The 14th annual Dubai World Cup racing card starts at 9:40am (EST) with the one mile; Godolphin Mile (gr.II) with a field of 15 entered. The lukewarm early 3-1 morning line favorite is American bred; Two Step Salsa (#4) , which won a sprint race over the course in his desert debut. Finishing eight out of nine times in the money, he will be the first of many morning line favorites I’ll try to beat. My top selection goes to the “other” American runner and winner over the course; Gayego (#13). He also won a sprint prep for this event, but it was in graded stake company. The favorite will be used underneath along with Summer Doldrums (#3), Tiz Now Tiz Then (#8) & Dijeerr (#15).
The desert Kentucky Derby prep is up next in the UAE Derby . Run at the mile an and eighth distance, this year’s favorite towers over the field of 13. Desert Party (#5) , who was one of four American horses purchased last year by Godolphin and Darley Stables, came out the best in winning the two prep races for this event. For second; the “other” American horse that ran behind the top pick in his last two previous races; Regal Ransom (#1) looks to be second best again. Below these two, I’ll use; Lelah Dorak (#3), Redding Colliery (#6) & Naval Officer (#12).
The grade I – Dubai Golden Shaheen is a six furlong test being contest sprinting down a straight chute (no turns). The four year old American filly; Indian Blessing drew the very favorable (#12) spot and will have a clear spot to catch the leaders and gets my top pick. Big City Man (#2) shows a second and two wins in his three desert sprints this year and is my second selection. The exotics plays underneath these two are; Diabolical (#3), Lucky Quality (#4) & Machismo (#9).
The Dubai Duty Free is the first of two grass races on the World Cup card. Here the 7-2 morning line favorite Paco Boy (#4) has never won beyond seven furlongs and will be racing a mile and an eighth today. I won’t be using him at all and look to use a Japanese mare that is 10-1 morning line on top. Vodka (#3) had no chance last time out over the track with a rough trip. Last year she was 4th in this event and looks like the value play here. For second, Archipenko (#10) won the one mile prep for this easily and is the horse to beat. Underneath those two, I’ll use; Gladiatoris (#2), Niconero (#4) & Presvis (#16).
The Dubai Sheema Classic is the turf equivalent of the Dubai World Cup. Fifteen are entered here with no clear cut favorite. Once again, I’ll look for a price with Eastern Anthem (#2) at 20-1 on the morning line. Although he has never faced this kind before, he is two for two over the Nad Al Sheba course during the just concluded carnival. Quijano (#10) may get bet again, but is hard to use on top with just one win in the last two years, I’ll put him second. Front House (#1), Russian Sage (#3) & Doctor Dino (#13) will be the runners used underneath my two longshot plays.
The feature of the mid-afternoon here and main event of the night; the World Cup, doesn’t have a Curlin this year. But, the local favorite gets the call here for me. Asiatic Boy (#4) won the last prep here for this race and the former UAE Derby winner of two years ago will look to win the gold for Michael de Kock. My Indy (#14) for the local connections; Godolphin Stables will get the runner-up spot. I’m going to try and beat the lukewarm American post time favorite Albertus Maximus (#10) and leave him off all my tickets together. Horses I’ll use underneath my top two picks will be; Muhannek (#1), Arson Squad (#2) & Casino Drive (#8).
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