Favourite Almond Eye has her work cut out for her. The Japanese Triple Crown (Fillies) winner goes up against stalwarts such as John Gosden’s Without Parole, Saeed bin Suroor’s Dream Castle, Casper Fownes’ Southern Legend, Mike de Kock’s Yulong Warrior and many others.
Sakae Kunieda trained daughter of Lord Kanola, is unbeaten in 7 of her 8 starts. This is her first international trip and she appears to be in good form after her travels to Dubai.
Godolphin owned Dream Castle has been unbeaten in three of his last starts, the last one being the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday night. Suroor has reason to believe the colt will follow in Benbetl’s footsteps and win international crusades around the world. The Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup night is to be launch board for the campaign.
I Can Fly is part of the Irish raider’s continent from Ballydoyle. The son of Fastnet Rock was runner-up in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes but disappointing the Gr.1 Breeders Cup Mile. The colt won the conditions race thereafter. He may not find it easy to beat his betters.
Casper Fownes’ trained Southern Legend has been in Dubai for the past few weeks and has a better feel for the Meydan track. The Not A Single Doubt colt has yet to secure his first Group One and will be looking to begin here.
Without Parole is owned by the breeders of the 2018 Triple Crown winner, Justify. The colt won the Gr.1 St. James's Palace Stakes in spectacular style last year, however, his performance thereafter has been disappointing.
Godolphin’s ex-racing manager, Simon Crisford’s Cape Cross colt has been racing well at Meydan however he still has to make a powerful impression. He may be outclassed in this august field.
Mike de Kock trained-Yulong Prince is newly arrived in Dubai but is a wild card who is expected to do magic on the track. Yulong Prince is owned by Yulong Stables, the racing interest of Chinese coal mining magnate, windfarm and hotel billionaire, and Everest Slot holder, Zhang Yuesheng.
Yuesheng’s ambition is to establish a global racing empire and has been on record saying that he’d like to win a race on Dubai World Cup night, “within five years”. This might just be the year when that happens.
David O'Meara trained-Lord Glitter last won the Gr.3 Strensall Stakes (2018), his recent performance doesn’t show he is in Group One winning form.
Charlie Appleby’s Wooton is looking for vengeance with Dream Castle for defeating him in the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta. However, whether the Wootton Bassett is in peak form to take on the latter remains to be seen.
The Gr.1 Shuka Sho winner Deirdre winner has been pitted against several horses appearing in this field but has always has difficulty besting her betters. She was third in the last two Dubai Turf races and was runner up in the Hong Kong cup. It will be interesting to see if she is able to improve her form this year.
Deep Impact daughter, Vivlos was runner-up in the last running of this race and is expected to deliver a strong performance this year as well. However, with other contenders such as Almond Eye in the running, this year will be a challenge for the mare.
Mike de Kock’s other lightly raced colt Majestic Mambo needs considerable improvement to compete against the Dubai Turf field this year.
And finally, Saeed bin Suroor’s other entry in the race is Mountain Hunter who has shown fine form by winning two handicap races at Meydan recently. However, he has never won a Group race. This may be a huge step up in class.
Winner 2018:
Click here to Runner list 2019
Race Info:
Distance: 1,800 metres, Surface: Turf, Track: Left-handed,Qualification: Northern Hemisphere 4yo+ & Southern Hemisphere 3yo+,Weight: SH 3yo: 54.5kg.,NH & SH 4yo+: 57kg. Allowance fillies and mares 2kg, Purse: US$5 million
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com