Dubai: Godolphin work mates Saeed Bin Surour and Mahmoud Al Zarouni are set to take on some of the best trainers on the planet as they bid to win today's $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup (Group 1), the richest and most highly anticipated race in the world.
Bin Surour has celebrated success five times in the past, while Al Zarouni, who only became a member of the all-powerful stable last March, is longing to get his hands on the glittering trophy. The Emirati was narrowly denied a landmark victory in the race 12 months ago when Allybar finished a close third to winner Gloria De Campeao.
But both Godolphin handlers are united in the belief that this year's race will provide a sterner test to their collective skills and equine strengths.
Bin Surour, who goes in search of his first victory since Electrocutionist in 2006 is dually represented by Queen Elizabeth II scorer Poet's Voice and French star Prince Bishop, while Al Zarouni saddles Monterroso, winner of the Group 3 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan under a well-judged ride by teenage French jockey Mickael Barzalona.
All the three Godolphin hopes are sired by Dubai, the most famous son of former Godolphin superstar Dubai Millennium, who was a scintillating winner of this race in 2000.
They take on 11 top-class rivals including the favourite Twice Over, Irish hope Cape Blanco, returning American raider Gio Point and a trio of horses who are highly regarded in their native Japan — Victoire Pisa, Buena Vista and Transcend.
Godolphin's principal hope is Poet's Voice, whose crowning moment came when he rallied from last to first to bag the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last season. More recently he was a battling second to Wigmore Hall in the Group 2 Jebel Hatta at Meydan.
Change of surface
Although he is untested on the all-weather track Bin Surour does not see it as a worry.
"He's a real athlete," said the trainer. "I believe that he can cope with the change of surface as he trains on it at home.
"That shouldn't be too much of a worry and although 1,600 metres is the perfect trip for him, I think the mile and a quarter of the Dubai World Cup will suit him.
"He had a good prep and was only beaten a quarter of a length. He came out of the race well and has trained on since.
"He has the speed to cope with the wide draw (10) and I'm expecting a big run from him."
Commenting on Monterosso's chances Al Zarooni said: "He's a really fast horse and has both stamina and speed so I think he can take a good position in the race. If he likes the surface on Saturday, he will be thereabouts."
Twice Over, a back-to-back winner of the Champion Stakes in England, gives legendary British trainer Sir Henry Cecil with a big opportunity to annex this prize for the first time.
The ten-time champion trainer said: "I'm very happy with him and he looks really well. Because of his prep race, he has learned to handle the course and got used to it. He seems to be very well balanced and is getting used to it. So hopefully things will work out."
While admitting that Twice Over did not have the perfect draw (stall 12) Cecil remarked: "Hopefully, now that he has adapted himself to the track, he will cope with it better now. I think he is definitely better than last year… No, I know he is better than last year."
South African trainer Mike de Kock, who is looking for his first win in the race, pins his hopes on 2010 UAE Derby winner Musir and Golden Sword, who was fifth to Horse of the Year Sea The Stars in last year's Epsom Derby.
Among the American-trained horses who have a good record in the race is Gio Ponti, who was a good fourth in the race last year, and Fly Down.
Ireland run Cape Blanco, winner of the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes while Japan are well represented by three top-class runners including Buena Vista, Victoire Pisa and Transcend.
Gitano Hernando and Richard's Kid, who were sixth and seventh in this race last year, also start.
GULF NEWS SELECTIONS
- A: Twice Over
- B: Poet's Voice
- C: Cape Blanco
- Upset: Gitano Hernando
