GIO PONTI is a confident selection to win the big race. He is a top-class operator as he showed when chasing home Zeynatta in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic and will be razor-sharp after a recent pipe-opener. Vision D'Etat, winner of Group Ones in three different countries, is the chief threat but a late setback tempers enthusiasm for him. Twice Over is held by both of the above on various pieces of form but Gitano Hernando could go well. He broke the stopwatches when winning at Lingfield in his prep and is still unexposed and on the upgrade. Red Desire had a sighter at the track during the Carnival and is another fascinating contender on a big night for Japan.
Allybar (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Slowly away, raced in rear, some headway 2f out, never nearer, 4th of 14, 1 1/4l behind Red Desire (8-9) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Group 2 sks.
Gitano Hernando 1-2fav (9-6) Held in rear, headway on inside to go 3rd over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, quickened to lead 1f out, edged left near finish, impressive, won at Lingfield 1m 2f Listed Stakes (4yo+) (1) pol in Feb beating Suits Me (9-0) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Red Desire (JPN) 8-1 (8-9) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, led close home, won at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Group 2 sks beating Gloria De Campeao (8-13) by nk, 14 ran.
Gio Ponti (USA) 1-5fav (8-4) Fractious, carried out and just held, 2nd of 9, shd behind Karelian (8-4) at Tampa Bay Downs(USA) 1m stks gd in Feb.
Gloria De Campeao (BRZ) 6-1 (8-13) Led, pushed along 2f out, ran on well, headed on post, 2nd of 14, nk behind Red Desire (8-9) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Group 2 sks.
Vision D'etat (FR) 6-1 (9-0) Mid-division, effort inside final 2f, led 1f out, kept on well, won at Sha Tin(HK) 1m 2f Grp 1 gd in Dec beating Collection (9-0) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Lizard's Desire (SAF) 7-1 (8-13) Raced in midfield, blocked for a run, never nearer, 5th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Red Desire (8-9) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Group 2 sks.
Furthest Land (USA) 4-1 (8-7) 4-5wd to lane,willing, 5th of 11, 1l behind Richard's Kid (8-8) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 1f stks in Feb.
Crowded House 15-8fav (9-4) Held up, switched right when headway over 2f out, chased winner, ran on, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Allybar (9-4) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f Group 3 stks (3yo+) in Feb.
Richard's Kid (USA) 16-10fav (8-8) Furious rail rally, up, won at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 1f stks in Feb beating Dakota Phone (8-3) by hd, 11 ran.
Twice Over 9-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway in straight, kept on well, 3rd of 12, 2 1/4l behind Zenyatta (8-11) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2f fll stks Grp 1 (1) in Nov.
Mastery 7-5fav (8-10) Prominent, niggled 3f out, headway straight, one pace, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Man Of Iron (8-10) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 6f Grp 1 (1) in Nov.
Mr Brock (SAF) 10-1 (8-13) Close up, effort over 1f out, no extra close home, 3rd of 14, 1l behind Red Desire (8-9) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Group 2 sks.
Amor De Pobre (CHI) (8-11) 3rd of 13, 8l behind Unknown 1st (8-11) at Janadriyah(SDA) 1m 4f Grp 1 std in Feb.
