Twelve Horses Set to Compete in Dubai World Cup

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — A dozen of the world's finest middle-distance dirt horses, hailing from six racing nations, are poised to collide in the prestigious $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup on Saturday at the expansive Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.

The lineups and starting positions for the four non-Group 1 races of the evening, which include the Dubai Kahayla Classic for the Purebred Arabians, were revealed on Monday. As for the five top-tier races, the stables were assigned during a ceremony on Wednesday evening, hosted by Rishi Persad and Laura King, held at the Armani Hotel located in the iconic Burj Khalifa in Central Dubai.

Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre) aims to join Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet) as the only horses to secure a second victory in the World Cup. Trainer Noboru Takagi took the stage first during the selection process and opted for barrier five for his 7-year-old contender. Last year, Ushba Tesoro had gate eight and experienced a bumpy start before delivering a strong finish to narrowly defeat Algiers (Ire) (Shamardal) near the finish line. The also-owned Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black), who finished second to Ushba Tesoro in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten over the same World Cup distance in December, drew post position 11.

Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) showcased a thrilling performance by overtaking Ushba Tesoro right at the finish line during the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh five weeks ago. This weekend, the two competitors will meet for the third time. Trainer Todd Fincher took the stage on behalf of the admirable 6-year-old, while co-owner Joe Peacock Jr. observed closely. Senor Buscador was allocated barrier 10 as part of the selection process.

Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), the victorious contender of last year's G2 UAE Derby, faced a fitness disadvantage during his commendable fifth-place finish in Riyadh, considering it was his first race in over four months. It is expected that he has progressed since then and is likely to show improvement. He has been assigned stall eight as his starting position.

Kabirkhan (California Chrome), owned by Kazakhstan, aims to cap off a remarkable season and follow in the footsteps of his World Cup-winning sire. Acquired for a modest sum of $12,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in September, this chestnut horse will commence the race from post position two under the guidance of jockey Pat Dobbs and trainer Doug Watson.

Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Frankie Dettori combined forces to secure victory in the 2022 World Cup with Country Grammer (Tonalist). Now, they aim to replicate their success with Newgate (Into Mischief) starting from the sixth position. Newgate arrives at the race with a recent triumph in the prestigious GI Santa Anita H. on March 2nd.

Laurel River (Into Mischief), representing Juddmonte Farms, showcased an impressive performance in the G3 Burj Nahaar over 1600 meters on Super Saturday, March 2nd. However, recognizing the potential lack of pace in the upcoming World Cup, the horse's connections have taken a bold decision. Laurel River must maintain excellent conduct, as any misstep from the widest post position, stall 12, could jeopardize his chances of success.

In the other Group 1 races:

For the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact) has been assigned post position seven, while Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente) will start from post position nine. This race features a competitive field of 10 Group 1 winners representing eight nations, all vying for a generous $6-million prize.

In the quest for a fourth consecutive victory in the $5-million G1 Dubai Turf, Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi) has drawn gate 11. Joining the fray is Japan's Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry) from post position five, Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot) from post position three, and stablemate Nashwa (GB) (Frankel) from post position 16.

Defending champion Sibelius (Not This Time) will break from gate six in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, where he will face tough competition from G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint victor Remake (Jpn) (Lani), Bold Journey (Hard Spun), who finished strongly for third in the same race, as well as the talented local contenders Mouheeb (Flatter) and Tuz (Oxbow).

Hong Kong's California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) will commence from gate five in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint. The race features notable contenders such as the talented 3-year-old filly Frost At Dawn (Frosted), the experienced Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal), and defending champion Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit).

Here is the complete field for the 2024 Dubai World Cup:

1 (7) Clapton (Brethren)
2 (1) Crupi (Curlin)
3 (9) Defunded (Dialed In)
4 (8) Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits)
5 (3) Dura Erede (Jpn) (Duramente)
6 (2) Kabirkhan (California Chrome)
7 (12) Laurel River (Into Mischief)
8 (4) Military Law (GB) (Dubawi)
9 (6) Newgate (Into Mischief)
10 (10) Senor Buscador (Mineshaft)
11 (5) Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre)
12 (11) Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black)