Verdict

Captain Von Trapp had some decent form in the USA last summer and is one to note as is the in-form and progressive Assimilation, who gets in here as a reserve. Thegreatcollection would have finished closer in a Listed contest last time but for being slightly impeded and he has a fine record around here, though the concession of 11lbs to stable companion Midnight Sands may prove just beyond him. Pat Dobbs has been on board for the latter's three victories here and though his mount takes a step up in class and trip he's progressing fast enough to get into the frame. However, DUBAI ICON (NAP) looks the one to be on. The Godolphin colt overcame a bang on the head in the stalls to complete a hat-trick at York in October and caught the eye in no uncertain terms on his debut here a fortnight ago. He's dropping back in trip, which is a slight concern, but he could prove to be a blot on this handicap.

Formwatch

Thegreatcollection (USA) (9-0) 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Secret Ambition (9-2) at Meydan 1m lst stks fst in Dec.

Ambassadorial (USA) 80-1 (9-0) Showed little, 9th of 10, 12l behind Spun To Run (8-11) at Santa Anita 1m fst in Nov.

Plata O Plomo (USA) (9-4) 5th of 10, 9 1/4l behind Duca Di Como (9-4) at Bro Park 1m lst stks fst in Sep.

Superior (USA) 33-1 (9-0) 8th of 14, 13 3/4l behind Plus Que Parfait (9-0) at Meydan 1m 1f Grp 2 fst in Mar.

Baengmunbaekdap (USA) (9-0) won at Busan 7f fst in Nov beating Today (9-0) by 3l, 15 ran.

Today (BUL) (9-0) 4th of 10, 4l behind Moonhak Chief (9-0) at Seoul 1m 3f in Dec.

Yulong Warrior (USA) (9-0) 6th of 7, 8 1/4l behind Secret Ambition (9-2) at Meydan 1m lst stks fst in Dec.

Red Hot Chili (SWE) (9-4) 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind at Bro Park 1m 2f lst stks pol in Nov.

Aqabah (USA) 8-1 (9-0) 6th of 10, 5 1/2l behind Rodaini (8-13) at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Feb.

Captain Von Trapp (USA) 17-2 (8-8) Dueled, 3wd,weakened, 5th of 7, 1 1/4l behind Lexitonian (8-10) at Laurel Park 7f stks fst in Jul.

Talento Puma (ARG) (9-5) last of 7, dist behind Military Law (9-5) at Meydan 1m 2f lst stks fst in Dec.

Midnight Sands (USA) (9-6) won at Meydan 7f hcp fst in Dec beating Gaudi (8-5) by nk, 15 ran.

Stricker (8-13) 4th of 7, shd behind Kashgar (8-9) at Jagersro 1m fst in Aug.

Laieth (8-8) 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Key Victory (9-3) at Meydan 1m hcp gd in Jan.

George Villiers (IRE) (9-4) 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Golden Goal (8-9) at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Dec.

Assimilation (IRE) 10-1 (8-4) Tracked leaders on outside, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (2) pol in Dec beating The Gill Brothers (8-6) by 1/2l, 8 ran.

Dubai Icon (8-5) 5th of 10, 3/4l behind Grand Argentier (8-5) at Meydan 1m 1f hcp gd in Jan.

Edaraat 11-4fav (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on, headed close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Sir Busker (9-4) at Kempton 1m hcp (3) pol in Sep.

Starry Eyes (USA) 7-2 (9-4) 2nd of 8, 1l behind Habah (9-0) at Jebel Ali 1m fll stks pol in Mar.

Golden Goal (IRE) (8-9) won at Meydan 1m hcp fst in Dec beating Chiefdom (8-13) by 2l, 14 ran.