Group 1 US$10m Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines – 2000m (Dirt)
California Chrome (USA) – The fan favourite trotted for 15 minutes on the Quarantine Centre training track under exercise rider Dihigy Gladny.
The 2014 Eclipse Award winner for Horse of the Year walked the shed row yesterday, following his 1000m workout on Saturday morning on the Meydan main track in 59 and 2/5 seconds.
“He came out of the work great,” said assistant trainer, Alan Sherman. “He is very happy this morning.”
Commenting on the five year-old’s development since winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2014 Sherman continued, “He’s gotten bigger and stronger. He looks fantastic.”
Candy Boy (USA) – “Obviously it was not the plan to come here without a run since this race last year but he had a setback in November and we could not get a race into him,” said trainer Doug Watson.
“Ideally he would have had a prep but it was not to be. He is as fit as we can get him at home and in great shape.”
Keen Ice (USA) – With assistant trainer and exercise rider Tammy Fox aboard, he galloped a leisurely 3200m.
“He just worked 1000m on Saturday, so we take it easy with him for a couple days after,” Fox said.
At the suggestion of jockey Ryan Moore, who rode the son of Curlin to a seventh place finish in the Al Maktoum Challenge in Round 3 on March 5, Keen Ice wore blinkers for the first time in his career for the work, and he will again for the Dubai World Cup.
“He went in 59 1/5,” Fox said. “He seems to like it (the blinkers). It was a good move.”
The connections were disappointed, but not discouraged, by their finish in their lone recent appearance at the track.
“We all know his style of running,” Fox said. “He’s a big plodder. When the pace is slow like it was (on Super Saturday) the leaders just sprint away from him. It takes him a while to get his momentum going. He needs pace to run at and I think we’ll get more of that in the Dubai World Cup.”
Hoppertunity (USA) – Moving with sweeping strides down the Meydan stretch, the Bob Baffert-trained Hoppertunity worked approximately 800m in a handy :48 2/5 on Monday. More important than the time, however, was how the five-year-old accomplished the move.
“Super good!” reported Baffert’s assistant Dana Barnes, who rode Hoppertunity in the drill. “He usually doesn’t work by himself, so I was a little concerned, but he grabbed the bit and it was no problem.
“He loves it,” she added of Meydan’s dirt racing surface. “This track is really soft, whereas Santa Anita (Hoppertunity’s home base in the United States) is pretty hard. All the horses seem to be like ‘Yay!’ when they feel this track.”
The workout was timed by Leandro Mora, assistant to rival trainer Doug O’Neill, who stepped in when Barnes requested some help to get a gauge of how her horse was doing in what will be his only timed speed move prior to the race.
Mshawish (USA) – Al Shaqab Racing’s versatile Mshawish, a multiple Grade 1 winner, galloped powerfully through approximately about 2200m on Meydan’s dirt track with exercise rider Nick Bush in the saddle.
Ginny DePasquale, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher, reported that the six-year-old has gradually been extended in his gallops since arriving in Dubai but will not be sent for any speed work prior to his start in the Dubai World Cup.
“We’ve kind of increased his distance; the first day it was maybe a mile, then a mile and a sixteenth, then a mile and three-eighths and then a mile and three-eighths again (on Monday),” DePasquale said. “He gets a lot out of his gallops.”
Mshawish is no stranger to Meydan, having run in the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World for the past two years. He finished fourth in the 2014 edition and was third last year.
“He seemed to know where he was when he got here, and he’s enjoying it,” DePasquale said of Mshawish. “When he walks to the track, he passes everybody else—he just troops right along with his ears pricked.”
Special Fighter (IRE) – Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi commented: “We always believed he was very good and he proved it on Super Saturday. This will be a stronger race but he is in great form and we are very excited to have a genuine World Cup contender.”
Mubtaahij (IRE) – “He has improved again since Super Saturday when he disappointed us but it was a strange race and we genuinely think he is better than that,” said trainer Mike de Kock.“We are very hopeful of at least getting a cheque.”
Vadamos (FR) – Vadamos arrived in Dubai on Saturday with stablemate Manatee (GB) and Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Andre Fabre yard, said:
“Both horses arrived in the night from Friday to Saturday. Both of them travelled really well. On Sunday we stayed in the quarantine yard where we just trotted and jogged a bit. Then this morning, we went out onto the main track at Meydan. Vadamos jogged and then did a slow canter about three-quarters around the track. He is well.”
