Strong Godolphin raiding party seeks more Dubai World Cup riches

Dubai: Dubai’s mighty Godolphin stable have assembled one of their strongest teams ever in a bid to win the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) for the seventh time, and for the second year in succession, with 2012 scorer Monterosso heading a powerful five-horse raiding party.

Emirati trainer Mahmoud Al Zarouni’s stable flag bearer is joined by last year’s runner-up Capponi and a trio of horses representing five-time Cup winning handler Saeed Bin Surour, who sends out Hunter’s Light, Kassiano and the surprise factor, African Story.

Among the field of 13 that will face the start in next Saturday’s showpiece race at Meydan, are nine Group 1 winners including two formidable contenders from North America, two-time Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) heroine Royal Delta and Anumal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

All-weather specialist Dullahan from America, Hong Kong Vase winner Red Cadeaux, 2011 Irish Derby victor Treasure Beach and last year’s Dubai World Cup third Planteur add depth to a field that looks its strongest in years.

History beckons as Monterosso attempts to become the first horse in history to defend his crown in the race which was first run in 1996 and was won by the legendary Cigar.

Since that landmark day, undertaking the long journey across the Atlantic has paid off for American horses who have gone on to win the 2,000m contest seven more times, with Well Armed being the last of those conquerors when triumphant in 2009.

Hall of Fame Trainer Bill Mott, most notable for his work with the great Cigar, returns to the UAE with Royal Delta who was a luckless ninth in the Cup 12 months ago.

Since then, the five-year-old daughter of Emire Maker, who is the joint 9/2 ante-post favourite with Hunter’s Light, has been in imperious form winning five of her six starts, all in Graded Stakes events.

Animal Kingdom, who was an intended runner last year before suffering an injury, is a best-price 6/1 to give trainer Graham Motion his first winner at Meydan.

The oddsmakers have reacted quickly to Godolphin’s bombshell decision to switch African Story, last year’s Godolphin Mile winner, by introducing him into the market at an attractive 8/1. Bin Surour’s stable star announced his big-race credentials with an eyecatching performance in the Burj Nahar at Super Saturday earlier this month.

The $5 million Dubai Duty Free (G1) has traditionally been one of the strongest support races on the Dubai World Cup card and this year’s contest is no diferent.

Among the leading protagonists are Breeders’ Cup Turf star Little Mike, New Zealand’s champion and 2012 W.S. Cox Plate winner Ocean Park as well as Group 1 winners Giofra, Igugu, Sajjhaa and Wigmore Hall.

Dubai World Cup Carnival star Trade Storm, who won the Group 2 Zabeel Mile also lines up alongside Beverly D Stakes winner and stablemate I’m A Dreamer.

The Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), which also boasts a lucrative purse of $5 million, features Gentildonna, the champion three-year-old filly and Japanese Horse of the Year in 2012, 2011 Melbourne Cup sensation and a host of Group 1 winners including St Nicholas Abbey, Shareta, Trailblazer and Girolamo.

The $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, sponsored by Gulf News has attracted some of the world’s best spritner including defending champion Krypton Factor former Australian sprint star Mental and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Trinniberg.

“There wouldn’t be many race meetings this year that contain 41 individual Group 1 winners on the same programme which merely emphasises the quality of horse that the Dubai World Cup meeting attracts from around the world,” said Martin Talty, International Manager, Dubai Racing Club. “There are 13 countries represented with runners including champions from the USA, Japan and New Zealand.”

“It is also pleasing to see that a number of horses that have performed well throughout the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Trade Storm, Kavanagh and Reynaldothewizard have all progressed from a strong season to a run on Dubai World Cup day.”

The Dubai Kahayla Classic, the Group 1 race for Purebred Arabians run over the same 2000m distance as the Dubai World Cup has attracted a stellar line-up of 12 Group 1 winners, including defending champion, TM Fred Texas, Areem, Nieshan, Sahib du Clos and international raider, Al Mamun Monlau.