1

Cooptado

Formerly very successful in Argentina, and he has shown good Meydan credentials as well, winning over 2000m in December. However that and his subsequent respectable run in a G2 were on a dirt surface, and he faces some turf specialists here.

2

Zambucca

Had plenty of success in South Africa but his 12 starts at Meydan and in the UK since the start of last year have yielded just one third placing. Admittedly he had a very bad trip in a handicap here last month, but success today is surely unlikely.

3

Brass Ring

Three times a winner in the UK but so far has always proved vulnerable when moving above handicap class. He did close last season with a fine performance when fourth in a famous 3600m handicap off a challengingly high handicap rating and he is the type who might thrive at Meydan.

4

Sheikhzayedroad

Only sixth in this race last year when the slow early pace wouldn't have suited this stamina-laden closer. However there was plenty to celebrate later on when he landed a G2 in the UK and a G1 in Canada. An admirable performer and the 140 day absence is not a big problem as he has won first-time-out for the past two years.

5

True Story

Hasn't yet lived up to a big early reputation in the UK and has let his supporters down badly more than once. However this big, strong horse looked to have improved for a gelding operation when winning a good Listed race over 1800m here in January. He couldn't handle the very classy Vercingetorix last time, and he moves up to a longer distance today.

6

Mickdaam

Did win a Listed race here back in 2012, and has also won a G3 at Chester in the UK. He has gone absent for some long periods, but he did finish strongly in a handicap over further than this last time to suggest that another win may be close. A strong gallop here would surely help.

7

Songcraft

An eight-times winner and, though yet to score in Group company despite lots of attempts, he did come within a head of winning this G2 last year. He has a terrific record first-time-out in the season and won the same Meydan handicap for the third time on his 2015 debut last month.

8

Sky Hunter

Surely one of the most interesting in this field, putting up a fabulous performance by demolishing some solid rivals in a G3 at Newbury last October when partnered by today's rider for the first time. He seems to have improved for being gelded and being given a break midway through last year.

9

Umgiyo

Despite a lengthy break since his last run in South Africa he took no time getting off the mark at Meydan, nicely winning a 1800m handicap in January. He ran at least as well when second in a 2000m Listed race subsequently, and will have hopes here if the rise in distance helps.

10

Ayahuasca

Has plenty of winning form in Peru but there was always going to be a chance that would not add up to much at Meydan, and he was beaten a long way in last place on his only start here last month.

11

Pilote

Four times a winner in France but has been beaten on his last 14 starts and there must be a suspicion that he has too often been competing in too a high a class for his ability. He has been running respectably in handicaps here lately, and is trying a longer distance today.