1

Facteur Cheval

Got his head in front when it mattered to land this huge prize last year. Two strong UK placed efforts in G1 company since – at Goodwood and Ascot – but well below his top level here and in Saudi Arabia this year. Needs to be back at his best to hold chances again.

2

Ghostwriter

All five starts last year were at G1 level and all were good efforts – on differing ground conditions – without managing a victory. Would need to deliver a career best off a 203 day break and against ferocious opposition, but is still respected for place purposes.

3

Goemon

Plenty of success in Bahrain – including in Listed company last month – and his third in a G2 in Saudi Arabia in February looked to represent a career-best effort. Seems in great form, but his rating suggests that there are others in this hot field with more ability.

4

Holloway Boy

Only twice a winner, but plenty of good placed efforts in top company including a Meydan third to Romantic Warrior and second to Nations Pride on his last two starts. Likely to be doing good work in the home straight, but victory would come as a shock.

5

Maljoom

Usually slow from the gates but can put in some big performances with his second in a 1600m Goodwood G1 last July being the best example. But he is without a win since May 2022 and looks unlikely to suddenly put that right in this G1 spectacular.

6

Meisho Tabaru

Has won at this trip but he seems better over further including a 2200m G2 win at Chukyo last September. Little impact on his last two starts so very hard to fancy. Veteran riding legend Yutaka Take partners him for the first time.

7

Nations Pride

A terrific performer who has won a clutch of G1s amongst his eleven career victories. Following two rare below-par efforts he set himself up for this when too strong for seven rivals in a G2 over this course and distance. Likely to race close to the speed.

8

Romantic Warrior

This incredible and courageous ten-time G1 winner shaped brilliantly in narrow defeat in February’s Saudi Cup, tackling dirt for the first time. Surging to the front after making a big move five-wide he looked certain to win until just grabbed by Forever Young. A runaway G1 winner over this course and distance previously and another memorable victory is likely.

9

Soul Rush

A terrific performance in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile saw him run second to Voyage Bubble, especially good as he had to launch his challenge out wide. Tuned up for this challenge when a good third in a G2 over this trip at Nakayama last month.

10

Brede Weg

Has had some absences but is consistent, winning four of her eight starts and not beaten far in the others. She landed a Kyoto G1 on just her fifth career start. That was over 2200m but she is versatile and has since won a Tokyo G2 over this distance.

11

Liberty Island

All class, and past achievements include landing the 2023 Japanese Triple Tiara. Strong efforts outside Japan also include her third in the longer Sheema Classic last year, and her strong-finishing second to Romantic Warrior -though never threatening him – in the 2024 Longines Hong Kong Cup.