1

Forever Young

Proved himself on the Meydan dirt track when winning last year’s UAE Derby, and the way he grabbed Romantic Warrior late on in that thrilling finish to February’s Saudi Cup confirmed his top quality and great courage. Holding an edge on ratings here, he looks hard beat.

2

Hit Show

Twice an 1800m G2 winner in the US last year, and earlier this year he outclassed his rivals in a G3 at the Fair Grounds. However, although making late headway to finish third in a G1 at Santa Anita last month, plenty more needed for success in this huge prize on his Meydan debut.

3

Il Miracolo

Would be a shock winner here. A good but not brilliant dirt performer in the US, winning four of his 22 starts. A 1700m G3 winner at Gulfstream Park last year, but has not seen since finishing down the field at Del Mar last August.

4

Imperial Emperor

Fast improving and has already earned his connections far more than he cost, his reputation skyrocketing when he won a G2 over this course and distance last month by a whopping 8.5L. Another big showing at Meydan widely anticipated.

5

Katonah

The latest of his five career wins came in an 1800m G2 at Santa Anita in January. However, he could never threaten to make a big move from off the pace in a G1 there subsequently. Hard to fancy in this first start outside of California.

6

Mixto

Ratings and his low winning strike-rate suggest that his chances here are not strong. Admittedly he won a 2000m G1 at Del Mar last August but some of the better fancied contenders appeared to underperform that day.

7

Ramjet

Gained four consecutive victories earlier in his career but has finished fourth, third and sixth behind his brilliant rival here Forever Young on his last three starts. He never threatened in the Saudi Cup on the latest of those so looks very vulnerable here.

8

Rattle N Roll

This ten times winner has enjoyed plenty of Graded success in the US and added to his winning tally when coming late as usual to easily win an 1800m G3 in Saudi Arabia in January. But couldn’t make an impact in the Saudi Cup subsequently.

9

Ushba Tesoro

Came from the back to run second in this last year, though never looked like catching the winner. Behind Forever Young on his latest two starts, taking a remote third place late on in the Saudi Cup last time. An unlikely winner but could easily get into the money.

10

Walk Of Stars

Led for some of the trip in the Saudi Cup but faded right out. Liable to run much better here as Meydan brings out the best in him as he showed again with his front running victory over rival here Imperial Emperor in a G1 in January.  An aggressive ride likely again.

11

Wilson Tesoro

Like others here he has struggled behind Forever Young on recent starts, latterly outpaced as Forever Young and Romantic Warrior’s famous duel in the Saudi Cup intensified. He finished fourth then, as he had done in this famous race in 2024.