This is virtually a rematch of the race over 1m4f won by Star Empire here a fortnight ago. Elleval finished runner-up, the winner's stable companion SANSHAAWES third, Start Right fourth and Zambucca a place behind. The selection was up with the pace for most of the way and with that under his belt and a shorter trip which will suit he can land this for Mike De Kock. Tha'ir was well beaten in this a year ago but went on to win a handicap and Listed contests at Sandown and in Turkey. However, he's held by the selection on their run here two years ago and Godolphin's other representative Elhaame looks more of a threat after an excellent summer campaign in the UK and a cracking fourth in the Group 3 Lexus handicap at Flemington.
Elleval (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) 2nd of 16, 1 1/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Sanshaawes (SAF) 9-2 (9-0) 3rd of 16, 5 1/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Elhaame (IRE) (8-11) 4th of 13, 5 1/4l behind Excess Knowledge (8-13) at Flemington 1m 5f Grp 3 hcp stks gs in Oct.
Tha'ir (IRE) (9-6) won at Veliefendi 1m 2f Grp 2 (1) pol in Sep beating Tumbaga (9-6) by 2l, 11 ran.
Bancnuanaheireann (IRE) 9-1 (8-11) 14th of 16, 33 1/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Fearless Hunter (GER) (9-4) 13th of 14, 24 3/4l behind Bank Of Burden (9-4) at Taby 1m Grp 3 stks (1) sft in Sep.
Zambucca (SAF) 25-1 (8-13) 5th of 16, 8 3/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Pilote (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) 13th of 16, 23 3/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Start Right 20-1 (8-7) 4th of 16, 6 1/4l behind Star Empire (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Jan.
Whistle Stop (SAF) 20-1 (8-10) 11th of 16, 4 3/4l behind Ghaamer (8-11) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Jan.
