1

Irwin

Versatile in terms of surface and distance, he is a formidable performer in Argentina – most recently winning a 2500m G1 in Palermo by a runaway distance. Fascinating on this UAE debut.

2

Kiefer

Won all three starts in Uruguay last year and adapted well to Meydan with a good second of 13 in a G3. Blew the start at King Abdulaziz last time and the rise in trip here not sure to suit.

3

Quality Boone

A winner in Uruguay last year and figures suggest race by race improvement at Meydan. Latterly he launched a sustained challenge to lead close home in a 1900m Listed event this month.

4

Azure Coast

Russian- trained and has won both starts since coming to Meydan. Both times he has shown no early speed but then has surged past rivals late on to win, latterly in a 1600m G3.

5

Bendoog

One of plenty of improving colts in this G2, winning on his first Meydan start but doing best last time, clear 500m out in a Listed event at this trip just tiring late on, still a close third.

6

Combustion

Clearly very talented having won three of his five starts in Japan – at up to Listed level – and second in the other two. Like others here he will need to prove himself up in trip.

7

Crown Pride

Won his first two starts in Japan before finishing sixth in a 1600m Listed race after being squeezed leaving the gate. Hard to get a handle on his form but doesn’t look the best of the Japanese.

8

Get Back Goldie

A Santa Anita winner, and also won on his first Meydan start – over 1200m. Then stepped up to this much longer trip earlier this month but faded as though he might not have stayed it.

9

Gilded Age

Has been ridden by a different jockey on all five starts, and again today. A maiden winner but probably doing best when third in an 1800m G3 at Aqueduct last month.

10

Island Falcon

Has won two of his four starts both times suggesting that this trip will not be a problem, which can’t be said about all his rivals. Swerved leaving the gates and well beaten at King Abdulaziz.

11

Pinehurst

Is well fancied for this, having won a G1 in the US last year and the very valuable Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz last time, impressive the way he continually repelled challengers then.

12

Reiwa Homare

Has run well in his last two starts in Japan, winning a maiden from off the pace and then only just beaten in a stronger event. Having Lemaire in the saddle is often a big plus.

13

Sekifu

Seems very smart, having won three times in Japan last year and then getting to within half a length of winning the Saudi Derby (1600m) at King Abdulaziz, outpaced until finishing fast.

14

Summer Is Tomorrow

Improved from previous starts to win over 1400m here last month, soon leading and winning easily. Pedigree is quite positive regarding this longer trip.

15

Withering

Came from the back to gain his first career win – over this course and distance – in February. Again showing plenty of zip when second in a Listed race. Clearly no stamina worries.

16

Arabian Gazelles

With the widest gate to contend with though she did put in a strong finish when second in a course and distance G3 in February, a big improvement on her first start.