Dubai: A record field of 16 horses will on Saturday battle for the Dubai World Cup (G1), one of the most coveted trophies in horse racing, and the prize pot of $10 million that compliments the title.
Among them are a mind-boggling nine Group 1 winners from eight countries including an Epsom Derby hero, two of Hong Kong’s best horses, a pair of Japanese dirt champions, last year’s runner-up and a four-strong team representing the powerful Godolphin operation.
Epsom sensation Ruler Of The World bids to justify favouritism and provide his much-decorated handler Aidan O’Brien with his first World Cup and as well become the first British-trained winner since Singspiel in 1997.
However, the 4-1 favourite will have to overcome an unfavourable draw (stall 12) and also cope with the massive challenge of racing on an unknown artifical surface for the first time.
Joseph O’Brien, the world’s tallest jockey at 5ft 11in, who takes the ride on the horse trained by his highly successful father Aidan O’Brien, is optimistic that the horse’s class will see him surmount any stumbling block.
“It’s close to impossible to know whether he will handle the surface or not until he actually races on it,” said the jockey who partnered Ruler Of The World to win the Irish Derby (G1). “But he has a very good attitude and that will help him.
“We’re hoping that he will be able to handle the surface and overcome what is not an ideal draw.
O’Brien also contends that he has the versatility to adapt to any variables that might result during the course of the race.
“If they are going very quick I will take my time with him,” he said. “If the pace isn’t too quick I don’t have to be too far back. He’s quite uncomplicated so I will play it by ear.”
Godolphin’s Saeed Bin Surour has savoured Dubai World Cup victory on five previous occasions and banks on Prince Bishop and African Story to give him more big-race glory before his adoring Emirati fans.
“It’s always special to win a big race like the Dubai World Cup, but to win it again in Dubai makes it even more distinctive,” said the Emirati who resides in the hilly suburb of Hatta. “There is something so unique about Meydan — the atmosphere, the supporters, the royalty — that makes it so different to other major races.
“Obviously, its a very hard race to win, but we go with two good chances.
“We have always really liked Prince Bishop, who has thrived this year. He has a good draw and we expect a big run.
“African Story was a closing fifth in this last year having won the Godolphin Mile in 2012 and we think he can step up to the plate.”
Fellow Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby, who makes his debut at the World Cup meeting, saddles Cat O’Mountain and Vancouverite.
The trainer said: “The draw has not been kind to Cat O’Mountain and Mickael [Barzalona, the jockey] is particularly disappointed. We will have to ride him for luck and hope some gaps appear in the straight.
“Vancouverite ran well on turf on Super Saturday over 1,800m, and will appreciate this extra 200m and the switch to the all-weather should not be an issue.
“I am really looking forward to running them both.”
Mukhadram, trained in the UK by Derby-winning handler William Haggas, will bid to give his owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, a third success in the World Cup ager Almutawakel (1999) and Invasor (2007).
“The surface is an unknown for him and we will only find out on Saturday if he really copes with it,” Shaikh Hamdan said earlier in the week.
The Far East have their strongest representation at Meydan with both Hong Kong- and Japan-trained runners boasting strong form.
Akeed Mofeed and Military Attack both represent Hong Kong and fared well in the draw, while Japan, who are seeking their second World Cup success after Victoire Pisa in 2011, send out Belshazzar and Hokko Tarumae.
John Moore, who trains Military Attack, said: “That is the one we wanted.”
Ron The Greek bids to become Saudi Arabian first winner of the race while the UK has four representatives, including Hillstar, trained by former World Cup-winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute.
Red Cadeaux and Side Glance, who were second and fourth in this race 12 months ago, will be hoping to improve upon those efforts,
Former UAE champion handler Satish Seemar saddles Surfer, a late switch to the big race, who must step up in class if he hopes to win.
