Dubai World Cup
Dubai World Cup - an unmissable event!
One of the clichés regularly trotted out to help hype a sporting event is the tag 'unmissable'.Well, with regard to the 2010 Dubai World Cup, the power of the Emirates PR and marketing machine has ensured that the $10 million race will be genuinely hard to miss!
In addition to being covered by the dedicated racing channels, RUK and ATR, the world's richest race will also be shown live on Sky Sports 4 (as part of a 5 hour show), live on Europsort and live on Channel 4. Irish viewers can also tune into TG4 for another 5 hour show.
The new racetrack at Meydan is a truly awesome feat of architecture and construction, but for all its expanse and expense, it is a mere backdrop to a wonderful, international card on Saturday, which concludes with the World Cup at 5.45pm.
Despite the mega prize-fund, the World Cup has failed to attract the very best thoroughbreds. There is no Zenyatta, no Coolmore contenders and even the hosts have failed to produce or buy an entry with a realistic chance.
Here follows a brief summary of the Dubai World Cup 2010 field
Gio Ponti may pay to ignore his defeat at Tampa Bay last time when the trip was too short and his trainer has left plenty to work on. Best judged on his excellent effort when runner-up to Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Should have no problems with the racing surface and he has been prepared with this race in mind.
Twice Over regular work companion Tranquil Tiger easily won the Winter Derby at Lingfield last Saturday to give connections a timely boost. Cecil is a past master at handling and improving older horses, so although he is held by Gio Ponti on their running in the Breeders' Cup, it would be no surprise to see those placings reversed.
Vision d'Etat a proven international star who's last three wins have come at Longchamp, Ascot and Sha Tin. With only 13 runs under his belt, this French raider is another who still has scope to improve. Despite being unproven on artificial surfaces, Olivier Peslier's mount still looks sure to be a contender on Saturday.
Gitano Hernando amazing progress since winning his maiden at Wolverhampton in November 2008, and only defeat since came in the Dee Stakes at Chester. Showed he was up to Grade One class when travelling to Santa Anita last autumn to win the Goodwood. Warmed up with a prep win at Lingfield and will have Kieren Fallon on board.
Red Desire top class Japanese filly who showed herself able to mix it with the boys when third in the Japan Cup last year. Warmed up with a great effort in Round 3 of the Maktoum Challenge on Super Thursday when coming late and fast to beat Gloria de Campeao (gave 4lbs), Soumillon replaces Peslier - not a bad substitute!
Crowded House former Epsom Derby favourite, will need the early pace in the World Cup to be strong to have a chance. Has run well in defeat in both starts at Meydan this winter, the last time finishing 2nd over the World Cup course and distance to Allybar. Entitled to still be progessing and if getting a strong gallop, could reach a place.
Richard's Kid hit the headlines for Bob Baffert when winning the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, but subsequent form has been mixed. Beaten by Gitano Hernando in the Goodwood, the 5 year old could only manage 6th in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Won a Grade 2 at Santa Anita last month, but has something to find on the figures in this company.
Allybar has enjoyed his winter in Meydan for Godolphin and could give Ahmed Ajtebi a great ride. Not disgraced when 4th to Red Desire on Super Thursday, Allybar will go off a bigger price than he perhaps should as stable jockey Frankie Dettori has stayed loyal to the Classic winner Mastery.
Gloria de Campeao Tiago Josue Pereira will be least known of the jockeys riding in the World Cup, but he has won close on 2000 winners in his native Brazil and his mount here is an uncomplicated ride, so he could easily start a value price. His form is solid (2nd in this in 2009) and his run-style means he will be clear of any trouble.
Mastery not the obvious target for a St Leger winner who subsequently struggled for pace over an extended trip in the Breeders' Cup Marathon, but bearing in mind the connections desire to win this prize, his challenge should be respected. Will surely need a crazy pace on Saturday to have a chance of a medal.
Lizard's Desire progressive form in handicaps during the Carnival, this South African runner won off marks of 100 and 107 before finding all the trouble going behind Red Desire on Super Thursday. Kevin Shea replaces Soumillon for this race, but even allowing for the bad luck last time, this class looks to be too high for the de Kock contender.
Furthest Land winner of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita, this tough 5 year old is a likeable sort, but has no winning form at this trip and will be an outsider here
Mr Brock mount of Ryan Moore ran a great race to be 3rd to Red Desire on Super Thursday, but others had tougher trips so may find it hard to figure at the finish
Amor De Pobre no offence to Grade One form in Kuwait, but I find it hard to believe that The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques Cup run is good enough!
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