It's hardly a surprise that MEANDRE has top weight in this conditions event as he won a Group 1 in Germany before finishing down the field in the Arc. At this time a year ago he was narrowly beaten into third behind Red Cadeaux in the Hong Kong Vase and he didn't run badly here in the World Cup. His form is on a different level to that of his rivals and he should be fit enough to do himself justice. Farrier looks the one to take advantage if he needs the run as he has had little racing and is on the upgrade with a victory on this surface a major bonus. His stablemate Ralston Road has been bought with rather more in mind than this having been competing in Group company in the UK and Ireland though he's been outclassed at that sort of level. The once useful Jardim has been well beaten on both starts since returning to action.
Meandre (FR) 50-1 (9-5) 10th of 17, 12l behind Treve (8-8) at Longchamp(FR) 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) sft in Oct.
Farrier (USA) 6-4fav (9-0) won at Jebel Ali(UAE) 1m 2f stks (3yo+) in Nov beating Jutland (9-5) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Blue Sea (IRE) 5-2fav (9-2) 5th of 9, 9l behind Henry Clay (8-10) at Jebel Ali(UAE) 1m 2f hcp.
Divine Force 33-1 (8-10) 9th of 16, 9l behind Crackdown (8-11) at Jebel Ali(UAE) 1m hcp.
Historic Find 25-1 (8-13) 7th of 11, 7l behind Interpret (8-6) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 1f hcp.
Izaaj (USA) 20-1 (8-9) 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Storm Belt (8-11) at Jebel Ali(UAE) 1m 1f hcp.
Jardim (BRZ) 25-1 (9-6) 6th of 8, 36l behind Storm Belt (8-11) at Jebel Ali(UAE) 1m 1f hcp.
Ralston Road (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and effort over 2f out, never on terms, 7th of 11, 6l behind Leading Light (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 7f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gs in Sep.
