State Law was in excellent form at this time a year ago and won a similar handicap from the same mark. He hasn't been at his best so far this season but a return to form would see him in the picture. ZEPHUROS can take this for Godolphin as he has raced in very much better class than this including the 2000 Guineas here in February. He should do better this season while the lack of a run is rarely a problem for one of Mike De Kock's so the lightly-raced Alareef is another to consider. Prepared won over 7f here in November and found 1m2f stretching his stamina last time while Conquerant appears better over a furlong shorter.
Zephuros (IRE) (8-9) 4th of 7, 17 1/2l behind Maftool (8-9) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 (1) fst in Feb.
Muhtaram 40-1 (9-0) 4th of 7, 13l behind Le Bernardin (9-0) at Meydan 1m lst stks (1) fst in Dec.
Prepared 9-2 (8-5) 3rd of 12, 2l behind Jeeraan (9-1) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp fst in Dec.
Stormardal (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) 9th of 11, 12 1/4l behind Respect Me (9-4) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp fst in Nov.
Alareef (SAF) (9-2) 4th of 15, 10 3/4l behind Gobooll (9-2) at Jebel Ali 7f stks fst in Feb.
Conquerant 7-2 (9-5) 7th of 8, 31 3/4l behind Beachy Head (9-2) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Dec.
Istinfaar (USA) 33-1 (8-5) 9th of 12, 25 1/2l behind Jeeraan (9-1) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp fst in Dec.
State Law (IRE) 15-8fav (9-3) 5th of 8, 12 3/4l behind Beachy Head (9-2) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Dec.
Colour Guard 7-1 (9-6) 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Zalzilah (9-1) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Dec.
Active Spirit (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) 4th of 8, 12 1/2l behind Beachy Head (9-2) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Dec.