Japan had three of the first five a year ago and have the likely favourite in the top-rated EQUINOX, narrowly beaten in two Grade 1 races last spring before winning two at the back-end of last year. He looks an outstanding prospect and will take all the beating. He holds compatriot Shahryar on their run at Tokyo in October and may have more to fear from Mostahdaf, an impressive winner of a lucrative Group 3 at Riyadh last month. Rebel's Romance missed an intended prep run a few weeks back but arrives on a six-timer and has won at Group 1 level in his last three starts, including the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland. Irish Derby winner Westover didn't enjoy the soft ground in the Arc but looks set for a good campaign.
Botanik (IRE) (9-3) 3rd of 5, 2l behind Junko (9-1) at Chantilly 1m 1f stks pol in Mar.
Mostahdaf (IRE) 15-8 (8-13) won at Riyadh 1m 2f Grp 3 stks gf in Feb beating Dubai Future (8-13) by 7l, 10 ran.
Rebel's Romance (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) 2p,4-6w1/4,swept past, won at Keeneland 1m 4f gd in Nov beating Stone Age (8-10) by 2 1/4l, 13 ran.
Russian Emperor (IRE) (9-0) 5th of 14, 2 3/4l behind Alfareeq (9-0) at Meydan 1m 1f Grp 1 fst in Mar.
Senor Toba (AUS) (9-0) 8th of 14, 6 1/2l behind Global Storm (9-0) at Meydan 1m 4f Grp 2 fst in Mar.
Shahryar (JPN) 9-4fav (9-0) 2nd of 18, 3/4l behind Vela Azul (9-0) at Tokyo 1m 4f fm in Nov.
Equinox (JPN) 6-5fav (8-9) won at Nakayama 1m 4f gf in Dec beating Boldog Hos (8-9) by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Westover (8-12) 6th of 20, 7 1/4l behind Alpinista (9-2) at ParisLongchamp 1m 4f Grp 1 hvy in Oct.
Zagrey (FR) (9-3) 2nd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Nations Pride (9-10) at Meydan 1m 2f Grp 3 stks gd in Feb.
Win Marilyn (JPN) (8-10) won at Sha Tin 1m 4f stks gd in Dec beating Botanik (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
