1

Admire Daytona

One of four Japanese contenders with Japan seeking a fourth straight win in this G2 $1 million prize. Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, winner of this 1900m dirt race in 2023, his record is one from five on dirt, the sole win coming in a maiden. Steps up from 1600m.

2

Don In The Mood

The mount of last year’s winning jockey Ryusei Sakai won his Kyoto maiden over 1800m late last year. Started his three-year-old campaign on a high before third in Listed last run dropping back to 1600m.

3

Dragon

Ridden by Japan’s evergreen 56-year-old star Yutaka Take, clicked on his second start in an 1800m maiden on his first start this year. Unable to follow up on only appearance since when fifth in a 1600m Listed in February.

4

Flood Zone

Booked his ticket with an eyecatching G3 win over 1600m on dirt, leading virtually throughout, back home in the USA at Aqueduct on 1 March. That confirmed the good impression he made when landing a 1300m maiden in January. Major chance.

5

Galactic Star

Trainer Bhupat Seemar landed last year’s Dubai World Cup en route to the UAE trainer’s championship title. Lines up in good heart after a course and distance success in listed company in February.

6

Heart Of Honor

A brace of wins over 1600m at the track over the winter. Edged out by only a head by Galactic Star last time out. His English trainer Jamie Osborne took the 2014 UAE Derby with Toast Of New York.

7

Rafid

From Doug Watson’s powerful Dubai stable. One of the most experienced in the field he finally entered the winner’s enclosure at the seventh attempt last time out in a 1400m conditions race. Has plenty of ground to make up on Galactic Star when well beaten in March.

8

Shin Forever

A strong Japanese contender. Only switched to dirt on latest start in Saudi Arabia and left a good impression when runner-up in a G3 over 1600m. All previous six runs were on turf. One for the short list.

9

Queen Azteca

Attempting to become the first filly to land the UAE Derby since Khawlah in 2011. Chilean-born, Scandinavian-based jockey Carlos Lopez partnered her to success in the UAE Oaks over course and distance, an admirable effort getting up close home after being bumped at the start.