Timeform give their expert tips on Round 1 of the Al Maktoum Challenge which takes place at Meydan at 5.35.
Mendip is the winner of 5 of his 7 outings, including when impressive winner of this race last year. Goes well fresh and has good draw, so everything looks in place for a big run.
Derbaas really thrived last season, winning 4 times in total, including the Al Fahidi Fort. Not disgraced when third in minor event here on return but bit to find with some of these.
Dance and Dance was a real improver in top 1m handicaps last year, and showed he can mix it at pattern level on his last 3 starts. Return to AW shouldn't be a problem but must break on terms against these rivals.
Musir is a smart performer who's proving most reliable. Won the 2010 UAE Derby and ended last year on a high when impressive winner of Turkish Group 2 in September. Looks the one to beat back down in grade
Le Drakkar is a Grade 1 winner in South Africa in 2008. Back to best here early in 2011, in frame in pair of Group 2s for A. bin Huzaim. Not at best last time, his sole outing for Saeed bin Suroor.
Escape Route looked better than ever when winning 7f minor event at Jebel Ali last spring. Respectable return in listed race at Abu Dhabi last month but best recent efforts have come over shorter.
Xin Xu Lin was a prolific winner in South America, winning 4 Grade 1s, including Brazilian Guineas and Derby. Respectable fifth in UAE Derby only start for Godolphin last year but Dettori prefers Mendip.
Kavango won his first 2 starts in France when in the care of Andre Fabre and has run well every start since. Essentially found out by rise in grade last 2 starts in 2011 and that should be the case again.
Secrecy picked up minor event at Doncaster in July and as good as ever fitted with cheekpieces when bagging listed race at Newmarket on final outing in 2011. Reliable sort who shouldn't be far away.
Fanunalter is a tricky customer, though smart on his day as he proved when landing Group 3 Diomed Stakes on Derby Day at Epsom. Certainly has the ability to play a part.
Snaafy is a smart performer who has a good record fresh. Back to best when easy winner of listed event at Jebel Ali 11 months ago but poor efforts next 2 starts confirms he's not as consistent as he used to be.
Master of Hounds was juust denied in UAE Derby last year and respectable effort when fifth in the Kentucky Derby. Below par in Belmont Stakes when last seen in June and has since left Aidan O'Brien.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Mendip
2. Musir
3. Fanunalter
Timeform View: Musir, a previous winner of the UAE Guineas and Derby at this track looks the one to beat, but Mendip was an impressive in landing this event on his return 12 months ago and can defend his crown. Fanunalter can run into a place.
