Sport | Horse Racing
American-trained horses to leave their mark at Dubai World Cup
New Eclipse Award winner Curlin, officially the world's highest-rated horse in training, heads a total of 169 horses nominated for the $6 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates airline, at the first closing stage for nominations.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:41 January 23, 2008
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- Breeders' Cup Classic winner Curlin, the worlds highest rated horse in training, is one of 169 horses nominated for the Dubai World Cup.
Dubai: New Eclipse Award winner Curlin, officially the world's highest-rated horse in training, heads a total of 169 horses nominated for the $6 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates airline, at the first closing stage for nominations.
The Smart Strike colt is among a strong 38-horse entry for the world's richest race which takes place at Nad Al Sheba on March 29.
American-trained horses have a strong record in the Dubai World Cup, having won the 2,000 metre dirt race, six times since Cigar triumphed in the inaugural event in 1996. Subsequent winners have been Silver Charm ('98), Captain Steve ('01), Pleasantly Perfect ('04), Roses in May ('05) and Invasor ('06).
The UAE, who have also enjoyed major success in the race, account for the largest number of entries, with 78 horses nominated.
Among the other nominations are Japan (18), UK (11), Brazil and France (6), Argentina, Turkey, Saudi Arabia (3), Macau (2) and Bahrain (1).
Competitive
Apart from the Curlin, some other top names nominated for the world's richest race run over 2,000m on dirt, include Premium Tap (KSA), Asiatic Boy (SA), Happy Boy (BRZ), Literato (UAE), Daaher (US), Daiwa Scarlet (JPN), Vermilion (JPN), Awesome Gem (US), Latency (ARG), Student Council (US), and West Virginia (US).
Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr said: "The nominations for the 13th Dubai World Cup meeting are extremely satisfying.
"The fixture can now lay claim to being the most competitive in the world."
The support card headed by the $5million Group 1 Dubai Duty Free, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free and run over 1,777m on turf, has also attracted strong international entries.
Heading the entry list for the Dubai Duty Free is Godolphin's flagbearer of last season, Ramonti, as well as the triple Group 1-winning French filly Darjina, and New Zealand's latest superstar Seachange.
The $5million Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, sponsored by Nakheel and run over 2,400metres on turf, has attracted six of the first seven home in last year's race: Vengeance Of Rain (HK), Oracle West (SAF), Youmzain (UK), Sushisan (SAF), Pop Rock (JPN) and Quijano (GER), as well as the top class Japanese star Meisho Samson.
America dominate the first Group 1 race on the card, the $2million Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News and run over 1,200m on dirt.
Breeders' Cup Sprint hero Midnight Lute, last year's winner Kelly's Landing and Idiot Proof all represent the US, while Australia is represented by their flying filly Miss Andretti.
Leading horses nominated for the Dubai World Cup meeting on March 29
$6 m Dubai World Cup (Gr 1) 2,000m: Curlin, Daaher, Awesome Gem, Student Council, West Virginia (US), Premium Tap (Saudi Arabia), Asiatic Boy, Literato (UAE), Happy Boy (Brazil), Daiwa Scarlet, Vermilion (Japan), Latency (Argentina).
$5m Dubai Duty Free (Gr 1) 1,777m: Ramonti (UAE), Darjina (France), Seachange (NZ).
$5m Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr 1) 2400m: Vengeance Of Rain (Hong Kong), Oracle West, Sushisan (S Africa), Youmzain (UK), Pop Rock, Meisho (JPN) and Quijano (GER).
$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr 10): Midnight Lute, Kelly's Landing and Idiot Proof (US), Miss Andretti (Australia)
$1million Godolphin Mile (Gr 2) 1600m: Spring At Last (US)
$2m UAE Derby (Gr 2): Strike The Deal (UK), El Gato Malo (US)
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