Cover image courtesy of the Dubai Racing Club
This Saturday, the spotlight will be on Meydan in Dubai for the 2024 Dubai World Cup meeting. Regarded as one of the most captivating events in thoroughbred racing globally, it showcases an elite assembly of top-notch horses competing on a single stage—a spectacle not to be missed for any passionate racing enthusiast.
Meydan's ‘City of Gold’ has historically been a fruitful arena for Australasian contenders. Elvstroem made headlines with a stunning victory in the G1 Dubai Duty Free. Ortensia (Testa Rossa) secured the G1 Al Quoz Sprint title in 2012, while the exceptional Buffering (Mossman) mirrored Ortensia's success in 2016.
“2024 Dubai World Cup meeting is regarded as one of the most captivating events in thoroughbred racing globally.”
The legendary mare Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}) came tantalisingly close to triumphing at Meydan. After clinching the G1 Hong Kong Mile, she showcased her grit with a courageous third-place finish behind Jim And Tonic (Fr) (Double Bed {Fr}) and Fairy King Prawn (Danehill {USA}).
Once more, the Dubai World Cup meeting has drawn a thrilling lineup of contenders from around the world. The Thoroughbred Report will highlight some of these competitors and those with connections to Australasia or those hinting at potential future appearances at carnivals.
Tower Of London eyes Melbourne Cup tilt?
Our preview will begin with the G2 Dubai Gold Cup run over 3200 metres. Godolphin’s 2018 G1 Melbourne Cup winner, Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), prevailed in the race in 2019.
Other winners, such as Brown Panther (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}), contested the Melbourne Cup earlier in his career before winning the Dubai Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Big Orange (GB) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}) contested two Melbourne Cups in between placing in and winning an edition of the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.
Another winner of the Group 2 event, Cavalryman (GB) (Hailing {USA}), also contested a Melbourne Cup, albeit he was unplaced.
Gallery: Previous winners of the G2 Dubai Gold Cup
The 2024 G2 Dubai Gold Cup is headlined by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Earlier in the year, O’Brien indicated the Coolmore-owned 4-year-old gelding is the top seed from the camp for a tilt at the G1 Melbourne Cup in the spring.
Tower Of London has won four races from a mile to 3000 metres, including the G3 Al-Janadriah Red Sea Turf H. in Saudi Arabia and the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown.
The son of Galileo (Ire) will face a field of 15 rivals, including the Andre Fabre-trained Sevennas Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who carries the colours of Terry Henderson’s OTI Racing.
Tower Of London (Ire) | Image courtesy of Godolphin
Sevennas Knight is a 4-year-old entire, who has won twice over 2800 metres. He took out the Listed Prix Michel Houyvet at Deauville and was fourth in the G2 Prix Chaudenay.
Aussies shoot for Al Quoz success
This year’s G1 Al Quoz Sprint will not feature any horses trained in Australia. However, two expatriates are looking to make their mark in the 1200-metre race. Former Queensland-based trainer Michael Costa will send out the longshot Bilhayl (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}). Additionally, Brenton Avdulla, a multiple Australian Group 1-winning jockey, has secured the mount on the formidable Hong Kong-based runner California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner), trained by Tony Cruz.
California Spangle, a progeny of the Australian-bred Starspangledbanner, is no stranger to the limelight. A winner of the G1 Hong Kong Mile champion, California Spangle seeks to add another feather to his sire's cap by securing a Group 1 win on Dubai World Cup night.
“California Spangle seeks to add another feather to his sire's cap by securing a Group 1 win on Dubai World Cup night.”
While there's a noticeable absence of Australian-trained contenders in this year's G1 Al Quoz Sprint, the race still carries an Australian connection.
California Spangle (Ire) | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Representing Hong Kong is the Australian-bred Sight Success (Magnus), trained by John Size. Acquired for $45,000 by Price Bloodstock Management from Dawson Stud at the 2018 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Sight Success boasts nine victories in Hong Kong. Notable among his wins are the G2 Premier Bowl and the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. He also earned a podium finish in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint and previously placed third in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint.
Guiding this son of the late Magnus will be renowned jockey Ryan Moore. Additionally, the Oaklands Stud-based Power (GB), is represented by Ponntos (Ire).
Sight Success | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Trained by Miroslav Nieslanik, this globe-trotting entire has tasted success across France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the United Arab Emirates, securing six victories to date.
Group 1 winner 20 for Exceed?
Darley recently retired their outstanding sire, Exceed And Excel, from stud duties. The week of that announcement, the Godolphin homebred Cylinder provided his sire with his 19th Group 1 winner in the Newmarket H.
Exceed And Excel has another opportunity to secure Group 1 winner 20 when his 8-year-old son, Leading Spirit (Ire), steps out in the G1 Golden Shaheen. The Bhupat Seemer-trained Leading Spirit is rated as a 20/1 shot but has been racing in form fine.
Exceed And Excel | Image courtesy of Darley
He has won twice and placed four times from 11 attempts at the Meydan track and was a last-start Group 3 victor of the Mahab Al Shimaal on the track.
The G1 Golden Shaheen is proving an open race, with the Koichi Shintani-trained Remake (Jpn) (Lani {Jpn}) and Sibelius (USA) (Not This Time {USA}) from the Jeremiah O’Dwyer stable sharing favouritism briefly from the Wesley Ward runner Nakatomi (USA) (Firing Line {USA}).
Arron and Bubble face international stars
One of the most intriguing races on the Dubai World Cup program is the G1 Dubai Turf, featuring a stellar field of 16 contenders over 1800 metres. The race brings a rich tapestry of form lines, drawing talents from Ireland, England, Japan, and Hong Kong.
