French have the vision to succeed
First running of world's richest race at Meydan could see prize head to Europe for only the second time
DUBAI : The 2010 Dubai World Cup, the first at Meydan, looks the most open ever renewal of the $10 million mile and two furlong (2,000m) Group 1 feature which is being run for the 15th time but the first on Tapeta.
The maximum field of 14 have been declared and it is possible to make a case for all of them.
New trainer Mahmoud Al Zarouni will be hoping for a dream start to his career and saddles the progressive Allybar under Ahmad Ajtebi, who said: "He has improved with each run and he likes the conditions."
They will carry the second colours of Godolphin with Frankie Dettori, seeking his fourth win in the world's richest horse race, riding 2009 Italian Derby and English St Leger winner Mastery for Saeed Bin Surour who has five previous wins to his credit.
Bin Surour said: "It looks a tough race but he won two Classics in Europe. He would probably prefer further but likes the surface in his work."
However, both appear to face a tough task with a particularly strong European challenge awaiting them. Vision D'Etat is a genuine Group 1 global performer and should make a bold bid to give France a first win in the race, with last year's runner-up Gloria De Campeao a strong second string to their bow.
Olivier Peslier rides Vision D'Etat for Eric Libaud and said: "He is a very good horse and is in good form. He should run well."
Singspiel, in 1997, was the only previous European-trained runner when sent over from Newmarket by Sir Michael Stoute. The UK have a strong hand this year with Twice Over (trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally), Gitano Hernando (Marco Botti/Kieren Fallon) among the favourites, as well as Crowded House (Brian Meehan/John Velazquez) in the field.
Of the last named Meehan said: "We have been pleased with both his UAE runs and he handles the surface. It is a good race but he is fitter and stronger now."
Japan have yet to win the race and course-and-distance heroine Red Desire, who won the Maktoum Challenge on Super Thursday ahead of World Cup rivals Gloria De Campeao (second) and Allybar (fourth), is also bidding to become the first filly to land the prize. Mike De Kock has a pair of dual Carnival winners in Lizard's Desire and Mr Brock, third and fifth in the same race.
With a strong American challenge headed by Gio Ponti, it really promises to be a great renewal and a fitting first World Cup for Meydan.
