having posted a career best last time when a closing second of 13 in a 1600m G2 here in January. More improvement needed according to the ratings. |
2 |
Barney Roy |
A relatively lightly raced eight-year-old whose four G1 wins include an easy victory in this in 2020. His close second in a hot event in Bahrain last time suggests continued ability and enthusiasm. |
3 |
Felix |
Ran way above his outsider status when third in a G1 on his only previous Meydan venture, last March. That should bode well for a good show on this return to the UAE. |
4 |
Finest Sound |
Big and strong, his three wins have come in handicaps but his career best – when third in a Newmarket G3 last October – showed that he could compete effectively at a Stakes level. |
5 |
Freescape |
Bred to be a sprinter but also has the stamina for this trip and unlucky not to have finished third – at long odds – in a G2 over this course and distance last month. |
6 |
Highland Avenue |
Has not so far lived up to some lofty early promise and, despite gelding, raced too freely in front before fading in a G2 here in January. His trainer remains optimistic however. |
7 |
Kick On |
Lots of success on the weaker circuits of Sweden and Norway in 2020 and 2021. Ran a very respectable fifth in a G2 here last month but a win here seems very unlikely. |
8 |
King David |
Very effective over this trip in Scandinavia – and did once win a G3 in Germany – but appears to have been simply outclassed in two starts at Meydan in 2022. |
9 |
Land Of Legends |
Today’s rider Frankie Dettori partnered him to his only previous Meydan victory – in a 1400m G2 here in 2021. Has not so far completely proved himself at this trip. |
10 |
Lord Glitters |
This hugely popular grey – with a trademark power-packed finish from the back – was again in super shape when cutting down his rivals in a G2 here last month. Chances of repeating last year’s win in this. |
11 |
Lucius Tiberius |
Yet to win in ten runs at this track and was unconsidered in the betting when tenth behind Lord Glitters in this G1 last year. |
12 |
Military Style |
This lightly-raced colt did lead from gate to wire when winning a 1400m G3 at Leopardstown in 2020. Has moved stables and now makes his Meydan debut. |
13 |
Sir Busker |
Has failed to win any of his last 15 starts but his placed efforts include a very decent third in a 1600m G1 at Royal Ascot in 2021. Should be sharper for a Meydan run last month. |
14 |
Ursa Minor |
Arrives here off a fairly comfortable victory in a 1900m handicap here last month. However, nothing in his record suggests that he will be competitive in this G1. |
15 |
Zakouski |
Very talented and had today’s rival Lord Glitters back in third when winning a Meydan G2 last year. That rival has however finished ahead of him on his last two starts. |