William Buick backs Rattle N Roll for Dubai World Cup glory

Dubai: William Buick and Christophe Lemaire know what it takes to win on the biggest stage. As Dubai’s richest night of racing looms, the two top jockeys are brimming with confidence, each armed with high-class contenders ready to make an impact.

Buick, Godolphin’s No 1 rider, has a stellar book of rides, headlined by Rattle N Roll in the $12 million Dubai World Cup. After a strong workout on Thursday morning, the British rider believes his mount has what it takes to turn the tables on Saudi Cup winner Forever Young.

Lemaire, meanwhile, is banking on Brede Weg’s finishing speed in the Dubai Turf. Watching from the grandstands, he liked what he saw from his talented filly and is convinced she can make her mark in a high-calibre field.

With both jockeys set for a thrilling showdown under the Meydan lights, expectations are sky-high.

Buick has a glittering book of rides and spoke in glowing terms after partnering his $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup mount, Rattle N Roll, on Thursday morning.

Godolphin’s No 1 rider, along with American trainer Kenny McPeek, was delighted with the horse’s enthusiastic workout.

“He felt good,” Buick said. “Kenny was keen for me to sit on him, and Danny, who rides him every morning, says he’s been taking him on a bit. He’s fresh, and he felt very comfortable on the track. He was quite strong with me this morning, but he feels super. He’s a really good ride to pick up, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Rattle N Roll finished an eye-catching fourth in the Saudi Cup last time, and Buick is hopeful that more forceful tactics can help him close the gap on the winner, Forever Young, who is a strong favourite on Saturday, and Ushba Tesoro, the 2023 Dubai World Cup champion.

“He ran a really good race in the Saudi Cup,” he said. “In another few strides, he would have picked up third. I think the extra furlong in the Dubai World Cup will suit him, and he’s got a good draw in two, so, hopefully, he’ll be able to position himself just in behind the speed. That’s going to be a big help to him. The most important thing is that he seems very happy. I got a good feeling off him this morning.”

He added: “It’s an amazing race. It was a privilege to have won it in 2015, and every year, you want to get a ride in the race with a good chance — and that’s just what I’ve got.”

Lemaire watched both Dubai Sheema Classic contender Cervinia and Dubai Turf contender Brede Weg breeze on turf from his vantage point in the grandstands on Wednesday and was extremely positive about the latter’s chances.

A Grade 1 winner in October 2023 in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Brede Weg arrives in Dubai off a promising run in a Grade 3 event, finishing only a length away in fourth on her return to action at Tokyo in February.

“I also saw her work yesterday, and she is a very talented filly,” said Lemaire. “I think the mile was a bit short for her [last time], so the extra 200 metres will suit her.

“She’s got a very good turn of foot, and it will be her second race of the year. As with Cervinia, she should perform very well.

“Even in such a competitive field, she has a very good chance in my opinion.”

Buick believes Nations Pride continues to be underestimated as the six-year-old chases a fifth Group 1 win in the Dubai Turf.

A winner at the highest level in Germany (twice), America, and Canada, Nations Pride will have to take on Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in Saturday’s contest.

However, Buick is hopeful his mount can improve on a course-and-distance success in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes last month.

“He’s had a nice break since his last run,” he said at trackwork on Thursday morning. “I think we can expect a little bit of improvement in him.

“We’ve got Romantic Warrior in the race, and he’s going to be a tough opponent, as well as others.

“Nations Pride always does his best. He’s uncomplicated, and he’s got genuine Group 1 form. He doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves, but he’s taking on one of the world’s best.”