Hamdan Al Maktoum has four entries here but it's hardly a surprise that Paul Hanagan has chosen ERTIJAAL. A dual Listed winner he's now on a Group-rated 113 after a very impressive all-the-way victory here last month and should complete a four-timer despite having the worst of the draw. It's a long time since Hototo won a big Sales race at York when amongst those behind was Liber. Now with Fawzi Nass, the six-year-old has some very smart form on this track and if ready after a long break can reach the frame. Marco Botti had a winner here last week and Naadirr has the quality to make his presence felt at the Carnival though this will be his first-ever start at the minimum trip. Caspian Prince ran very well on his return here a fortnight ago but he's likely to be taken on by the selection from his outside draw while Green Door is held by the selection on their run here a month ago. Saayerr finished in front of the latter pair behind Roicead last time and, as that was his first start in over a year the former Richmond Stakes winner may provide the main threat from his inside berth.
Ertijaal (IRE) 7-2fav (9-5) won at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan beating Divine (9-0) by 4l, 13 ran.
Hototo (9-0) last of 9, 15 1/4l behind Aerovelocity (9-0) at Kranji 6f Grp 1 stks gd in May.
Naadirr (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Mid-division, headway chasing leaders 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 20, 5l behind Muhaarar (9-1) at Ascot 6f Grp 1 stks (1) gs in Oct.
Sir Maximilian (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 6, 2 1/2l behind Chookie Royale (9-2) at Kempton 6f stks (2) pol in Jan.
Caspian Prince (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) 3rd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Roicead (9-1) at Meydan 5f hcp gf in Jan.
Speed Hawk (USA) 7-1 (9-0) 7th of 9, 16 1/2l behind Reynaldothewizard (9-0) at Meydan 6f lst stks fst in Jan.
Mubtaghaa (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Lucky Kristale (8-9) at York 6f lst stks (1) gd in Sep.
Muharaaj (IRE) (9-6) last of 6, 12 1/4l behind Kifaah (8-13) at Meydan 6f hcp fst in Jan.
Roi De Vitesse (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) 7th of 15, 7 1/4l behind Jungle Cat (9-4) at Meydan 6f hcp gf in Jan.
Green Door (IRE) 3-1fav (9-1) 4th of 8, 3 1/4l behind Roicead (9-1) at Meydan 5f hcp gf in Jan.
Over The Ocean (USA) (9-6) 4th of 6, 7 1/4l behind Let'sgoforit (9-6) at Jagersro 6f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in Jul.
Saayerr 10-1 (9-0) 2nd of 8, 2l behind Roicead (9-1) at Meydan 5f hcp gf in Jan.
Fityaan 25-1 (8-13) 5th of 15, 4 1/4l behind Jungle Cat (9-4) at Meydan 6f hcp gf in Jan.
Foxy Forever (IRE) 9-1 (8-11) last of 13, 23 1/4l behind Ertijaal (9-5) at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan.
Liber 33-1 (8-13) 6th of 15, 7 1/4l behind Jungle Cat (9-4) at Meydan 6f hcp gf in Jan.
Rafeej (9-6) 4th of 6, 7l behind Kifaah (8-13) at Meydan 6f hcp fst in Jan.
