1

Audience

Whether he has the speed for this 1200m test remains to be seen, but top class on his day as he showed when plundering a 1600m G1 prize at Newbury last year plus a G2 Goodwood success over 1400m.

2

Danon McKinley

Has plenty of classy form in Japan but so far has looked notably more effective over 1400m than this trip, probably posting a career best when landing a 1400m G2 at Kyoto last October.

3

Howdeepisyourlove

Nearest at the finish when just 1.5L third to Ka Ying Rising in a 1400m G1 at Sha Tin in February, having previously finished third to the same brilliant and prolific horse in a G1 over this trip. Strong chances if Meydan proves suitable. Usually played late.

4

Isivunguvungu

A dual G1 winning sprinter – including at this trip – when trained in South Africa, and unlucky not to finish a bit closer when 2L seventh in a 1000m G1 at Del Mar last November. A decent third at Tampa Bay Downs in February.

5

Marbaan

His last two starts have been comfortably his best, winning a 1400m G2 and G3 here, racing prominently each time. This drop back to 1200m is a bit of a concern though he did win a minor event over it much earlier in his career.

6

Quinault

Yet to win in Group company but the fact that he has won ten of his 22 starts is a tribute to his ability. Finishing strongly when third in quite a valuable event over this trip in Qatar in February but likely to find this too hard a task.

7

Regional

Showed some dazzling speed from the gates when landing a 1200m G1 at Haydock in 2023. Plenty of other classy sprinting performances also and this course and distance look ideal for the speedster who tends to perform very well after an absence.

8

Win Carnelian

This veteran Japanese sprinter is still capable of some big performances and wasn’t beaten far – giving weight to all his rivals – in a 1200m G3 handicap at Kyoto in February. But without a win since early 2023 and looks vulnerable.

9

Believing

Yet to win a G1 but this tenacious sprinter gone close on various occasions including over 1000m at York last year when she was arguably unlucky not to win. Coolmore have put their faith in her, purchasing this six-times winner for 3 million gns last December.

10

Puro Magic

Some strong efforts in the first part of 2024 including two G3 victories over this trip. Hasn’t made a huge impact in her most recent starts so this looks challenging.

11

West Acre

Has thrived since coming to Meydan, lowering the track record when swooping late to win a 1000m G2 here in January, supplementing that with a G3 victory last month. All speed but he had looked fine over 1200m when second here in January.