Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Tamarkuz (Speightstwon) is likely to be sent out a hot favorite in the international pools, having won his last two outings by a combined 8 1/2 lengths. The 5-year-old never lacked ability–he has now been victorious in five of his only 11 starts–yet a dislike of starting stalls long proved a hindrance, which reached its peak when the entire unseated his rider in the first strides last March. This phobia showed again on his seasonal bow, when Tamarkuz lost several lengths jumping out before picking up to secure second place in a seven-furlong handicap Jan. 8. But on both his starts since, the horse left his antics behind him and was able to display his full potential. His latest effort in the G3 Firebreak S. was particularly impressive, and the mount of Paul Hanagan will again enjoy the benefit of a rail draw this time.
Formerly campaigned in the UK before switching to Doug Watson's yard late last year, Layl (Street Cry {Ire}) is another who is clearly relishing Meydan's dirt track. He won a pair of handicaps over 1900 meters and a mile and was only beaten a nose in another. This resulted in his official rating hiking from 87 two months ago to 104 this time around, and he looks up to Pattern level in these conditions.
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