1

Alooqaal

Modest in the UK but has run well at this track. Coming from the back he ran second to rival here Grocer Jack at last start. Deeper opposition now.

2

Astro King

Having run well in some top UK handicaps he then managed to win one at York last August, following up when showing courage to beat 33 rivals in a prestigious Newmarket handicap. Trip ideal.

3

Bolthole

Smart form in both England and France and last month gained his first victory in Qatar. Consistent, he is unlikely to be far from the money.

4

Calif

A late closer who won a G3 and a G2 over 1600m when trained in Germany. Ran just respectably in a G2 in Bahrain where he is now trained. Stamina concerns at this trip.

5

Grocer Jack

Looked unlucky not to have finished nearer than fifth in this event two years ago. Now locally based, this expensive purchase showed his well-being when winning at last start under a positive ride.

6

Hearts Concerto

Hasn’t won for a while and will also need to prove that he is as effective at this trip as he is over further. Returned from an 84-day break to run quite a good fourth at Kyoto last month.

7

Jack Darcy

Now with the stable that won this last year, he has some quality form in Europe in 2023 including a front-running victory in a 2500m G2 at Deauville. Those tactics likely to be attempted again.

8

Killer Ability

Won the final turf G1 of the 2021 of Japanese season, a career highlight and proving just how good he could be. Some disappointments since but good late headway for fourth last time was better.

9

Luxembourg

Super tough and talented this three times European G1 winner most recently was only beaten a short-head by Romantic Warrior in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup. He sets a high standard.

10

Spirit Dancer

His power-packed challenge on the outside resulted in victory in a valuable G2 at Bahrain in November, one of his career-best performances. Raced too freely in a Meydan G1 last time.

11

Starcat

A rare winner these days and though running a respectable fourth over this course and distance on his latest start looks to have a mountain to climb here.

12

Studley

A four times career winner he was 9.3l eighth of 18 to the mighty Equinox in the 2023 Japan Cup. Very hard to see him winning but not without hope of a place.

13

The Foxes

Quite lightly raced but twice a G2 winner in the UK. Looked chubby prior to his prep for this when third in an all-weather event last month and is expected to be much fitter now.