Japan is well represented in this race with four of the eleven starters. Christophe Lemaire, who rode four Group winners at this meeting last year, is again aboard Songline, the defending champion.
Bathrat Leon – Better suited over 1600m. Last victory at Meydan last March in G2 on dirt. Yet to race over this shorter journey.
Casa Creed – Finishes strongly and was narrowly denied victory in this race last year. Winner of two G1 races in his native United States, his form is solid to win.
Garrus – British trained whose best run was in a straight-course 1300m G1 at Deauville in France last August when third following two course 1200m wins. Has previously found success first-up.
Lauda Sion – This is his preferred race distance however it is heading toward two years since last victory. Finished fourth in this race last year beaten 4.1L after looking to be a good chance on the home turn.
Lusail – Failed to win as a three-year-old but was placed in a G1 at Deauville in France over 1400m in July. Highly progressive in his first racing season with four wins including to G2. Has shown enough to be a good chance.
Pogo – Finished fifth in this race last year beaten 4.3L. Returned to his native England for for a good summer winning at both G2 (last start at this trip in October) and a G3 in the spring. Good performer suited to this race.
Raaed – Four of his seven wins have been over a similar distance. Locally trained he arrives on the back of a last start course and distance victory but facing a steep rise in grade.
Rozgar – Former handy French horse with a Listed win and good G1 1400m sixth in July. One start for new domestic connections when well held domestic G2 1600m. Probably needs more time.
Happy Romance – Third in this race last year followed by Meydan G1 second. Has struggled since. First up and may need the run.
Resistencia – Eighteen months since last win but has a good record over 1400m. Has filled placing's in G1 races but has disappointed in recent times.
Songline – Defending winner of this race from twelve months ago. Japanese G1 winner over 1600m in June. Not seen since September but this five-year-old has only twelve career starts with five wins. Can win again with Christophe Lemaire riding.
Selections
- Songline
- Garrus
- Casa Creed
- Pogo
