Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Inconsistent sort who has won just one (last June) of his last 24 starts; finished bang there over 1m4f in two of his five races this season and he was fully effective at 1m6f last term, so a case can certainly be made on form; this is a rare run in headgear.

Won two AW novice races in March; only eighth of ten on his turf/handicap debut at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month but he was made favourite for the fourth time in four races when running better at Kempton (1m4f, AW) 18 days later, albeit in only fifth of 13; dropped just 1lb; still has potential but he can go freely and has been a work in progress.

Has won on a range of ground but his clear best on turf was a heavy-ground win at Newbury (1m2f) last October; 4lb higher today and this season's two runs (third of five last time) don't look good enough; placed in two 2m hurdle races but has never ventured beyond 1m2f on Flat.

Often on the premises last summer and a close third at Goodwood (1m6f) 15 days ago off this career-low mark, but the lack of any win in his 16 races (four for this stable) since arrival from France is tricky to ignore.

Has a lower turf mark for good reason but his never-nearer third of 12 (promoted to second) in amateurs' event on good to firm here two weeks ago showed he can be competitive in this sphere; that was 1m4f but his peak AW efforts have been at 1m6f/2m, so this step back up in trip looks a plus.