Won a G2 at this meeting and over this distance last year, a great effort from the least experienced contender in the 9-runner field. His subsequent fourth in a G1, also over this course and distance, was another cracking effort. Perhaps slightly disappointing on his 2015 return but his hugely inform trainer thinks he was just a bit rusty.
2
Hillstar
Second in this last year and, though beaten 7l by runaway winner Telescope, he would have finished closer had he not met with traffic at a crucial stage. He has continued to run really well and consistently since then, last seen when winning a G1 at Woodbine in Canada last October.
3
Postponed
Finished third in a G3 over 2000m at this meeting last year, looking as though a move up to this distance was required and he achieved a 2400m win in grand style in a G2 at York last August, always travelling nicely that day. Two strong efforts this season - including when having to lead which was not ideal at The Curragh last month - but still only narrowly beaten in that G1.
4
Red Cadeaux
His last victory came in the Longines Hong Kong Vase way back in 2012 but his extraordinary career includes three seconds in the Melbourne Cup. One of his many brave efforts in defeat also include a third in this G2, also back in 2012. However there are signs that this great gelding may not be the force he once was and much younger rivals will probably outgun him here.
5
Sheikhzayedroad
Trained in the UK but a familiar campaigner on the international stage with victories at Meydan and in G1 company at Woodbine in Canada last September. Last of four in the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom last time though he really needs a strong pace and a big field for his late closing tactics to be able to work.
6
Snow Sky
Surely not at his best when only seventh in the Longines Hong Kong Vase last December, proving that when a brave G2 winner last month, especially good as he found himself in front much sooner than jockey Ryan Moore had wanted. That win was over 2800m, and this strong stayer will benefit from swift early fractions.
7
Telescope
From a stable that have a fine record in this race and Telescope enhanced it last year by destroying his rivals, beating second placed Hillstar by 7l. Another big winning margin last month - 6l in a Listed race at Newbury - means he looks sure to be favourite to repeat last year's performance. Best on fast ground, this tough and consistent horse is surely the one to beat.
