McLaughlin: ‘Frosted is ready’ to run big in Dubai World Cup

Frosted is firing on all cylinders ahead of the March 26 Dubai World Cup (G1), trainer Kiaran McLaughlin tells godolphin.com.

"He has never been better," McLaughlin said of the Tapit colt, who romped in track-record time in his Dubai debut in the February 4 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2).

"We thought he went well when his races were close together. He won the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) only three weeks after a hard run in the Travers (G1). But, then we see him having three months off after the Breeders' Cup and coming to Meydan and breaking a track record.

"Off such a long break, he has come back to run HUGE.

"We thought prior to the Al Maktoum Challenge that he would come on for the run. The fact is, he broke the track record that first night, and yes, he HAS come on.

"Let me assure anybody who wants to know: Frosted is ready."

Frosted has continued his preparations for the World Cup at his home away from home – Marmoom, Sheikh Mohammed's private training facility – including a robust six-furlong drill in 1:12 4/5.

"He will have his last serious workout on March 16, over five-eighths or a half-mile, leaving 10 days to the World Cup, which is perfect," McLaughlin said.

William Buick, who teamed up successfully with Frosted last month, has the return call for the World Cup.

"I'm very happy having William on board. They get on well together," McLaughlin noted.

"For me, the Dubai World Cup will be all about how the race unfolds. The draw is important - I'd prefer the inside, we know he handles dirt - but it's about the shape of the race.

"I thought California Chrome would have shown more pace (when winning his prep in a February 25 handicap at Meydan)."

Speaking of California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year is also back working at Meydan since his local victory, to the reported delight of Team Sherman.

California Chrome’s co-owners, Taylor Made Stallions, just inked a deal to stand World Cup rival Mshawish. Both are expected to continue their rivalry through 2016, with their other mutual goal being the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita. Plans call for the duo to enter stud together in 2017.

At Todd Pletcher’s base of Palm Beach Downs on Friday, Mshawish blasted five-eighths in :58.87, breezing.

"His work this morning at Palm Beach Downs had the fastest seven-furlong gallop out (1:24 4/5) we have ever had by a full second,” Pletcher revealed.

With Al Shaqab Racing retaining complete ownership until his retirement to stud, Mshawish will be ridden in the World Cup by Frankie Dettori.

Frosted photo courtesy of Dubai Racing Club/Andrew Watkins.