“The race (G1 Dubai Turf) brings a rich tapestry of form lines, drawing talents from Ireland, England, Japan, and Hong Kong.”
Leading the charge is the Japanese contender, Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}), a 5-year-old trained by Yasuo Tomomichi. With an impeccable record at the distance, Do Deuce arrives fresh off a triumph in the prestigious G1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama.
Do Deuce (Jpn) | Image courtesy of the Japan Racing Association
However, to secure victory, Do Deuce will have to outshine the formidable duo from the John and Thady Gosden stable. Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) aims for a historic fourth win in the G1 Dubai Turf, while his stablemate Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) boasts an impressive resume, including three Group 1 victories, notably the G1 Prix de Diane.
Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) is another with the talent to secure victory. This versatile performer has showcased his versatility on the global stage, with recent performances including a fourth-place finish in the G2 Howden Neom Turf Cup, a runner-up spot in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup behind the G1 Cox Plate victor, Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {Ire}), and a third-place finish in the G1 Irish Champions S. to his star stablemate, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).
Throwing their hats into the ring to challenge the favourites are the Australian-bred Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock) and Voyage Bubble (Deep Field), both hailing from Hong Kong. Straight Arron, to be ridden by Brenton Avdulla for trainer Caspar Fownes, previously tasted success in Australia under the guidance of Chris Waller, clinching the G3 Carbine Club S.
Gallery: Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) is another with the talent to secure victory
Meanwhile, Voyage Bubble, trained by Ricky Yiu, boasts an impressive record with six victories, including the G1 Stewards’ Cup and the Listed Hong Kong Derby and Hong Kong Classic Mile. Mickael Barzalona will partner the son of Deep Field, who has also placed in the G1 Hong Kong Mile and the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup.
Auguste and Liberty set to clash
We are only three months into the new racing year, and already racing enthusiasts are set to witness one of ‘showdowns’ of the calendar year.
The G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic will pit Aidan O’Brien’s five-time Group 1 winner, Auguste Rodin, against Japan’s star filly, Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) from the Mitsumasa Nakauchida stable.
Despite recently turning four, the two bring formidable records to the 2410-metre event. Auguste Rodin took out the G1 Doncaster Futurity Trophy as a 2-year-old and trained on to salute in the G1 The Derby at Epsom Downs.
Auguste Rodin | Image courtesy of Coolmore
The Coolmore and partners-raced son of Deep Impact (Jpn) then secured a facile success in the G1 Irish Derby and G1 Irish Champion S. before he illustrated further to the world his class with a success in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Meanwhile, Liberty Island, who boasts an Australian connection being the daughter of the Darby Racing-raced dual Group 1 winner Yankee Rose (Manhattan Rain), dominated the filly diversion in Japan, sweeping the Fillies Triple Crown. She was more than gallant when finding only the retired Champion Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) too good in the G1 Japan Cup.
Auguste Rodin and Liberty Island dominate much of the pre-race hype. However, if either they are unlucky in running or fail to fire their best shot, there’s a host of classy runners ready to capitalise on the situation.
Liberty Island (Jpn) | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Outside of Liberty Island, the Japanese bring a strong group of runners looking for a third consecutive victory in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Among them is the 2022 returning champ, Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). Successful in four races, Shahryar, in addition to his Dubai Sheema Classic win, counts the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) and has twice been placed in the G1 Japan Cup.
Stars On Earth (Jpn), also a daughter of Duremente (Jpn), was crowned the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in Japan in 2022 and has placed in the G1 Arima Kinen, the G1 Osaka Hai and the G1 Victoria Mile, among her notable efforts.
Meanwhile, Godolphin’s Rebel Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) are dual Group 1 winners. The French-trained representative, Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), is another dual Group 1 winner, including a last-start victor of the G1 Hong Kong Vase.
Kabirkhan to emulate sire in Dubai World Cup?
In 2016, California Chrome (USA) captivated the racing world with his rags-to-riches tale, clinching the G1 Dubai World Cup. The son of Lucky Pulpit (USA) was modestly bred, costing just US$10,000 (AU$15,300). He went on to salute in North America’s most prestigious races as a 3-year-old: the G1 Kentucky Derby and the G1 Preakness S., before securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the G1 Belmont S.
After a runner-up performance in the 2015 Dubai World Cup, California Chrome returned to Meydan the following year, delighting his devoted fans, known as ‘Chromies’, with an emotional victory.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the Dubai World Cup narrative could unfold another enchanting chapter centred around California Chrome. This time, the spotlight shines his son, Kabirkhan (USA), set to compete in the G1 Dubai World Cup. Trained by Doug Watson, this once-overlooked gelding has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before joining Watson's stable, Kabirkhan’s racing journey took him through Kazakhstan and Russia, where he was beaten in the Russian Derby. However, he has won 10 races in total, including a maiden Group 1 triumph in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge S. at Meydan. Acquired for a modest US$12,000 (AU$18,400) by Nadir Khassanov at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Kabirkhan has emerged as a rising star.
Kabirkhan (USA) | Image courtesy of Doug Watson Racing
Among the challengers for Kabirkhan is the defending champion, Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}). The North American representation is robust, with dual Group 1 winner Defunded (USA) (Dialed In {USA}) and the recent G1 Santa Anita H. victor Newgate (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}), set to be piloted by the Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori, are more than capable of winning the race.
Adding to the intrigue is Senor Buscador (USA) (Mineshaft {USA}). Trained by Todd W Fincher, the 6-year-old gelding beat Ushba Tesoro in a thrilling finish at the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh, solidifying his credentials as a strong contender for the coveted title.
