Doug Watson has three entries with Boston George, a winner at Jebel Ali on his reappearance, looking the pick. Bhupat Seemar is double-handed and Tadhg O'Shea's presence on board Western Symphony suggests he's the pick though he's shot up the weights since an easy victory on Dirt here in November. OPEN MIND, twice a winner at Chelmsford, will have been earmarked for a spell here and a victory might get him into the Carnival so he gets the nod to take this for Godolphin. Manahir hasn't won since 2019 but retains ability as he showed at Al Ain and could go well at a price.
Almoreb (IRE) (9-3) 8th of 12, 9 3/4l behind Fanaar (9-7) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Dec.
Open Mind 4-1 (9-5) Led and clear with 2nd, reduced lead after 3f, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and kept on best under pressure inside final furlong, won at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (3) pol in Sep beating Nelson Gay (9-5) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Ranchero (IRE) (9-4) 3rd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Tahdeed (8-9) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Dec.
Manahir (FR) (9-11) 3rd of 4, 6 1/4l behind Untold Secret (9-1) at Al Ain 1m fst in Oct.
Way of Wisdom (8-5) 5th of 14, 8 1/2l behind Tahdeed (8-9) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Dec.
Western Symphony (IRE) (8-10) 3rd of 12, 6 1/4l behind Fanaar (9-7) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Dec.
Aquaman (IRE) (8-9) last of 8, 23 1/4l behind Raaeb (9-4) at Meydan 7f fst in Nov.
Boston George (IRE) (9-1) 5th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Ibra Attack (8-9) at Jebel Ali 7f in Dec.
Bullace 12-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride and slightly hampered start, always rear, last of 13, 31 3/4l behind Biggles (10-0) at Newbury 7f hcp (3) sft in Oct.
National Bank (9-1) 8th of 9, 13 1/4l behind Fanaar (9-11) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Nov.
Invincibly (IRE) (8-13) 13th of 14, 8 3/4l behind Nibraas (9-2) at Meydan 6f hcp gd in Jan.
