With just over a week to go, here is who, or what, we should be looking out for at the 28th Dubai World Cup when Meydan Racecourse opens its doors on Saturday, March 30.
Kabirkhan
You would do well not to miss him. This tall, flashy chestnut has been the talk of the town since his debut here in January. Bred in Kentucky, trained in Kazakhstan, raced in Russia and then Dubai, it is the stuff of fairytales. Costing just $12,000 as a yearling, he now races for $12 million and could give his trainer Doug Watson and jockey Pat Dobbs their biggest career wins.
Ushba Tesoro
He came with a devastating late run to deny Algiers in last year’s Dubai World Cup and now Japanese star Ushba Tesoro will try and do so again. Second in the Saudi Cup last time, he must beat the winner of that race, Senor Buscador.
Liberty Island
Equinox destroyed the field in last year’s Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and Liberty Island was second only to him in Japan last year. She is very exciting and could become the first filly to win this race since Dolniya in 2015.
Auguste Rodin
Up against Liberty Island is Auguste Rodin, a shiny dark bay colt who won the Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf last season. He is trained by Aidan O’Brien who won the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic with St Nicholas Abbey in 2013.
Frankie Dettori
He is back. Despite announcing his retirement at the start of last year, the world’s most famous jockey rides on and could win a record fifth Dubai World Cup. He partners Newgate in the big race for trainer Bob Baffert.
Lord North
Frankie Dettori will also be onboard Lord North, who aims for an unprecedented fourth win in the $5 million G1 Dubai Turf. No horse has ever won the same race more than three times on the Dubai World Cup card.
The Show
Sharp-eyed social media watchers may have already had a sneak preview of some horses galloping in the air above the track. So this year’s Dubai World Cup Show is expected to be more spectacular than ever.
The Style Stakes
There is almost $55,000 in prizes up for grabs in the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes, in which Dubai’s most fashionable will battle it out in the Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat and Best Traditional Outfit competitions.
