1

Algiers

Certainly one of the most exciting horses seen at Meydan this year, twice scoring runaway victories in G2’s. No worries with this slightly longer trip and he looks a serious player.

2

Bendoog

This big horse looks to give it his best shot each time. But two of his rivals here – Algiers and Salute The Soldier – were much stronger at the finish on his last two starts.

3

Cafe Pharoah

Has 1600m G1 dirt winning form in Japan and, from a wide gate, was given a fine ride by Joao Moreira to finish just 1.25l third to Panthalassa in last month’s Saudi Cup. Belongs on the shortlist.

4

Country Grammer

Won this huge prize last year after having finished second in the Saudi Cup, and it might be a similar pattern this time, his late surge last month in the world’s richest race only failing by 3/4l.

5

Crown Pride

Despite an imperfect trip he convincingly won the UAE Derby this day last year. Has ground to make up with some of these rivals after his fifth – though only beaten 2.5l – in last month’s Saudi Cup.

6

Emblem Road

Pulled off a huge shock when beating Country Grammer and 12 others in last year’s Saudi Cup. After a slow start he was always struggling to make a big impact in last month’s renewal. Meydan debut.

7

Geoglyph

This colt has G1 winning form over this trip in Japan. That was on turf but he totally proved that dirt was not an issue when only beaten 1.5l into fourth in last month’s Saudi Cup.

8

Jun Light Bolt

After three straight wins in Japan- including at G1 level – he was well fancied for last month’s Saudi Cup. But he disappointed, making modest progress before fading. More needed.

9

Panthalassa

The decision to switch him from turf to dirt for the Saudi Cup proved an inspired one from his masterful trainer, as he led from the start from his favourable gate and just held off Country Grammer.

10

Remorse

Not disgraced at huge odds in this last year and also not disgraced in the Saudi Cup on his latest start. Very effective on Meydan’s 2000m dirt surface, but an unlikely winner.

11

Salute The Soldier

The oldest contender but still extremely capable in top Meydan dirt company, as he showed when proving too strong for 13 rivals in a G1 this month. Younger legs preferred this time.

12

Super Corinto

Has won at a G1 level in Chile, and appears to stay this trip well. Also strong at the finish when winning a claimer at Gulfstream Park on his last start but this looks too challenging.

13

T O Keynes

Oisin Murphy takes over with his previous jockey admitting that he made a tactical error when T O Keynes was narrowly beaten in a traditional Japanese trial for Dubai dirt candidates at Kawasaki last month.

14

Ushba Tesoro

Has thrived since switching from turf to dirt, most recently beating his rival here T O Keynes at Kawasaki – that race being a good marker for Japanese dirt horses heading to Dubai.

15

Vela Azul

Quickened impressively to win a slowly-run Japan Cup (2400m) in November. That strong turf form has not so far been matched by his earlier dirt performances, a bit of an issue.