New Market, England: With the world’s most valuable horse race set to be staged at Meydan on Saturday, it is no surprise that some of the best thoroughbreds from Europe have shipped in to Dubai. Though the Dubai World Cup card is attracting more in high-class horsepower than just those four-legged invaders pointing for the $10-million race.
The list of entries taken for the Tattersalls Gold Cup, run at The Curragh in Ireland on May 25, was released earlier this month. This is the first top-level contest of the season for older horses in Ireland and it is one of the most prestigious races in Europe.
In the past, the ‘Tattersalls’ has been won by stars like So You Think (twice), Duke Of Marmalade, Fame And Glory and Hurricane Run. So what does this race have to do with this week’s action at Meydan, you might wonder. Well, only trainers and owners of the very best of the best in Europe even consider a crack at the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
It is, therefore, interesting that no fewer than 12 of this year’s 35 horses entered will be in action at Meydan on World Cup night. One from this dozen could be taking the first step towards an unprecedented international Group One double. Which one has the best chance? Hard to say, below are their names, so if you fancy “virtual ownership” please go ahead and take your pick – just don’t ask for the price tag!
African Story (World Cup), Ambivalent (Sheema Classic), Dank (Duty Free), Festive Cheer (Sheema Classic), Hillstar (World Cup), Hunter’s Light (World Cup), Magician (Sheema Classic), Mukhadram (World Cup), Red Cadeaux (World Cup), Ruler Of The World (World Cup), The Fugue (Duty Free) and Vancouverite (World Cup).
- The author is a thoroughbred form expert and editor of www.stabell.co.uk
