1

Calif

Plenty of winning form over shorter including a 2000m winning G1 strike in Munich last year. His good late work to finish second over 2100m in Saudi Arabia in February suggests he is worth a try at this trip. But the quality of these rivals makes this look hard.

2

Durezza

Showed his quality again when dead-heating for second and only just behind the winner in last November’s Japan Cup, his rider injecting some pace into that race in the backstraight as he is long on stamina. A brisk gallop would help his chances here.

3

Giavellotto

Has mostly competed over further – including at this meeting last year – but is unbeaten in two starts at this trip most significantly when unleashing a powerful finishing burst – after meeting some interference – in December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase.

4

Rebel’s Romance

Prolific, winning 16 of his 23 starts and attempting to become the first horse to win this twice, following on from his decisive 2024 victory which was followed by a comfortable G1 victory at Sha Tin. Usually races right up with the speed. Chance.

5

Calandagan

An increasingly impressive profile last season, with G3 and G2 victories and near misses in G1’s including only beaten 1L by champion City Of Troy at York. May have quirks but has proven super versatile and consistent. A big player.

6

Danon Decile

Sprang a 46-1 shock when landing last year’s Japanese Derby over this trip at Tokyo. Most recently he gained his fourth victory from eight career starts when surging from midfield to win a G2 at Nakayama in January. First venture outside of Japan.

7

Deira Mile

Fourth – though never a serious threat – in last year’s Derby at Epsom. Has only raced three times since and, though from an astute UK stable, is likely to be outclassed here.

8

Shin Emperor

Very effective at this trip and led some of the way when forcing a dead-heat for second in last November’s Japan Cup. Led throughout to win a hot G2 in Saudi Arabia in February after which this became the obvious target. Much respected.

9

Cervinia

Progressive in Japan last year with two G1 victories, including Tokyo’s Japanese Oaks over this trip. Started favourite for a G2 at Kyoto in February but disappointed, and will clearly need to do better in this red-hot G1 contest.