1

Sheikhzayedroad

Ran in the longer Dubai Gold Cup on this card last year, finishing way down the field. However this versatile and tough horse subsequently had some big race success both in the UK and Canada and prepped for this with a good second - especially after having to race wide on the bend - in a G2 over this distance here this month. The ratings suggest he has a difficult task this time.

2

Dolniya

Started her French career in modest company but proved sharply progressive throughout the season including a G2 success and a fifth behind Treve in the G1 Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. She prepped for this with a defeat of high class Flintshire on the polytrack surface at Chantilly earlier this month and should be spot on for this.

3

True Story

Has struggled to live up to his big early reputation though this big animal did kick off this year's Dubai campaign with a fluent success, looking as though a gelding operation had made a big difference. However his limitations seem to have been revealed again on his last two starts, including when only fourth in a G2 over this course and distance this month.

4

Flintshire

This very classy French-trained horse not only finished runner-up to Treve in last year's Arc, but also his sharp acceleration resulted in him justifying favouritism in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase in December. Just run out of the winner's money by Dolniya, his rival here, on the polytrack at Chantilly this month but he is now reported to be 100% fit and ready for this.

5

Main Sequence

Formerly trained in Britain but he has really flowered since moving to the USA, bagging a hatful of G1's, notably when swooping past Flintshire to win the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf over 2400m at Santa Anita last November. He prepped for this with another nice victory at Gulfstream Park last month. He can idle when in front so needs to be produced late on the scene.

6

One And Only

Winner of the Japanese Derby last June, finishing strongly off a steady pace in that Tokyo G1 over 2400m and from the Japanese stable that won this race back in 2006. However his form did tail off later in 2014 and he is without a run since late December. His jockey will look to settle him early as he can be keen.

7

Designs On Rome

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year, in a three-race winning sequence. Took his first win this term in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December, followed by a HKG3 win and an impressive 1 ¼ -length victory last time in the G1 Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March.  Only raced once previously over 2400m - a 4 ¼-length 5th in the HKG1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup last year.  Usually races back in field.  No ground concerns.

8

Just The Judge

Has won five of her 14 starts including two at G1 level, latterly one for fillies and mares over 2000m in Canada last October. On the ratings she has plenty to find but trainer Charlie Hills insists that she is still improving and also is convinced that the move up to this distance is just what she needs.

9

Harp Star

Has some brilliant runs to her name in Japan last year and did best of the three Japanese raiders for the Arc at Longchamp - 4 ½-length sixth behind Treve - despite been ridden from too far back. It was perhaps disappointing that she could only finish fifth in her trial race for this in Japan last month but her trainer did not seem worried, and the booking of Ryan Moore for the big night is surely a plus.