Gun Pit (AUS) – Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “He has been here in Dubai a while now having run second in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3. He’s happy and settled and looked good this morning. I feel he can pick up a cheque for his owner again in the big one, especially if he can draw a good barrier like he did on Super Saturday.”
Teletext (USA) – Saudi Arabia’s leading Cup horse of the year, whose early races for Juddmonte Farms in France included a close second in the Prix Niel, steps back to 2000m after winning on three of his four starts this season. Beaten in a handicap won by Songcraft on his only previous appearance at Meydan in February last year, he is due to arrive in Dubai on Wednesday.
Frosted (USA) – Jogged a leisurely 2400m at Marmoom on Monday morning.
“He breezed 1000m in 1:01 on Wednesday and now it’s just a matter of keeping him fresh and happy,” said assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin.
An impressive winner of the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 on February 4, the son of Tapit will enter Saturday’s race as a fresh horse.
“Our original plan was to run him in the third leg (of the Al Maktoum Challenge), but we love how he ran here off the long layoff,” McLaughlin explained. “It was the first time he had really run off an extended break and he set the track record in the process. He answered all the questions and he obviously runs well fresh.”
William Buick, who rode Frosted for the first time in his recent Carnival start, will be back aboard.
“We use the Godolphin jockeys for their horses,” McLaughlin said. “We were familiar with William from the times he rode for Todd (Pletcher) in the States. He rode him beautifully at Meydan and we like the way horse and jockey compliment each other.”
Group 1 US$6m Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines, 2410m (Turf)
Duramente (JPN) – Last year’s Group 1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and the Japanese Derby winner worked easily for a lap on the dirt course under the regular exercise rider Atsunori Hashimoto.
Hashimoto said: “He is sometimes tense as all is new for him. But I think everything has gone well so far.”
One And Only (JPN) – One And Only who finished third in the 2015 renewal, cantered for one lap on the Meydan dirt course under his regular exercise rider Junya Kai.
Kai said: “He had a half gallop on the grass course yesterday, so I gave him an easy canter to stretch his legs this morning. It is his second trip to Dubai and he is likely to get familiarised with the surroundings. He has been very settled since he arrived. He will gallop on turf with jockey Yutaka Take on.”
Dariyan (FR) – Dariyan, trained by Alain de Royer Dupré in France, came out onto the main track at Meydan together with his stable companion Vazirabad (FR), who had travelled on the plane from France on Saturday morning.
Antoine Creton, travelling head lad, was at the track when both of them came out and said: “Dariyan obviously arrived a while ago. He came here on February 12 and ran in the Group 2 Dubai City of Gold Sponsored By Skycargo, where he finished second. This morning he just did his usual routine of a slow canter three quarters around the main track and tomorrow he will work on the grass. He is well.”
Gailo Chop (FR) – Arrived in Dubai on Saturday morning and his rider Steve Haes took him for a spin onto the main track on Monday morning and said: “He travelled well. He is in good form. He recovered his weight very quickly and did his last major work in Bordeaux. We will only let him tick over now this week.”
Postponed (IRE) – Roger Varian will arrive in Dubai on Wednesday to oversee the final few days of the five-year-old’s preparation following on from his stunning debut here with a three-length romp in the Dubai City Of Gold sponsored by Skycargo.
“He has had an easy once-round the all-weather training track this morning and all of his base work is done,” said Varian’s assistant Will Johnson. “He won his lead-up race well and it is just a case of keeping him ticking over now. We will look to give him a blow out on the main turf track on Wednesday morning.”
Highland Reel (IRE) – Aidan O’Brien’s Hong Kong Vase winner is due to arrive in Dubai later this week.
Sheikhzayedroad (GB) – Trainer David Simock’s wife Jennie was aboard the recent Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Skycargo winner as he bids to improve his fourth place effort in last year’s renewal.
After working on the main track, she said: “He has just done a routine canter after his work on Saturday. He might switch to the grass tomorrow morning and then have a blow on Thursday.”
Group 1 US$6m Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World – 1800m (Turf)
Basateen (IRE) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “He surprised us when winning on his local debut and is certainly a nice new recruit. This is a big step up in class but he is fit and well.”
Farrier (USA) – “He ran a massive race on Super Saturday and delighted us all. This is a stronger race again but he is in good form and should run well,” said trainer Satish Seemar.
Flamboyant (FR) – Following back-to-back victories in the Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes and the Grade 2 San Marcos stakes at Santa Anita Park in Southern California, French-bred Flamboyant seeks his first Group 1 victory on Saturday.
