Dubai World Cup: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Hunter's Light is taken to win the Dubai World Cup

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup...

Treasure Beach was an Irish Derby winner in his time but failed to win for Aidan O'Brien last year, best effort when second to Point Of Entry in a Grade 1. Promising debut for this yard and should build on that.

Red Cadeux is a tough and reliable sort who won a couple last year, including the Hong Kong Vase on his final start. Shorter trip and different surface to contend with here so looks opposable.

Dullahan is a high-class performer in America if not the most consistent, best effort last year when winning a Grade 1 at Del Mar. Got worked up and trip sharp enough on return and claims on best form.

Hunter's Light has an impressive strike rate, and has been most progressive at Meydan this year, winning the second and third legs of the Maktoum Challenge with plenty in hand. Looks one of the leading candidates.

Capponi progressed well in 2012, winning the third round of the Maktoum Challenge before finishing second in this corresponding event. Not seen since then which is a concern.

Side Glance is a consistent performer who won Epsom Group 3 last June before finishing placed on his next 4 starts. Good run behind Sajjhaa on return but should be outclassed in this.

Planteur is a very smart performer, whose 4 outings last term all came at the highest level, including when placed in Dubai World Cup. Made all to win listed race on return and could sneak a place again.

Royal Delta was well held in this last year but things didn't pan out for her and she's improved since then, winning 4 times in 2012. Confirmed wellbeing with recent win at Gulfstream and a leading player.

Meandre won a pair of Group 1's last season, victory over Shareta at Saint-Cloud the pick of them. Held his form well otherwise and should come on for reappearance when tackling an unsuitable trip.

Monterosso won the Dubai World Cup in 2012, but has been well beaten since then, not showing a great deal when down the field behind Hunter's Light latest. Could easily peak in this again but enough to prove.

African Story has an excellent record on this surface, winning 4 times including the Godolphin Mile last year. Better than ever on return when landing the Burj Nahaar and intriguing contender if staying.

Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 but last season was curtailed due to injury (was due to run in this). Has come back looking better than ever, second to Point Of Entry recently, and a leading player.

Kassiano has been progressing really well, winning 3 of his 5 starts this year. Best effort in defeat when second to Hunter's Light last time and could easily reach a place once more under ideal conditions.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hunter's Light
2. Royal Delta
3. African Story

Timeform View: The Americans have struggled since this race was switched to tapeta and whilst this is their strongest challenge for some time, they may struggle to contain Hunter's Light who is a horse that is simply thriving under these conditions. Royal Delta looks the best of those from the States with African Story an intriguing contender if seeing out this longer trip.

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!