El Patriota has an international rating of 109, earned when landing a local Group 1 in Uruguay in November. He's southern hemisphere-bred and has to concede weight to all bar Yurman, who will be better for his opening run a fortnight ago. Mark Johnston saddles his first runner at this year's Carnival in Leopardo, a winner on Tapeta at Newcastle in October, while Grand Dubai beat Fire Group a length here last month and was racing in better company in the 2000 Guineas Trial. He finished behind newcomer Sharp Spun that day and the latter, who was making his debut, should have the edge again. FINAL THOUGHT was going on at the finish in the 7f 1000 Guineas Trial three weeks ago and her allowance can see her home.
El Patriota (URU) (9-0) won at Maronas 1m 4f fst in Nov beating Capita (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 0 ran.
Yurman (ARG) (9-5) 8th of 9, 11 1/2l behind Meshakel (8-9) at Meydan 7f mdn stks fst in Jan.
Al Baqar (USA) (9-0) 9th of 12, 12 3/4l behind Mouheeb (9-0) at Jebel Ali 6f mdn stks fst in Dec.
Al Murqab (CAN) (9-0) 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Grand Dubai (9-0) at Meydan 1m mdn stks in Dec.
Areen (USA) (9-0) last of 10, 33l behind Rebel's Romance (9-0) at Meydan 1m fst in Jan.
Effectif (ARG) (8-9) 6th of 9, 9 1/2l behind Meshakel (8-9) at Meydan 7f mdn stks fst in Jan.
Endifaa (8-9) 4th of 9, 9 1/2l behind Meshakel (8-9) at Meydan 7f mdn stks fst in Jan.
Fire Group (USA) (9-0) 2nd of 8, 1l behind Grand Dubai (9-0) at Meydan 1m mdn stks in Dec.
Grand Dubai (IRE) (9-0) 5th of 10, 7 1/4l behind Rebel's Romance (9-0) at Meydan 1m fst in Jan.
Kuchisabishii (USA) (9-2) 6th of 8, 9 3/4l behind Hurry Up (9-2) at Jebel Ali 6f mdn stks fst in Jan.
Leopardo (USA) 13-8fav (10-0) Held up towards rear, ridden and switched wide over 2f out, headway over 1f out, chased leader final furlong, ran on strongly, 2nd of 8, nk behind Sweet Bertie (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f (4) pol in Nov.
Sharp Spun (9-0) 3rd of 10, 7 1/4l behind Rebel's Romance (9-0) at Meydan 1m fst in Jan.
Speight'spercomete (USA) (9-0) 5th of 8, 4 1/4l behind Grand Dubai (9-0) at Meydan 1m mdn stks in Dec.
Talo (USA) (9-0) 7th of 10, 22 3/4l behind Rebel's Romance (9-0) at Meydan 1m fst in Jan.
Final Thought (IRE) (9-0) 3rd of 10, 5 3/4l behind Soft Whisper (9-0) at Meydan 7f stks fst in Jan.