Darwin began last season under Aidan O'Brien and was expected to become a leading sprinter but it never happened, his only victory coming in a Listed contest at Fairyhouse. He hasn't really proved himself over this trip but won on Dirt at Belmont as a juvenile and should be ideally suited by the surface. TAMARKUZ may not have his potential but at least he's fit and in form as demonstrated with a very easy victory in a course and distance handicap three weeks ago. He's proved himself a handful in the past but hopefully has turned the corner and gets the nod. Encipher and United Color were involved in a finish of necks when occupying the places behind Muaanid last month. That was over 7f and United Color, with a 3lb pull, can reverse the form. Fencing has won twice at Listed level and is a genuine performer though he's never run on an artificial surface.
United Color (USA) 7-1 (9-6) 3rd of 12, 1/2l behind Muaanid (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcp in Jan.
Tamarkuz (USA) 7-2 (9-3) won at Meydan(UAE) 1m hcp in Jan beating Haatheq (9-1) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Encipher (USA) 10-1 (9-3) 2nd of 12, nk behind Muaanid (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcp in Jan.
Darwin 20-1 (9-2) 13th of 14, 10l behind Olympic Glory (9-2) at Longchamp(FR) 7f Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct.
Fencing (USA) 7-2 (8-11) Dwelt soon close up, ridden to lead entering final furlong, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Lulu The Zulu (8-3) at Doncaster 7f cond Stakes (3) sft in Oct.
Gold City (IRE) (9-0) 4th of 15, 4l behind Surfer (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m Group 2 sks (1) in Jan.
Empire Storm (GER) 20-1 (9-4) 3rd of 10, 5l behind Tamarkuz (9-3) at Meydan(UAE) 1m hcp in Jan.
Romansh (USA) 9-2 (8-3) Angle 3p 3/8,flattened, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Salutos Amigos (8-4) at Belmont Park(USA) 7f 3yo stks in Oct.
Gold Pearl (USA) 11-2fav (9-6) 4th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Touch Gold (7-12) at Jebel Ali(UAE) 7f hcp in Mar.
Busker (USA) 10-1 (9-0) 6th of 12, 5l behind I'm Back (9-2) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f hcp in Jan.
