Defending champion Ushba Tesoro has been allocated post 5 for Saturday's Group 1, $12 million Dubai World Cup.
The Japanese star, trained by Noboru Takagi, is set for an enthralling rematch at Meydan against American contender Señor Buscador, following a close encounter in last month's Saudi Cup where just a head separated the two.
Ushba Tesoro's name was the initial selection during the ceremony held at the Armani Dubai Hotel on Wednesday evening, with the position assigned through random allocation.
Jockey Yuga Kawada remarked, "Stall 5 isn't too bad, but he's a horse that typically comes from behind, so the stall position from 1 to 12 really doesn't affect us."
Takagi chimed in, saying, "He'll be coming from the rear regardless, so the stall allocation doesn't carry much significance."
Señor Buscador, trained by Todd Fincher and cherished by his breeder and co-owner Joe Peacock Jr., was the second pick and will start from stall 10.
"We're thrilled," Peacock expressed. "We aimed for an outside position, and that's exactly what we got."
Senor Buscador, who triumphed in the Saudi Cup earlier this winter following a share in the son of Mineshaft being acquired by Sharaf Mohammed al Hariri.
Kabirkhan, the sensation hailing from Kazakhstan and trained in the UAE by Doug Watson, drew post 2.
"I was hoping for a middle position," Watson commented. "If he consistently breaks well, I'd be delighted, but that hasn't been the case. We've been working on it, and hopefully, he can deliver on the night. At least it's a shorter route around."
Owner Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev added, "I'm pleased to have an inside draw, and hopefully, he can settle comfortably near the lead."
Japan has brought a formidable contingent for the 1 1/4-mile (2,000-metres) showdown. Ace jockey Christophe Lemaire returns aboard Derma Sotogake in post 8, a stunning victor of the UAE Derby (G2) at this event last year and subsequently the runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Trainer Hidetaka Otonashi remarked, "We didn't mind which stall we got. Eight is considered a lucky number in Japan, so that's rather favourable."
Frankie Dettori returns to ride Bob Baffert's rising star, Newgate, who recently secured victory under the legendary rider in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1). Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes was present when post 6 was assigned to the horse.
Another significant local contender is Juddmonte's Laurel River, trained by Bhupat Seemar, who entered the Dubai World Cup picture following a convincing win in the Burj Nahaar earlier this month. However, he has been allocated the widest post position, 12.
Jockey Tadhg O'Shea commented, "Being on the extreme outside is less than ideal. Nevertheless, he's a horse with considerable early speed, and we'll have to adapt to the situation."
The lineup is rounded out by Crupi in post 1, with other Japanese runners Dura Erede in post 3 and Wilson Tesoro in post 11, Defunded in post 9, Military Law in post 4, and Clapton in post 7.
Trainer Chad Summers expressed, "We were hoping for a middle draw for Clapton."
Alex Solis, representing the owners of Crupi, remarked, "We've drawn an inside position, so hopefully, we can capitalise on that and save ground."
Yusuke Hara, Wilson Tesoro's jockey, stated, "In the last two starts, the jockey asked him to take an early position, so I expect him to be a bit eager. Therefore, that stall is ideal."
$12 Million Dubai World Cup: Senor Meets the World
Senor Buscador leads the pack in the Dubai World Cup, coming off a significant triumph in the Saudi Cup last month; this marks the horse's 13th appearance on the track.
An exercise rider warming up a horse on the track.
Senor Buscador, victor of the Saudi Cup, aims for further glory in the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 30. (Dubai World Cup photo) By: Dubai Racing Club media | March 28, 2024
The defending champion, Ushba Tesoro, has drawn post 5 for Saturday’s Group 1, $12 million Dubai World Cup.
The Japanese star, trained by Noboru Takagi, anticipates an intriguing rematch at Meydan with the American contender Señor Buscador, following a narrow defeat in last month’s Saudi Cup.
Ushba Tesoro’s name was the first drawn in the ceremony at the Armani Dubai Hotel on Wednesday evening, with the position assigned randomly.
Jockey Yuga Kawada remarked, “Stall 5 isn't too bad, but he's a horse that typically comes from behind, so the stall position from 1 to 12 really doesn't affect us.”
Takagi chimed in, saying, "He'll be coming from the rear regardless, so the stall allocation doesn't carry much significance."
