Nathr has gone up 8lb for landing a lower-grade handicap last month and though he won easily this is a much stiffer test. AMERICAN HOPE (NAP) was only receiving 1lb from Championship when beating him last March and looked ready to win again when a close third behind Cymric, who runs in the previous race, on his next start. Heavy Metal had been running well before landing a track and trip handicap then found stepping into Grade 3 company beyond him. Footbridge hasn't won in four starts here since arriving from the USA and will need to raise his game while prolific Italian winner Brex Drago has his first start on the surface.
Footbridge (USA) (9-0) 5th of 0, 9 3/4l behind Fitzgerald (9-0) at Meydan 1m lst stks fst in Dec.
Heavy Metal (9-0) 4th of 8, 11 3/4l behind North America (9-0) at Meydan 1m Grp 3 stks (1) fst in Feb.
American Hope (USA) 6-1 (9-5) 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Cymric (9-5) at Meydan 1m hcp gd in Feb.
Brex Drago (ITY) 20-1 (9-5) 6th of 14, 8 1/2l behind Folkswood (9-5) at Meydan 1m 1f hcp gd in Feb.
Nathr (USA) 5-1 (9-4) won at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Jan beating Muhtaram (8-13) by 4l, 13 ran.
Diferent Dimension (USA) 33-1 (8-13) 3rd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Bravo Zolo (9-5) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Feb.
Beachy Head (IRE) 33-1 (8-10) 6th of 10, 7l behind Comicas (8-9) at Meydan 6f hcp gd in Feb.
Cornwallville (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) last of 14, 11 1/2l behind Bravo Zolo (9-5) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Feb.
Calder Prince (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) 8th of 10, 8 3/4l behind Main Stay (8-9) at Meydan 6f hcp fst in Jan.
Need To Know (SAF) 33-1 (9-3) 7th of 10, 8 1/4l behind Heavy Metal (9-2) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Jan.
