UAE: More than 1,600 entries, including 892 individual horses from 21 different countries, have been received for the 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting, which takes place on Saturday, March 25 at Meydan.
FULL LIST OF DUBAI WORLD CUP CARD ENTRIES
One of the most spectacular days of racing on the global calendar, this will be the 27th running of the meeting, which offers $30.5million in prize-money across nine races. The feature event is the G1 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, which has attracted 171 entries, including 24 individual G1 winners.
Among them is Country Grammer, who could attempt to become just the second horse to win two Dubai World Cups if he takes his chance for trainer Bob Baffert and owner Zedan Racing, who have also nominated three-time Grade I winner Taiba. Joining them on the trip from America could be longshot Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike.
Japan’s Panthalassa dead-heated in the Dubai Turf last year but holds a Dubai World Cup nomination this time, while upset 2022 Saudi Cup winner Emblem Road could make his UAE debut.
The Longines Dubai Sheema Classic carries a purse of $6m and has attracted a superb bunch of entries, including 2022 winner Shahryar as well as Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Arima Kinen winner Equinox.
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has entered Rebel’s Romance, winner of the 2021 UAE Derby and the 2022 G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf. Nominated from the UK is the John & Thady Gosden-trained Emily Upjohn, winner of the G1 Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot.
The $5m Dubai Turf has interested 21 individual G1 winners, headed by Hong Kong superstar, the seven-time G1 winner Golden Sixty, the world #4 according to Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings. Dual winner Lord North could also be back for more.
The Dubai Golden Shaheen has been a good race for the Americans down the years and they have nominated 14, including the Steve Asmussen-trained Gunite. Leading the home challenge is last year’s winner Switzerland, while dual runner-up Red Le Zele and Saudi Sprint winner Dancing Prince are among the strong Japanese entries.
The G1 Al Quoz Sprint on turf could see the well-travelled Artorius make the journey from Australia for trainer Anthony Freedman, while Appleby has nominated his G1 winner Creative Force.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Victoria Road is an eyecatching entry for Aidan O’Brien as he chases his fourth win in the UAE Derby, one of three G2s on the card. Potential rivals include Baffert’s Mr Fisk, Newgate and Speed Boat Beach, while Brad Cox has nominated 13, including Kentucky Derby hopes Instant Coffee, Verifying and Victory Formation.
The G2 Dubai Gold Cup, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, which could see the return of 2021 winner Subjectivist, unseen since his five-length win in the Ascot Gold Cup after Dubai.
“We are delighted by the strength and depth of entries for this year’s Dubai World Cup meeting,” said Stephanie Cooley, the Dubai Racing Club’s international manager. “To have horses from more than 20 countries considering the trip shows the meeting’s continued global appeal.”
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