They don't come more consistent or with a better winning attitude than Muarrab who has won 11 of his 22 starts and there were excuses for a rare poor run here on his penultimate outing. Last time he could never quite reach a bang in-form Rich Tapestry in a G3 over this course and distance in February, but it was a typically strong performance and he had two of his other rivals here well behind. Jockey Paul Hanagan has chosen him ahead of Kifaah and Shaishee.
2
Sweet Swap
Especially effective over 1300m at Santa Anita when trained in the USA, gaining plenty of wins there and only beaten a length when fifth in the 2014 G1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, competing against some of the world's top grass speedsters there. Since moving to the Middle East he has competed three times over longer distances than this on the dirt in Janadriyah, Saudi Arabia, not showing that much. Difficult to predict his chances, though the drop back in trip should help.
3
Rich Tapestry
Hong Kong's world-travelling popular speedster has often done best when he is under the radar, and there didn't seem to be huge confidence behind him when he returned to Meydan for a G3 last month. However he gave a sparkling display from the front, setting comfortable fractions and seeing off quite a strong field of dirt sprinters. He had also won this race in 2014 when it was on the Tapeta surface and he arrives for a repeat with a clear edge in the ratings. Seemingly very comfortable on Meydan's dirt, and, if he doesn't 'bounce' from last month's win, he has a huge chance.
4
Shaishee
Despite a wide-trip from his outside gate, the leaders came back to him in this race last year and he finished strongly to record a surprise victory. He couldn't back that up when well behind in the stronger G1 Golden Shaheen on World Cup night and hasn't shown much in two starts this year. However he can't be ignored here, his best chance coming if this event is run at a ferocious gallop.
5
Kifaah
Posted a career best when his challenge was timed just right in a handicap over this course and distance in January, relaxing just off the pace before pouncing late. However he struggled when taking on the likes of Rich Tapestry and Muarrab in a G3 here subsequently. He ran better again last time, leading and surviving pace pressure until being run down late on.
6
Anfitrion Sale
Won some fair prizes in Argentina in 2014 and 2015, though looking really effective over longer distances than this. He has been beaten a long way in both starts since moving to Dubai, latterly when 16 ½ lengths behind Rich Tapestry in a G3 here in February. He never got a look-in then, and it is likely to be the same here.
