French trained Cloth of Stars (rated 125) leads the contender list for the US$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic. The good-looking dark bay son of Sea the Stars is not bothered by the lofty expectations put to him. Just as he has in his racing career, he goes about his business with precision and consistency. Competing against the best since his juvenile season in 2015 and straight through to a 2017 season in which he won the Prix Ganay (G1) and was second in the prestigious Prix de Arc de Triomphe (G1) for famed conditioner Andre Fabre.

The Gr.1 Sheema Classic is a tough 2410m turf event. Earlier winners include top horses like Jack Hobbs, Postponed and Dar Ri Me. Cloth of Stars goes up against Rey De Oro and Satono Crown who bring high praise from Japan.

Lisa-Jane Graffard, who heads Godolphin’s French operation said “He’s only been in Dubai for a few days, but the trip went well and he is settling in well, so everyone is happy with his preparation so far,” Neither Enable nor Cracksman compete in this race giving him an almost clear field.

The impressive Charlie Appleby trained-Hawkbill may yet be his undoing. The son of Kitten’s Joy was last seen in the Dubai Gold Cup where he stole the thunder from the rest of the field, along with the crown. Temperament seems to have been a big issue with this handsome chestnut, but he has “grown up” with his travels around the world.

The lightly raced son of King Kamehameha has been doing incredibly well on home ground. But conditions may be different in his first trip abroad.

Another impressive horse to be in the mix is Poet’s World, previously second to Cracksman in the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot last year. However he has not run since the Hong Kong Vase, where he ran unplaced.