1

Last Impact

Almost pulled off a minor shock in last November's G1 Japan Cup in Tokyo, a close second in a race in which just 4 lengths covered the first 15 horses at the wire. His last two starts were fair but he does have G2 winning form over 2400m in his past, and perhaps Joao Moreira will produce something extra, partnering this six-year-old for the first time.

2

Sheikhzayedroad

An accomplished world traveller who has won nine of his 31 starts and, though now seven, he looked as good as ever when accelerating from off a slow pace to wallop 13 rivals in a G3 over 2810m here earlier in the month. He was only fifth - beaten 6 3/4L - in this event last year but the slow gallop didn't help this late closer that day.

3

The Blue Eye

Ratings suggest that he has a difficult task here despite arriving from Qatar in terrific form, most recently when winning last month's Emir's Trophy, travelling the shortest way round that tight track in Doha and streaking clear of 15 rivals in that local G1 over a similar distance to this. Very consistent but he will face much deeper opposition here.

4

Duramente

Last year he completed the first two legs of the Japanese Triple Crown - including the G1 Japanese Derby - both times surging from near the back. A leg injury kept him off the track for about nine months but he showed his well-being when holding off a late challenger to win a G2 in Japan last month, ridden as usual by his Sheema Classic rider Mirco Demuro. Very talented though reportedly 'highly strung' but hopefully the trip to Meydan won't have caused any problems.

5

One And Only

The G1 Japanese Derby winner in Tokyo back in 2014 - producing a powerful surge in the stretch - and last year he ran really well on his only previous start to this at Meydan, finishing third in this race. Despite racing too keenly that day, he kept on well right to the wire and, although he didn't make much of a splash in a G2 in Kyoto last month, a return to this track will perhaps be helpful.

6

Gailo Chop

A late non-runner in last December's LONGINES Hong Kong Cup was a huge disappointment for his supporters who had earlier seen this French-trained gelding show real commitment when winning Australia's G1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington last October. He tuned up for this with a good third on the Chantilly all-weather track earlier this month, and his trainer believes that this track will suit him well though this front-running type will need to prove himself at this distance.

7

Postponed

The highlight of an excellent career so far was his victory in a prestigious G1 at Ascot last July, fighting back bravely after being headed. He moved stables after his G2 victory at Longchamp last September, but, still with Atzeni riding, produced a dominant performance in a G2 here earlier this month. He looked really happy on this Meydan track that day, and must surely be a very serious player here.

8

Highland Reel

Arrives here fresh from a break since that decisive victory in last December's LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, leading for much of the journey in that Sha Tin G1 under a fine tactical ride from Ryan Moore, and beating off top class Flintshire who had won it the previous year. That looked like a clear career best from this colt who possesses a potent mixture of speed and stamina.

9

Dariyan

From the French stable that won this last year, though Dariyan will have to overcome both Highland Reel - who beat him 3L into third in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin last December, and Postponed who beat him 3L into second in a G2 here this month. Dariyan would probably be helped by a ferocious gallop as despite his ability, he appears to lack the gear-change of a couple of his rivals.