The five-year-old gelding galloped 2400m on the all-weather training track at Meydan Racecourse. Arriving at the track at 8am with exercise rider Helen Isler aboard, Flamboyant was equipped with black ear muffs.
Ghaamer (USA) – Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: “He is tough and genuine. He is pleasing us at home and should run his usual, honest, race in a tough heat.”
Forries Waltz (SAF) and Ertijaal (AUS) – “To be honest I think we all have Tryster to beat but both mine are in great form and working well,” said trainer Mike De Kock.
“Ertijaal will probably be ridden positively as he stays well. Forries Waltz has had a nice break so is fit and fresh with a trip to Hong Kong in mind for him after Saturday.”
Harry’s Son (AUS) – Worked 1000m on turf and delighted trainer Paul Lafferty’s assistant, Roy Waugh.
Waugh said: “I’m very happy with him. He’d had 10 months off before his run in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort Sponsored by Meydan Sobha and then ran a bit flat in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile Sponsored by Al Naboodah Construction Group when he wasn’t beaten far. It was then a bit of a rush to get him ready for the Group 1 Jebel Hatta Sponsored by Emirates nine days later and he was a bit unlucky not to be in the money then.
“I’ve been able to freshen him up since and I’m much happier with him. We’re guaranteed a strong pace on Saturday with three front runners in there and, although it will suit Tryster, it will also suit us. It’s obviously a very tough race but I think we’ll run a nice race.”
Gabrial (IRE) – Better than ever as a six-year-old in 2015, when his two runs in Group 1 company produced placings behind Solow, he returns to Meydan for the first time since racking up six runs in three months two years ago.
He spent Monday morning in the quarantine yard, with trainer Richard Fahey reporting from his Malton stable: “I’m told he travelled over fantastically.”
The Corsican (IRE) – A winner at Newbury and Goodwood last year, the five-year-old has won five of his 10 starts and will be having his first run this weekend since finishing sixth in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last October. “He arrived in Dubai on Sunday morning and will have his first outing on the training track tomorrow,” said trainer David Simcock’s wife Jennie.
Intilaaq (GB) – Trainer Roger Varian has made the decision to switch His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned four-year-old to this race instead of the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates following the withdrawal of last year’s winner Solow. The lightly-raced Group 3 winner at Haydock last August has won three of his five starts with his only disappointment coming with finishing down the field in the 2000 Guineas.
“He arrived here on Thursday after a good journey and he has thrived in the warm weather,” said Varian’s assistant Will Johnson. “He has had an easy once-around the all-weather training track today and may have a blow on the grass on Wednesday. It is disappointing Solow isn’t running but, as people say, one man’s loss is another man’s gain.”
Group 1 US$2m Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News, 1200m (Dirt)
Super Jockey (NZ) – Trainer Tony Millard said: “He’s still in quarantine but the word is that he has shipped well. He’s used to it and he finished second in the same race last year. He is very capable of another big run.”
Rich Tapestry (IRE) – Travelling head lad Irving Chan said: “He’s a Dubai expert! He already had two runs during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, winning the first time and then finishing second. He cantered on the big track this morning under work rider Tommy Wong and we just want to keep him as fresh as possible for the race on Saturday.”
Domineer (AUS) – Trainer Caspar Fownes said: “I have just seen him and he is looking good and eating up fine after travelling here last week. I hope he can draw a good gate in the race. He’s in great form and I think he can win a share of the prize. We’re hoping for the best.”
Master Kochanwong (AUS) – Trainer David Hall said: “He only landed there on Sunday morning so he’s still in quarantine. My staff there say that he is okay.”
Confrontation (USA) – Galloped 2400m at Marmoom on Monday morning.
“We decided to skip a work with him three weeks ago and sharpen him up on Wednesday instead,” assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin said. “He went 800m in :48 3/5.”
A win in the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes on February 4 represented Confrontation’s first victory since August 8, 2014.
“But if you look at his past performances, it’s like a who’s who of top horses – Liam’s Map, Tonalist, Lea,” McLaughlin explained. “He was purchased with the meeting in mind.”
William Buick, who was aboard the gelded son of War Pass in the Firebreak, gets the return call on Saturday.
X Y Jet (USA) – Galloped 1800m over the Meydan dirt and trainer Jorge Navarro said: “We are just keeping him happy. He’s been here for a week and is really enjoying the experience here. The windows in the barns, the open air, the 27-minute walk to and from the track in the mornings. He’s usually a crabby horse, but here he’s been very loose.”
