The Factor may find it hard to make his mark

Dubai: Singapore's Rocket Man can be expected to add to the international flavour at the meeting by scoring his second successive victory in the Golden Shaheen.

One of the most courageous sprinters of recent times Rocket Man has put together an excellent record of 19 wins and four seconds from 25 starts. As well as the Golden Shaheen he has also been successful in the Kris Flyer against international company at Kranji.

He has further enhanced his reputation by finishing unlucky seconds in four international group 1s.

After missing a place in races in Japan and Hong Kong late last year, Rocket Man showed he is on the way back by easily winning at Kranji on March 4.

Furthermore, he is at his best going left-handed and has shown a liking to the Tapeta, working stylishly at Meydan this week.

Californian Bob Baffert, who saddled last year's runner-up Euroears, is back with an even better-credentialed sprinter this year in The Factor.

A four-year-old by War Front, The Factor has shown abundant pace in winning six of his 10 starts which have included Grade 1s on dirt and synthetic.

Australian entry Sepoy, who will race in Godolphin's colours, is also worth the upmost respect.

The Elusive Quality colt won seven consecutive races before going down in Group 1 Oakleigh Plate [1100m] at Caulfield on February 25.

However there were genuine excuses for his first unplaced effort. The three-year-old was burdened with 58kg, which meant he was conceding weight to his 16 rivals.

His problems were further aggravated when he began tardily before being rushed forward to share the lead. Yet it was only in the last 50 metres than his condition and hard run told on him.

Also coming under notice is Hong Kong's Lucky Nine, who is a grandson of the immortal Dubai Millennium and will be the sentimental favourite.

The winner of nine races his most important success so far has been in the Hong Kong International Sprint [1,200 metres].

America, which has built up an imposing record in this race over the years, has a respectable back-up to The Factor in Giant Ryan.

A lightly raced six-year-old, Giant Ryan outpaced the opposition in the Grade 1 Vosburgh [1200m] on a sloppy dirt track at Belmont Park in October.

The Bahrain trained Krypton Factor should also come into calculations. He has been sent out four time this year for two wins and two seconds which indicates he is racing better than ever and obviously loves the Tapeta surface.