Meydan Best Bets: Thursday 3 January

Bin Battuta – Meydan 14:30

Bin Battuta's well-being is a bit of an unknown, but he couldn't be in much better hands and his runner-up effort in the Melrose at York when last seen in 2017 marks him out as well handicapped if he can return at that level. Basateen is a solid opponent, while Ispolini is the potential improver in the race.

Hit The Bid – Meydan 15:40

Hit The Bid won a C&D contest from 2 lb lower in February and ended 2018 with a determined success at Dundalk. A prominent display is surely forthcoming and he's marginally preferred to Race Day and Freescape, who both try 5f for the first time.

Key Victory – Meydan 16:50

This looks wide open and it may pay to side with a low-mileage sort in the shape of Key Victory. A winner at listed level back in May, he wasn't seen to best effect in the Hampton Court Stakes when last seen in action and he likely has a bigger effort in his locker. Deauville, Degas and Settle For Bay are a trio of possible threats.

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