X Y Jet enters his latest assignment on a five-race win streak. In the last four of those starts he has been ridden by Emiseal Jaramillo, who will be back aboard on Saturday.
“He (Jaramillo) knows the horse and they have a good connection,” Navarro said. “He’s the all-time leading rider in (his native) Venezuela and he has big dreams.”
Reynaldothewizard (USA) – “We missed Super Saturday to keep him fresh for this. He just seems to keep on improving and must have a good chance in an open race,” said trainer Satish Seemar.
Muarrab (GB) – Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi said: “He was very good on Super Saturday and vindicated our decision to keep him to running just at Meydan this season. He is a better horse this season and must have a good chance.”
Kifaah (GB) – Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: “He just tries his best every time and is very well in himself. He should run a nice race.”
Morawij (GB) – “He won very well last time at Jebel Ali and deserves his chance in this kind of race. Hopefully we get a good draw,” said trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam.
Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Meydan Hotels and Hospitality, 1000m (Turf)
Ertijaal (IRE) – Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe said: “He has won both starts this very well and this has been his target. He is flying at home and hopefully will go very close.”
Fityaan (GB) –“He surprised us on Super Saturday but has always worked like a very good horse. Hopefully he gets a high draw as he seems to like the near side at Meydan,” said trainer Musabah Al Muhairi.
Sole Power (IRE) – The current champion warmed up with a defence of his title by finishing second in the Meydan Sprint sponsored by Arabian Adventures. His trainer Edward Lynam is due to arrive into Dubai tonight and his star sprinter was keen in his work as he covered one lap of the all-weather training track.
Bel Canto (JPN) – The five-year-old mare did not come out on the track at Meydan and just did some walking exercise around the quarantine stable area.
Peniaphobia (IRE) – Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He flew out last week from Hong Kong. He lost some weight on the flight but he is gaining it back every day. That’s all pretty normal. He finished second in this race last year after a similar experience on the flight over and we are hopeful he can win this year.”
Not Listenin’tome (AUS) – Assistant trainer, George Moore said: “He is in quarantine as he only arrived very early on Sunday morning from Hong Kong. He took the travel fine and he will be out on the track later in the week.”
Goldream (IRE) – Last year’s Prix de l’Abbaye winner, who spoiled his two-year record of winning on his seasonal return when only seventh behind Fityaan on Super Saturday, continued his preparation for his second overseas outing with a solo breeze over one circuit of the training track dirt surface.
Buffering (AUS) – The four-time horse of the year in Queensland continued to delight trainer Robert Heathcote with a steady, one-lap canter round the main dirt track under regular work partner Melanie Sharpe.
Heathcote, who expressed himself proud to be flying the flag alone for Australia at the meeting, said: “Melanie knows him better than anyone and says he’s 100 per cent, so that’s good enough for me. I love the way he finished his work with his ears pricked. I’d prefer it if the race was over 1200m, because his biggest asset is his strength, but I’m sure he’s good enough if he brings his A-game to the party.”
Muthmir (IRE) – Winner of the Group 2 King George Stakes in August, three lengths third to Goldream in the Prix de l’Abbaye and a close third on Lingfield’s all-weather surface on his seasonal reappearance, the six-year-old was restricted to exercise in the quarantine area in anticipation of his Meydan debut.
Sir Maximilian (IRE) – Following a similar path to the one that ended with a close sixth to Sole Power in the race a year ago, the seven-year-old completed a very steady solo canter around one circuit of the dirt training track on Monday.
Lady Shipman (USA) – galloped a leisurely 2000m over Meydan’s main oval and assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin said:
“She arrived in Dubai on March 15 and we’ve been taking it easy with her. All the work was done back home. She ran great in the prep (Lady’s Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park on February 4). 1000m turf horses don’t need to be 2000m fit. You want them to be fresh and full of energy on race day. We want explosiveness and a burst.”
Irad Ortiz Jr, who has ridden the daughter of Midshipman in three of her last four starts including a second place finish behind fellow contender Mongolian Saturday while facing males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland Racecourse, will be in the saddle again on Saturday.
Group 2 $US2m UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, 1900m
Polar River (USA) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “She is in very good form and has been a star for us. She has had a smooth preparation since the UAE Oaks and we have to be very hopeful.”
Market Rally (USA) – Will miss the race after sustaining an injury. Trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam commented: “He picked up a bit of a foot injury on Thursday. It was not too serious but he then spiked a temperature and, sadly, had to be medicated so he cannot run. It is a real shame as we were very much looking forward to running him.”
