Dubai: The element of mystery and suspense over who will win Saturday's $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup (G1) was very much prevalent at Meydan recourse yesterday morning as some of the leading contenders were put through their final preparations under unusually dark skies that added to the intrigue.
Form-watchers will get their first look at race favourite So You Think, a nine-time Group 1 winner who arrived in Dubai on Sunday together with six stable-companions, but will be seen practising tomorrow. In the meantime they were feasting their eyes on the handsome American duo of Game On Dude and Royal Delta, along with the three Japanese samurais — Smart Falcon, Eishin Flash and Transcend.
Game on Dude, an unlucky second in last November's Breeders' Cup Classic, breezed 800 metres under exercise rider George Alvarez in 48.51 seconds while Royal Delta did not break a sweat when executing an easy gallop over the Dubai World Cup distance of 2,000 metres.
Tim Yakteen, a former assistant trainer to two-time Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bob Baffert, issued an upbeat bulletin after overseeing the training of Game On Dude and The Factor, who runs in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).
"Both of them are ready," Yaktten said. "Bob wanted them to get a feel and stretch their legs a bit. All thumbs up."
Chantal Sutherland, who has won three graded stakes aboard the gelded son of Awesome Again, will be aboard Game On Dude come Saturday.
Royal Delta, the American champion three-year-old filly of 2011, continued her smooth build-up.
Leana Willaford, an assistant to trainer Will Mott, was in the saddle and said she was very pleased with the way the horse has been handling the Tapeta.
