Dubai World Cup: Horse-by-horse guide and predictions for the $12m race

Defending champion Thunder Snow among the 13 horses bidding to win the richest race of 2019

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  Gunnevera: Finished behind Seeking The Soul and Audible in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on a sloppy surface at the Gulfstream Park in his last start in January. Getty Images

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  Capezzano: Is in the form of his life having won three races on the trot, including his victory over Thunder Snow by more than nine lengths in the Prep race. Erika Rasmussen for The National

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  North America: Is on the back of two impressive victories and a Gate 3 draw. If he can get his familiar rail position, will be hard to overtake. Victor Besa/The National

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  Audible: His most recent start in the Pegasus World Cup wasn’t encouraging but has claims if allowed to have his own way. Rex

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  Seeking The Soul: His last run was of note when finishing second behind City Of Lights in the Pegasus World Cup. Can run a big race. Rex

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  Pavel: Fourth in the race 12 months ago and no reason why he shouldn’t give another good account. Getty Images

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  Gronkowski: Should come from his first start when finishing fifth behind Capezzano in his first start at Meydan. Open to progress. Rex

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  Axelrod: Wasn’t 100 per cent on his first start at Meydan but will strip fitter for his second start. Alamy

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  New Trails: Signs of ability but this is harder and will have to produce a career best effort. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Yoshida: Beaten favourite in the Pegasus World Cup but plenty of ability. Can play a part in this. Rex

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  Thunder Snow: Bidding to become the first horse to win the prize twice. Wasn’t given a hard race and major player if he can overcome the wide draw. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Dolkong: Ran a creditable third behind Capezzano and Thunder Snow, but has to deal with the widest draw. Rex

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  Amith Passela's Dubai World Cup predictions: 1. Thunder Snow 2. North America 3 Yoshida. AFP

On Saturday evening at Meydan Racecourse, the nine-race card will reach a climax with the $12 million Dubai World Cup - the world's richest horse race in 2019.

Among the contenders are defending champion Thunder Snow as the Godolphin horse bids to become the first two-time winner of the prestigious race.

In the photo gallery above, Amith Passela provides a guide to the 13 horses competing in the Dubai World Cup, and in the final slide predicts the top three places.

To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or thumbnails, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.