Vale Dori (ARG) – “She missed the first part of the Dubai World Cup Carnival after injury so we were delighted with her run in the UAE Oaks. She has improved a lot since and should run a big race,” said trainer Mike De Kock.
Lani(USA) – The three-year-old Tapit colt Lani did a routine canter for two laps over the dirt course.
Work rider Eishu Maruuchi said: “He was tense on the first day here, and he becomes very aggressive around other horses. But he has got more relaxed today, and he progresses his condition each day. He has a great mood with lots of appetite. He was flexible and moved nicely today. He will gallop on Wednesday.”
Frank Conversation (USA) – Three year-old Triple Crown nominee galloped 2400m at Meydan and if things go as planned the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby winner could have a chance to “Run for the Roses”.
“We’ve got the Kentucky Derby fever,” said Leandro Mora, assistant trainer to Doug O’Neill.
“It’s right around the corner. He’s got ten points piled up (to qualify for the Kentucky Derby) so if we finished second or win we would probably get enough points to make it. And that’s (owner) Paul Reddam’s and our dream.”
Group 2 US$1m Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors
Meadow Creek (GB) – “We think he will stay, in which case he should run well. It is obviously a tough race but we are pleased with him,” said trainer Doug Watson.
Star Empire (SAF) and Tellina (SAF) – Trainer Mike de Kock said: “Star Empire looks certain to run his usual, honest race. He has no secrets from anyone whereas Tellina is something of an unknown. He really pleased us last time and Ryan Moore thought he was a bit unlucky not to finish closer. Ryan wanted to ride him again which must be a good sign!”
Vazirabad (FR) – The Alain de Royer Dupré trained Vazirabad arrived on the plane from France on Saturday morning.
Antoine Creton, travelling head lad for the HH The Aga Khan’s yard, said: “Vazirabad got a little wound up on his trip over, but he is much better now. Yesterday he just trotted and jogged and this morning he went out for a slow canter on the main track, together with Dariyan. He seems well.”
Manatee (GB) – Trained by André Fabre, Manatee seemed in fine form as he was cantering on the main track at Meydan and Richard Lambert, travelling head lad for the Chantilly-based trainer, confirmed: “He looks well. He travelled over here without any problems and has acclimatised quickly.”
Certerach (IRE) – Winner of the race two years ago, the Mick Halford-trained eight-year-old has progressed in his three runs at the Dubai World Cup Carnival this time around and stayed on well for a solid second last time out in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy sponsored by Skycargo. He covered one lap of the main track.
Neo Black Dia(JPN) – The eight-year-old veteran jogged and cantered for one and a half laps over the dirt course at Meydan. He schooled in a paddock ring afterwards.
Hatsuya Kowata, who is a Japan Racing Association jockey and accompanies with Neo Black Dia as the exercise rider, said: “It is his first time overseas but he feels good and he’s eating very well. He is acting about the same as at home.”
Suegioo (FR) – Saddled by Newmarket trainer Marco Botti for four seasons in a 27-race career, the 2014 Chester Cup winner still carries the colours of Dr Marwan Koukash but is now in the care of Richard Fahey, who reported from his Malton stable: “His travel over wasn’t great, he could have eaten and drunk better, I’m told, but there’s time for him to get over it.”
Group 2 US$1m Godolphin Mile sponsored by Meydan Sobha, 1600m (Dirt)
One Man Band (IRE), Cool Cowboy (USA) and Faulkner (GB) – Trainer Doug Watson said: “It is great going into such a race with three nice horses. Cool Cowboy has thrived stepped up in trip recently, while One Man Band has always been aimed at this race. Faulkner did not have the best of preparations early on this season but is back to his best now.”
Gold City (IRE) – Trainer Satish Seemar said: “He should run another big race. He stays well and should not be far away in an open looking contest.”
Prayer For Relief (USA) – Trainer Mike de Kock said: “If this was a 1700m race we would be very hopeful but he should be staying on in the straight. He is in good form but it looks a strong renewal.”
Marking (USA) – galloped a strong 2400m at Marmoom.
Assistant trainer Neil McLaughlin said: “Weather permitting, we’re going to do a little more with him on Tuesday. We’re going to reacquaint him with James (Doyle, jockey) and sent him out of the gate to either breeze 600m or just give him a strong gallop.”
Doyle was aboard for Marking’s first Carnival run on February 11 but he was forced to miss the follow-up start in the Al Naboodah National Plant Trophy two weeks later with a case of appendicitis
