$10 Million World Cup Tops Biggest Day In Dubai
A total of 16 runners are likely to make it to post on Saturday on the Meydan oval in the crown jewel of this Saturday in the desert, the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1). The horse to beat for this sensational field could be Aidan O’Brien’s Ruler of the World, the reigning Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) champion.
Military Attack is the Hong Kong Horse of the Year two years running and he has been in fine form to make a serious run at this as the likely second choice. Saeed bin Suroor’s Prince Bishop, Group 2 hero Mukhadram, Hong Kong Derby and Cup winner Akeed Mofeed, the Japanese duo of Belshazaar and Hokko Tarumae, course specialist African Story and Jebel Hatta second Vancouverite, are among the main players in the world’s most lucrative race.
The 1 ½-mile, $5 million Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) will draw some familiar names to U. S. race fans, including Magician, who rallied to take the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) in November for conditioner Aidan O’Brien. Others likely to join him will be 2012 star Cirrus des Aigles, Japanese superstar Gentildonna, West Point Thoroughbreds’ Twilight Eclipse and Dominant, who knocked off the mighty The Fugue a few starts back in the Hong Kong Vase (HK-G1).
In the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1), top turf performers will travel about nine furlongs on the turf, and there is some star power signed on. The Fugue is among the best horses in the world, male of female, and she might be do some good luck after a few tough beats over the recent months. The John Gosden pupil is as genuine as they come and always runs big.
Eclipse Award winner Dank was tons the best in both start in the U. S. last campaign and clearly has a world of class for Sir Michael Stoute. Just A Way has obliterated a pair of top fields in her last two and could be a peaking sort with a super high ceiling. South African champ Vercingtorix, a winner of six straight now, surely looks like a formidable foe for the high percentage barn of Michael de Kock, who always has action on the big day here. Hong Kong Group 1 standout Blazing Speed continues to keep form and can’t be overlooked with his top performance.
A big field will contest the $2 million Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1), with defending champ Reynaldothewizard hoping to keep his crown. Among those who will hope to knock him off his pedestal include 2012 winner Kpyton Factor, the mighty Hong Kong pair of Rich Tapestry and Sterling City, and U. S. export Zee Bros, are the ones to watch closely.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien will saddle a pair of Triple Crown nominees in the $2 million UAE Derby (UAE-G2). Giovanni Boldini was a big second the last time we saw him in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) to a fine horse, and the son of War Front has been second favorite on this list for some time. His other, Sir John Hawkins, is bred to be a monster but is still hoping to prove he can live up to his fine breeding.
UAE Guineas romper Long John looks the one to beat but still must prove he is ready for this 1 ¼ miles. Asmar, who showed big improvement when dusting his Al Bastakiya S. foes on this oval, is a sneaky contender.
Defending champ Soft Falling Rain, the superb Variety Club and local favorite Shuruq are the top draws for the $1 million Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2), while Shea Shea will hope to defend his title while favored in the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G2) on the turf.
2014 Dubai World Cup Day Information
Date: Saturday, March 29
Where: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
First post time: 9:10am ET/6:10am PT
Total purses:
Dubai World Cup Day wagering may include: Exacta / Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / Daily Double/ Super Hi 5
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Field and odds for the 2014 Dubai World Cup
World Cup is Race 9 and goes off at 2: 05 p.m. Eastern, 11:05 a.m. Pacific Time.
Saturday, March 29, 2014 - Dubai World Cup
Race 2 9:10am EDT
Race 3 9:45am EDT
Race 4 10:25am EDT
Race 5 11:03am EDT
Race 6 11:41am EDT
Race 7 12:39pm EDT
Race 8 1:17pm EDT
Race 9 2:05pm EDT