Heavy Metal was odds-on for this a year ago and though only fourth he wasn't beaten far in what looked a top-class renewal. He didn't run well behind MUNTAZAH and Secret Ambition in a Group 3 last month and it's difficult to see a form reversal as the winner was very impressive and should go in again if in the same kind of form. Axelrod, a winner at this level in the USA, hasn't run since Boxing Day at Santa Anita and most of the USA-based horses have needed a run though he's changed stables. Secret Ambition finished runner-up in this a year ago but looks held by the selection.
Muntazah 7-2 (9-0) won at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks fst in Feb beating Secret Ambition (9-2) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Heavy Metal 13-8fav (9-0) 3rd of 7, 7 3/4l behind Muntazah (9-0) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks fst in Feb.
Ibn Malik (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) 3rd of 11, 4 1/4l behind African Ride (9-1) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Feb.
Good Curry (TUR) 8-1 (9-6) 4th of 10, 3l behind Lavaspin (8-5) at Meydan 6f hcp fst in Feb.
Axelrod (USA) 8-1 (8-10) Stdied early,5wd str, 4th of 14, 5 1/4l behind Mckinzie (8-12) at Santa Anita 7f Grp 1 stks (1) fst in Dec.
Behavioral Bias (USA) 22-1 (9-0) 5th of 7, 28l behind Muntazah (9-0) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks fst in Feb.
Moqarrab (USA) 12-1 (8-8) 2nd of 10, shd behind Rodaini (8-13) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Feb.
Gm Hopkins 40-1 (8-10) 4th of 14, 3 1/4l behind Mountain Hunter (9-5) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Feb.
Rodaini (USA) 6-1 (8-13) won at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Feb beating Moqarrab (8-8) by shd, 10 ran.
Secret Ambition 15-2 (9-2) 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Muntazah (9-0) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks fst in Feb.
Musawaat 8-1 (9-0) 6th of 9, 10 1/2l behind Cosmo Charlie (9-0) at Meydan 1m 2f lst stks fst in Dec.
Kimbear (USA) 11-4 (9-0) 4th of 7, 9l behind Muntazah (9-0) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks fst in Feb.