Saturday is Dubai World Cup night, so what are the latest murmurs from Meydan?
View All Of Today’s Betting Markets Now!Will Luck Be A Lady, On Saturday Night?
No female horse has ever won the Dubai World Cup. Erwan Charpy’s Furia Cruzada is next in line to try her luck and the French trainer reckons she will not be intimidated by the old boys’ club.
“We are not running to be a participant and we will give it a go. She’s not afraid of keeping her place in the pack.
“She’s a lovely mare, you know. She’s been in many different countries, been Champion Mare in Chile, in Argentina, and then moved to England and ran really good races in England, ran well at Royal Ascot. On the dirt, she truly deserves to try her luck against the boys.
“Obviously, it is a big task to ask but you know, she’s very game, she handled the track well. I don’t think she is going to create a big upset but I’m hoping for a big run. This is typical Dubai. Chilean mare, owner by an owner in Uzbekistan, with an Italian jockey and a French UAE-based trainer.
“The UAE is like the United Nations. That’s what the World Cup is and that’s what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, always wanted, the World Cup being a gathering point of the best horses from all over the world.”
Baffert’s Charge Ready To Blast-Off
Arrogate is, of course, the one they will all have to beat in the feature race and Bob Baffert remains bullish about the chances of his star inmate. The American horse has been drawn 9 of 13 and the trainer says he is happy with this outcome.
“I know I have a great horse. If he just repeats his last race we’ll be in good shape. 9 is fine. The main thing for him is to get away, then it’s up to (jockey) Mike Smith to decide.”
Alain’s Pair All-Set
Alain de Royer Dupré has an excellent record at this meeting and both Zarak and Vazirabad will carry his hopes, in Dubai.
“Last year Vazirabad had to battle to win. It was a hard race, as he hadn’t had a prep race. So this year we thought it better to bring him over early and give him a run. He doesn’t do much in the morning. Since we have had him, we have always known that he is better on his second or third start.
“Vazirabad is still the same horse as last year, just a year older. I came over last week to watch him and Zarak work. In fact, both horses did their last bit of serious work (March 14). I took them to work on the grass on the training track, as the track is slightly softer than the track at Meydan.
“Zarak worked with a lead horse who came from France. He worked well and quickened well, and I’m very happy with him. He wasn’t a hundred percent fit for his last race, which he won well. And he has come on from that.
“As to Vazirabad, he did a good canter, but didn’t need to work like Zarak, as he only ran four weeks ago. From now on, they are just doing some light exercise.”
Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision Has Made The DWC A Picture Of Health
Saeed Al Tayer, who is Chairman at Meydan City Corporation has hailed the success of the Dubai World Cup. Speaking to jockeys, trainers and industry guests, at the announcement of post position draws, he was full of praise for Sheikh Mohammed.
“There are multiple factors that come together to fashion the Dubai World Cup, but none are as important to us than the spirit of entrepreneurship, positivity and ambition that has been imparted to us by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Twenty-one years ago, Sheikh Mohammed took the racing world by storm by announcing the world’s richest day of horse racing. It was a plan to present a sporting event that would be unparalleled where the best of the best would compete not just for global honours, but also for horse racing’s richest prize.
“Today, the Dubai World Cup has transformed into more than just a sporting event. It is deeply embossed into the social fabric of the UAE and Dubai. It is a platform upon which our richest treasure is showcased; the UAE’s people and the diverse cultural fabric of humanity who have come here to be a part of and extend the fundamental beliefs of His Highness’s vision.
“The Dubai World Cup is not just about quality racing, the best horses and rich prize money. It pioneers across various facets in the sport.”
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