Todd Fincher's trainee, Señor Buscador, the pride of breeder and co-owner Joe Peacock Jr., was the second name chosen and will start from stall 10.
Peacock expressed his delight, stating, “We're very pleased. We aimed for an outside position, and that's precisely what we got.”
Senor Buscador secured victory in the Saudi Cup earlier this winter after a share in the son of Mineshaft was sold to Sharaf Mohammed al Hariri.
Kabirkhan, the sensation from Kazakhstan, trained in the UAE by Doug Watson, drew post 2.
Watson mentioned, “I was hoping for a middle position. If he consistently breaks well, I'd be delighted, but that hasn't been the case. We've been working on it, and hopefully, he can deliver on the night. At least it's a shorter distance around.”
Owner Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev added, “I'm pleased to have an inside draw, and hopefully, he can settle comfortably near the lead.”
Japan has brought a strong contingent for the 1 1/4-mile (2,000-meter) showdown. Ace jockey Christophe Lemaire returns aboard Derma Sotogake in post 8, a stunning victor of the UAE Derby (G2) at this event last year and subsequently the runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Trainer Hidetaka Otonashi remarked, "We didn't mind which stall we got. Eight is considered a lucky number in Japan, so that's rather favourable."
Lemaire described post 8 as “a very good draw in the middle which allows me to go forward into the first bend without burning up too much gas.”
Frankie Dettori reunites with Bob Baffert's rising star, Newgate, a recent winner under the legendary rider in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1). Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes was present as post 6 was assigned.
Another significant local contender is Juddmonte's Laurel River, trained by Bhupat Seemar, who entered the Dubai World Cup picture following a convincing win in the Burj Nahaar earlier this month. However, he has been allocated the widest post position of all in 12.
Jockey Tadhg O’Shea commented, “Being on the extreme outside is less than ideal. Nevertheless, he's a horse with considerable early speed, and we'll have to adapt to the situation.”
The lineup is completed by Crupi in post 1, with other Japanese runners Dura Erede in post 3 and Wilson Tesoro in post 11, Defunded in post 9, Military Law in post 4, and Clapton in post 7.
Trainer Chad Summers expressed, "We were hoping for a middle draw for Clapton."
Alex Solis, representing the owners of Crupi, remarked, "We've drawn an inside position, so hopefully, we can capitalise on that and save ground."
Yusuke Hara, Wilson Tesoro's jockey, stated, "In the last two starts, the jockey asked him to take an early position, so I expect him to be a bit eager. Therefore, that stall is ideal."
$12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup
Saturday / Meydan Racecourse / Post Time 12:35 pm ET US / Race 9
No. Post Horse Trainer Jockey
1 (7) Clapton (Chad Summers / Dylan Davis)
2 (1) Crupi (Todd Pletcher / Luis Saez)
3 (9) Defunded (Abdulaziz K Mishriff / Abel Al Furyadi)
4 (8) Derma Sotogake (Hidetaka Otonashi / Christophe Lemaire)
5 (3) Dura Erede (Manabu Ikezoe / Bauyrzhan Murzabayev)
6 (2) Kabirkhan (Doug Watson / Pat Dobbs)
7 (12) Laurel River (Bhupat Seemar / Tadhg O’Shea)
8 (4) Military Law (Musabbeh Almheiri / Oscar Chavez)
9 (6) Newgate (Bob Baffert / Frankie Dettori)
10 (10) Senor Buscador (Todd Fincher / Junior Alvarado)
11 (5) Ushba Tesoro (Noboru Takagi / Yuga Kawada)
12 (11) Wilson Tesoro (Hitoshi Kotegawa / Yusuke Hara)
Note: Betting numbers and post positions do not match. Post positions are listed in parentheses
Race Schedule (all times US ET):
7:30 am | Race 1 | Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (Arabians)
8:05 am | Race 2 | Group 2 Godolphin Mile
8:40 am | Race 3 | Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup
9:15 am | Race 4 | Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint
9:50 am | Race 5 | Group 2 UAE Derby
10:25 am | Race 6 | Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen
11:10 am | Race 7 | Group 1 Dubai Turf
12:00 pm | Race 8 | Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic
12:35 pm| Race 9 | Group 1 Dubai World Cup