After being dominated by Saeed Bin Surour in its earliest years, the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (1,777 metres) has become a truly international event with victories by South African, German, Australian, English and Japanese-trained entrants.
This year's renewal can be expected to follow with runners from Australia, England, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand being in contention along with local entries.
Indications are that the Irish four-year-old Finsceal Beo will emerge as the one to beat.
A daughter of Royal Academy she demonstrated by last year winning the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas and she has looked impressive in her work outs leading up to tonight's assignment.
With barrier No 6 and Kevin Manning aboard she should be well-placed throughout and should be able to accelerate away from her rivals in the straight.
The ex-French four-year-old Literato appeals as the logical danger on the strength of his nine wins, from 11 outings last year, featuring the Group 1 Emirates Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at Newmarket.
Creachadoir, who began his career with Jim Bolger at The Curragh, has performed well in his two outings for Saeed bin Surour and certainly deserves respect.
Performing creditably
So does the Tony Cruz-trained Floral Pegasus, who has been performing creditably at the highest level in Hong Kong.
He has been favoured by barrier three and is ideally suited over 1,777 metres.
Japan provided first and third in this event last year, with Admire Moon and Daiwa Major, and the land of the rising sun again have claims with the top class performer Vodka, who is the first filly to have won the Japanese Derby in 64 years.
Two other mares - France's Darjini and New Zealander Seachange - are also worthy of consideration while the Australian six-year-old Niconero is an honest, reliable type who should be thereabouts at the finish.
