Ahead of this weekend's Dubai World Cup race at Meydan, we profile the 16 horses that will be in the running for horse racing's most valuable race.
Firstly, here's how Animal Kingdom ran out victorius last year…
African Story (GB)
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor
Akeed Mofeed (GB)
Trainer: Richard Gibson
Jockey: Douglas Whyte
Has to be respected but needs to prove he is as good on Tapeta as on the turf.
Belshazzar (JPN)
Trainer: Kunihide Matsuda
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Japan won in 2011 and is capable of a bold show if getting a good draw.
Cat O'Mountain (USA)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
Received a late invitation to the delight of his trainer but faces a major step up in class.
Hillstar (GB) (above right)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Sir Stoute saddled Singspiel to win this in 1997 which remains the only UK-trained victory thus far. Would appeal more over further on turf.
Hokko Tarumae (JPN)
Trainer: Katsuichi Nishiura
Jockey: Hideaki Miyuki
Another Japanese entrant and one who looks certain to relish the Tapeta surface. An interesting each-way contender.
Military Attack (IRE)
Trainer: John Moore
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Looks Hong Kong’s main hope having finished well in front of Akeed Mofeed last time. Currently second favourite.
Mukhadram (GB)
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Paul Hanagan
A Group 2 winner in England last summer, his best efforts were in defeat in Group 1 company. Often makes the running so a low draw would suit.
Prince Bishop (IRE) (above)
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Jockey: Kieren Fallon
Running in this race for a third time and a fourth World Cup night appearance. Arrives in great form having won on Super Saturday.
Ron the Greek (USA)
Trainer: Nicholas Bachalard
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
A Grade 1 winner in his native America in each of the last two years and has made a wining start to his new career in Saudi Arabia.
Ruler of the World (IRE)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Joseph O’Brien
Last year’s Epsom Derby winner and warm favourite. Has a lot in his favour if adapting to the surface.
Red Cadeaux (GB) (above)
Trainer: Ed Dunlop
Jockey: Gerald Mosse
Surprised many when he finished second last year over a trip considered on the sharp side. Has not won since December 2012.
Sanshaawes (RSA)
Trainer: Mike de Kock
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Has improved with each of his four Carnival runs thus far, including a course and distance handicap victory. Should go well.
Side Glance (GB)
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Fourth last year after running Super Saturday on turf. Recorded first Group 1 win in November.
Surfer (USA)
Trainer: Satish Seemar
Jockey: Richard Mullen
Was an excellent third to Prince Bishop and Sanshaawes on Super Saturday. Disappointed in last year’s Godolphin Mile but consistent otherwise.
Vancouverite (GB)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
A surprise runner given his excellent turf performance on Super Saturday and Barzalona choosing Cat O’Mountain.
