Meandre was conceding Empoli 7lb weight-for-age when beating him a neck in the Group 1 Prix Von Europa at Cologne in September and both have gone well here recently. But the former appeared to be beaten fair and square by Songcraft, though he was conceding 7lb and races off levels here. The latter's trainer is also represented by Excellent Result, who has been in fine form. His latest success came over 1m6f so Kieren Fallon, who is substituting for the suspended Silvestre De Sousa, will ensure a strong gallop. Battle Of Marengo, a close fourth in the Derby for Aidan O'Brien, has transferred to UAE champion trainer Ernst Oertel but finished tailed off last on his debut on Tapeta last month. He'll leave that form well behind now acclimatised while Mujaarib will be approaching his best and showed when staying on strongly over 1m2f last time that this is his trip. PENGLAI PAVILION has more scope than many of these and won a Listed contest for Andre Fabre in September. He was entered for the Arc and though only fifth behind Treve he caught the eye with a cracking effort, finishing very strongly after being badly impeded. He's handed the vote to make a winning start here.
Model Pupil 25-1 (9-2) 6th of 12, 9l behind Cavalryman (9-2) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 6f Grp 3 gd.
Dabadiyan (IRE) 3-1fav (8-10) 4th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Songcraft (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 4f hcp gd in Feb.
Mount Athos (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) 9th of 12, 11l behind Dominant (9-0) at Sha Tin(HK) 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gd in Dec.
Excellent Result (IRE) 7-2 (8-6) won at Meydan(UAE) 1m 6f hcp gd in Feb beating Star Empire (9-6) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Mujaarib (AUS) 6-4fav (9-4) 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Tasaday (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Listed stks gd in Feb.
Sheikhzayedroad 4-1 (9-3) 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Songcraft (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 4f hcp gd in Feb.
Songcraft (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) won at Meydan(UAE) 1m 4f hcp gd in Feb beating Meandre (9-6) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Heavy Metal (SAF) 8-1 (9-0) 10th of 16, 11l behind Prince Bishop (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f Group 2 sks (1) in Feb.
Penglai Pavilion (USA) 40-1 (8-11) 5th of 17, 9l behind Treve (8-8) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) sft in Oct.
Ralston Road (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) 4th of 14, 2 3/4l behind Excellent Result (8-6) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 6f hcp gd in Feb.
Start Right 11-1 (8-11) 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Sanshaawes (9-1) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f hcp gd.
Interpret (USA) 33-1 (9-0) 14th of 16, 20l behind Prince Bishop (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f Group 2 sks (1) in Feb.
Jamr 16-1 (9-0) 4th of 13, 1 3/4l behind Tasaday (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Listed stks gd in Feb.
Meandre (FR) 10-1 (9-6) 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Songcraft (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 4f hcp gd in Feb.
Battle Of Marengo (IRE) 11-1 (8-13) last of 16, 38l behind Prince Bishop (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f Group 2 sks (1) in Feb.
Empoli (GER) 10-1 (9-0) 2nd of 13, nk behind Tasaday (9-0) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f Listed stks gd in Feb.
Tanfeeth 16-1 (8-8) 2nd of 6, 2l behind Samurai Sword (8-9) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f hcp.
