Trainer - Antonio Sano
Jockey - Emisael Jaramillo
Excellent second at a good price in the Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs back in November.
Sixth on return in the Pegasus World Cup having dwelt early on - he did plug on from two furlongs out.
The dirt was a slop that day, and hopefully despite some rain on Thursday, it won't be that desperate again.
Best draw in the field, and will seek to use it to his advantage.
T - S bin Ghadayer
J - Mickael Barzalona
In a fourteen race career, he has only competed twice outside of Meydan.
Excellent record at the track, but his worst effort came at this meeting last year when last but one in the Godolphin Mile.
Three wins this term and appears at the top of his game, including a convincing victory over Thunder Snow three weeks ago.
Nice draw too.
T - S Seemar
J - Richard Mullen
Been going a long time now, and after starting with Charlie Appleby, he was transferred to compete in the UAE under Satish Seemar's leadership.
Last to finish in this contest twelve months ago, but has turned over a new leaf since having had a seven month lay-off to steady the ship.
Dual Group Two winner this term - most recently at short odds, but needs to handle the big occasion here.
T - Todd Pletcher
J - Flavien Prat
American 4yo raider, who was fifth in the Pegasus at the end of January.
Certainly the new boy on the scene, and has only raced seven times in his career - which began with a hat-trick of victories.
Won a nice race at Churchill Downs, before a disappointing second considering his talent at Gulfstream, where he was sent off the 1/10f.
Clearly held in high regard, and big season internationally looms ahead of him.
T - Dallas Stewart
J - Mike Smith
Runner up in the Pegasus will almost certainly not get the 'sloppy' conditions he got at Gulfstream almost ten weeks ago.
Second in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile at the high-profile meeting back in November, and is career is gradually progressing with increased distance.
Ten furlongs the trip, and a notable jockey booking.
T - Doug O'Neill
J - Joel Rosario
Good second in the Grade One 1Million TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, a trial for the real thing at the Breeders Cup meeting which he very much disappointed but had excuses.
Was well behind Accelerate there, and well behind again at Churchill Downs, and that is as best as it has got since then.
Fourth on reappearance in a Grade Two at Santa Anita, and much more required here.
T - S bin Ghadayer
J - Oisin Murphy
Formerly trained with Jeremy Noseda, the now four-year-old won a Kentucky Derby trial at Kempton round about this time last year.
He missed the Derby, but ran a cracking race in the Belmont behind subsequent triple-crown winner Justify.
Fifth in a Group One behind Capezzano and Thunder Snow at the beginning of the month and more would be expected of this fine improver here as he goes in search of another touchdown.
T - S bin Ghadayer
J - Royston Ffrench
Salem bin Ghadayer also sports Axelrod in the colours of Phoenix Thorougbreds, who has much more work to do that his stablemate Gronkowski.
Seen once this year, and only managed to beat one home in a Group Three here not too long ago.
Hard to see him touching the first finishers.
T - A bin Hamash
J - Connor Beasley
Lightly raced five-year-old gelding, who was running on into fourth behind Capezzano in a Group One.
Finished second also to North America after winning on his first start of the calendar year - he had raced twice in November and December meriting a win and a second.
Another with plenty of ground to make up on the market principles.
T - William Mott
J - Jose Ortiz
International raider from Japan, who was fifth in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot last summer.
Went onto win a smart Grade One at Saratoga in September - when getting the better of Gunnervera, before switching places in the list in the Breeders Cup Classic; (Gunnervera 2nd, Yoshida 4th).
A big run will be expected.
T - Haruki Sugiyama
J - Joao Moreira
Japanese horse, who usually runs with great consistency - bar the odd couple of subdue runs.
Second on return this season at Kawasaki is hard to gauge how the form sits with unfamiliar rivals
Plays a part in the finishes in graded contests in the far-east, but this could be a step-too far.
T - Saeed bin Suroor
J - Christophe Soumillon
Second on return to Capezzano, and weakened rather quickly.
Will surely come on for the run, and look better equipped to defending the crown he lifted twelve months ago in this year.
Aside from a mediocre performance in the Juddmonte, he was second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes by a neck in September at Belmont Park, and third in the Breeders Cup Classic under a vicious ride from Soumillon.
The two combine again, and surely have leading claims once again.
T - Simon Foster
J - Olivier Doleuze
Outside draw will be hard to cross to the rail, and that will not bring music to ear's of connections given his last run faded in similar circumstances.
Won a Listed Handicap at Meydan back in February by a wide margin, and although looks a big player on paper, the preliminaries have not been kind to him.
Big ask.
