Godolphin’s runners are the ones to beat in a race dominated by horses under Bin Surour

Dubai: Godolphin's stranglehold on the Godolphin Mile is expected to be tightened even further tonight. After winning 10 times — nine with Saeed Bin Surour trained runners — Godolphin's colours will be carried by African Story, Do It All and Sandagiyr.

While it would be surprising if Sandagiyr is first home, African Story and Do It all are shaping as very difficult to beat. A Group 3 winner when trained by Andre Fabre in France, African Story has thrived since arriving in Dubai.

Following a convincing win in his debut at Meydan, African Story went down in unfortunate circumstances to Sandagiyr at his next appearance, However, he firmly established his credentials for the Godolphin Mile by blitzing his rivals over the course and distance on Super Saturday.

Indications are that he has improved since which will be a problem for Do It All and his other rivals,

Do It All won three of his nine starts when prepared by Dubai World Cup winning trainer Eoin Harty in the US and showed the benefit in recent racing when successful in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile on grass at Meydan on March 1. Although his record is inferior to his stable companions, Sandagiyr is sure to be finishing on strongly.

The UAE's leading trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe has the logical threat to the Godolphin trio in First City. The six-year-old mare was placed at the highest level in England and has been in the money at two of her three starts for Al Raihe. She was disappointing behind World Cup contender Master Of Hounds over 1800m on Super Saturday but she will be better suited by the shorter distance.

The Charlie Hills trained Red Jazz will be carrying the flag or the internationals. He finished third in this race last year and he will again be going into the event first up but is sure to be ready for the assignment.

Mike De Kock-trained Viscount Nelson has proven himself against the best with places in the Irish Guineas and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot so he cannot be underrated. He is a winner over the Meydan Mile and his last start failure over 2400m can be forgiven because he found the trip beyond him.

Jeremy Noseda's Western Aristrocat has shown his versatility winning on the all-weather in England as grass in the United States before a fast-finishing third in Hollywood Park Derby (2000m) in November.

Richard's Kid will appreciate the drop in class after contesting the last two Dubai World Cups. It is also a drop in distance and the Satish Seemar-trained seven-year-old could run a big race.