1

Ribchester

One of Europe's very best 1600m horses and with a pedigree that indicates this extra distance should be fine. A stylish G1 winner at Deauville last August and ran another cracker when narrowly defeated at Ascot. A brisk gallop is wanted as he can race too freely.

2

Zarak

Superbly-bred, he was lightly raced at three but did finish second in the G1 French Derby at Chantilly. One of the most impressive winners in Meydan this year when posting impressive late fractions to obliterate his rivals in a G3 over 2000m. He has the speed to handle the drop in distance.

3

Heshem

His seven career starts in France have been over a bit further than this but he has a good late kick, as he showed when landing a Maisons-Laffitte G2 over 2000m last July. He suffered a surprise defeat when prepping for this at Chantilly this month.

4

Decorated Knight

Yet to run a bad race in his 12-start career and the winner of his last three starts notably when adapting quickly to Meydan conditions in a G1 on Super Saturday. The acceleration he showed after being hemmed in then was really impressive. 

5

Opal Tiara

This tough filly proved she handles this trip when winning a G2 here last time, even if that race did fall her way with two more fancied rivals fighting each other for the lead. Her trainer thinks she can improve more, but this does look tricky.

6

Mutakayyef

Took a long time to mature according to his trainer but he really thrived last year, including a stylish G2 victory over 1600m at Ascot in July and an excellent third on his first venture into G1 company, at York last August. His rating suggests he needs respect.

7

Mondialiste

Trained in the UK but well travelled including a G1 victory over 1600m at Woodbine in 2015 and another G1 strike over 2000m at Arlington in 2016. Having his first Meydan start and his first run of 2017 he'll need to be right at his best.

8

Very Special

Had a good lead-up into this event last year but couldn't dominate the race as she likes to do, only finishing sixth. She also disappointed last time after racing much too freely, and, unless she is able to relax up front, her chance does not look strong.

9

Vivlos

Made her first G1 start a winning one when showing smart acceleration from a wide position on the bend to win over 2000m at Kyoto last October. Not beaten far in a G2 at Nakayama last month.

10

Debt Collector

An inexpensive purchase who became a real moneyspinner in Singapore, winning all his six starts of 2016. He has won many awards there and was completely dominant in the three-year-old division. He now faces much deeper international opposition.

11

Cougar Mountain

Has a low strike rate of just 3 wins from 22 starts and only 3-1/2L 10th in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile last December. A talented horse but he's only been placed once in 11 previous attempts at G1 company, a worry.

12

Deauville

Lightly raced and last seen when a close third to Mondialiste in a G1 at Arlington, Chicago (2000m) last August, and this Irish-trained colt had previously outgunned some good US opposition in a G1 at Belmont. He could be interesting in 2017.

13

Long Island Sound

From Aidan O'Brien's stable who are launching a strong Irish challenge. This guy fought back well after leading but being headed to win a G3 over 2100m at Dundalk last September. He'll want a fast pace and may try and lead again.