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Fields taking shape for Dubai World Cup program |
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3/4/2006 9:13:04 AM |
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 The fields for the world's richest day of racing are taking shape as American-based horses will attempt to continue their success in the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), one of six Thoroughbred stakes worth $21-million, on March 25 at Nad al Sheba racecourse.
The contingent of U.S.-based runners targeting the 2,000-meter (9.94 furlongs) dirt race includes Donn Handicap (G1) winner Brass Hat, Hawthorne Gold Cup (G2) winner Super Frolic, and Clark Handicap (G2) winner Magna Graduate.
The top challenger to the American horses – which have won five of ten runnings of the World Cup, including the last two in a row – could be Kane Hekili, a winner of eight of 12 starts in Japan, including the 2005 Japan Cup Dirt.
Four American runners are listed as possible for the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) at 1,777 meters (8.83 furlongs) on the turf. Richard Mandella, who trained Pleasantly Perfect to win the Dubai World Cup in 2004, is expected to return to Dubai with the eight-year-old gelding The Tin Man, recent winner of the San Marcos Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.
Also targeting the Dubai Duty Free are 2005 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (G1) winner Host (Chi), 2005 Dubai Duty Free runner-up Whilly (Ire), and San Gabriel Handicap (G2) winner Badge of Silver, trained by Bobby Frankel and owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, who campaigned last year's Dubai World Cup winner Roses in May.
American horses have also won five of ten runnings of the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1), a 1,200-meter (5.96-furlong) dirt race. Malibu Stakes (G1) winner Proud Tower Too leads the U.S. contingent that also could include Mr. Prospector Handicap (G3) winner Gaff, Palos Verdes Handicap (G2) winner Major Success, 2003 Golden Shaheen third-place finisher Captain Squire, Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes winner Bordonaro, 2005 WinStar Derby victor Thor's Echo, and 2005 California Cup Sprint Handicap winner Jet West.
Trainer Christophe Clement's Relaxed Gesture (Ire) will look to make his first start since a breakthrough 4½-length victory in the Canadian International Stakes (Can-G1) on October 23 at Woodbine in the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1), a 2,400-meter (11.93-furlong) turf race. Multiple Grade 1 winner Island Fashion is targeting the $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2), as is Iowa Derby winner Shamoan (Ire).
Other top international runners could include England's David Junior, winner of the 2005 Champion Stakes (Eng-G1) in the Dubai World Cup, and recent Al Fahidi Fort (UAE-G2) winner Linngari in the Dubai Duty Free. Ouija Board (GB), an English classic winner who won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1), Ireland's Alexander Goldrun, and Japan's Heart's Cry are being considered for the Dubai Sheema Classic.
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