Championship won this last year, when Noah From Goa was around two lengths back in third, though had arrived in good form having finished a close second a fortnight earlier. This time he has a long absence to overcome and faces a strong challenge from D'bai, who was having his first start here when successful over the course and distance three weeks ago. Godolphin's son of Dubawi looked in very good form and will take some beating. Dream Castle, another Godolphin inmate, hasn't won since his debut last April but JUNGLE CAT, also in the same ownership, came here a year ago after a long break and ran superbly in sprints. He hasn't appeared quite so effective over this trip but gets the nod in an open contest.
Championship (IRE) (9-3) won at Meydan 1m Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Feb beating Noah From Goa (9-0) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
D'bai (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) won at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Jan beating Bravo Zolo (9-4) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Janoobi (SAF) 33-1 (9-4) 12th of 13, 16 1/4l behind Faatinah (9-6) at Meydan 6f hcp gd in Jan.
Richard Pankhurst 20-1 (8-10) 13th of 16, 9 1/2l behind D'bai (9-3) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Jan.
Dream Castle 5-2 (9-6) 7th of 16, 7 1/2l behind Salsabeel (9-0) at Meydan 1m hcp gd in Jan.
Jungle Cat (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, challenged and every chance over 1f out, kept on, no extra and lost place towards finish, 6th of 18, 1 1/2l behind Talaayeb (8-6) at York 7f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Aug.
Akeed Champion 40-1 (8-8) 11th of 16, 6 3/4l behind D'bai (9-3) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Jan.
Noah From Goa (SAF) 14-1 (9-6) 3rd of 16, 2 1/4l behind D'bai (9-3) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Jan.
Hornsby 12-1 (8-8) 2nd of 16, 1l behind Salsabeel (9-0) at Meydan 1m hcp gd in Jan.