Brass Hat vs. Magna Graduate

USA's World Cup contenders met in the prestigious Donn Handicap (G1) at Gulfstream Park in February. Magna Graduate went off second choice, as the betting favoured Suave, the horse he had beaten narrowly in the Clark Handicap (G2) at Churchill Downs in November. But Magna Graduate took a real hammering behind a fast improving 'rookie' in the top league, namely Brass Hat. Magna Graduate had to settle for fourth. He was beaten by more than nine lengths.

The Dubai World Cup (G1) offers Magna Graduate a chance of revenge, as he will be meeting Brass Hat again at Nad Al Sheba.

The track is unlikely to be wet in Dubai, so Todd Pletcher's 4-year-old should do a lot better than he did in the Donn.

Brass Hat improved to Globeform 122+ as he won the Donn Handicap (G1) in great style.

In producing Globeform 122+, Brass Hat had suddenly jumped up from a "good G2/G3 performer" to become one of the best horses in the US.

The World Cup distance will be new territory for Brass Hat, as he has yet to race over further than 9 furlongs. He has plenty of stamina. He probably inherited most of it from his sire Prized, a top class son of Kris S. who won the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) over 12 furlongs after having beaten Sunday Silence in the Swaps Stakes (G2) over 10 furlongs on dirt.

Brass Hat looks the most serious threat to Electrocutionist. Brass Hat will have the advantage of more dirt track experience. Against that, Electrocutionist holds home advantage. The North American has a winning chance.

- Globeform.com