Trained by Doug Watson for Sheikh Hamdan, Marching Time has been with the trainer since 2010, winning just once, on turf in November 2011. However, he has run some great races in defeat and has been placed five times on dirt.

He is dropping in class here, facing his easiest task for a very long time but will be ridden by Dane O’Neill, the owner’s second jockey, with Paul Hanagan choosing to ride Moosir, also trained by Watson.

Hanagan’s mount will be having only his fifth UAE outing and is making a belated seasonal debut. When last seen, in March last year, he was an excellent second in a 1,600m handicap on the dirt at Al Ain.

Watson said: “Marching Time is a real favourite in the yard and always gives his best. This looks a realistic opportunity for him.

“Moosir is a nice horse but his return has been delayed. The flat nature of the track should suit him.

“Both are in good form at home and hopefully will be competitive in an open race.”

With Richard Mullen riding at the big international meeting in Qatar, stable apprentice Hector Crouch partners the Satish Seemar-trained Sky Jockey.

A 1,400m winner at Meydan in December, he has not been disgraced since and should not be far away.

Crouch said: “This trip could prove ideal for him and we are expecting a bold showing.”

Erwan Charpy saddles two with stable jockey, David Probert electing to ride Fa’Iz, leaving apprentice Marc Monaghan a nice spare ride aboard stable companion, Tadmir.

The best of the Purebred Arabian action is a 2,000m handicap and 13 have been declared, headed by the Ernst Oertel-trained Madjanthis.