1

Decorated Knight

Has won five of his 11 starts with the figures suggesting almost continuous improvement. He prepped for this Meydan debut with some decisive winning acceleration in a Listed contest on the Lingfield all-weather (2000m) last month. Doesn't want to see daylight too soon according to his trainer, so likely to be played late.

2

Elliptique

Has G1 winning form last year, though that German event in Munich was not the strongest at top level. Later he wasn't disgraced in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, sticking on nicely up the Sha Tin straight -  beaten 4  3/4L in seventh by Maurice. However he will need to upgrade significantly on his modest Meydan debut last month.

3

Muffri’ha

With three straight wins in the UK late last year - including at G3 level - her retirement has been delayed. She has finished a close third in two G2's here at Meydan, fine efforts despite racing a bit too keenly each time. Versatile with prominent or closing tactics both suiting.

4

Earnshaw

Has plenty of Meydan experience though has failed to win from ten starts here. His last two outings have been amongst his best at Meydan, and he put in some good late work most recently though not having the pace of stylish winner Zarak in that G3 over 2000m.

5

Light The Lights

A three times winner in South Africa, he made an excellent start at Meydan when landing a Listed race over this distance, his victims including  better fancied stablemate Ertijaal (AUS). He did have a perfect trip that day and wasn't as sharp in a 1600m G2 on his latest start - a bit too keen that day.

6

Epsom Icon

Two of her three wins in the UK have come around Epsom's gradients, very different to Meydan. And neither of her starts here this year - both sound defeats in handicaps - suggest that she any realistic chance in this G1 contest.

7

Elleval

He has been beaten 29 times since he won a handicap here at Meydan in 2014. There have been some solid placed efforts including a closing second from an unpromising position in a handicap over course and distance on his penultimate start.

8

Promising Run

Nothing special about most of her European ventures last year but she does thrive at  Meydan, and both her 2017 starts have been good, picking up well to win a G2 over this distance and then only fading towards the end - after racing too freely - when third in a G3 over 2000m. This distance looks preferable.

9

Roi de Vitesse

Has never competed over as far as this in his 41-race career. His last two starts have been respectable performances over 1200m here, but it is most unlikely that he has the stamina - or class - to make a serious impact.

10

Ertijaal (AUS)

Led for much of the journey in this race last year, but failed to establish a decisive lead and was mown down, still running a good third before an even better fourth in the G1 Dubai Turf later last March. He failed to make a serious impact in the AP QEII Cup at Sha Tin last April after which he had fetlock surgery. Tried in blinkers on his 2017 return here in January, only fifth though reportedly needing that run.

11

Sanshaawes

A veteran of 18 Meydan starts that include four wins though they have all come in handicaps over 2000m. A tough contender who has been in good shape lately, winning on his penultimate start under a ground-saving trip and then a solid fourth when moving up to G3 company though having no chance with easy winner Zarak.

12

Folkswood

From a Godolphin stable enjoying an excellent Meydan season, and this lightly-raced gelding contributed to that when easily outgunning 13 rivals over this course and distance last month, improving from his earlier encouraging Meydan debut. He moves up from handicap class now but looks to have plenty of upside.