The Dubai World Cup card has attracted 1,423 nominations from 19 different nations for the showpiece $30.5 million meeting at Meydan on Saturday March 30.
In total, 868 horses have been nominated across the nine races, among them 200 entries from Japan – headed by last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro, who is set to defend his title in the 28th edition after running in the Saudi Cup.
• Full list of Dubai World Cup card nominations
Joining him in the $12m Meydan highlight is compatriot Derma Sotogake, winner of the 2023 UAE Derby. Also entered are Breeders’ Cup Classic hero White Abarrio plus last weekend’s Pegasus World Cup winner National Treasure. They feature among 150 US nominations on the card, also including Newgrange, winner of the G2 San Pasqual at Santa Anita on Saturday [Jan 27].
“He came out of the race in great shape,” said trainer Phil D’Amato, before mentioning Meydan.
“Judging by what the owners were saying yesterday, I think that’s what they are leaning towards,” he said. “But it’s still a long way between now and the end of March.”
Already in the field is Dubai-based Kabirkhan, winner of the $1m Maktoum Challenge which was a Dubai World Cup Bonus Series race, allowing automatic entry.
The Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, worth $6m, features top Japanese filly Liberty Island and Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Auguste Rodin. Shahryar, winner of the race in 2022 and fifth in 2023, has also been nominated, as has top British-trained filly Emily Upjohn.
The Dubai Turf is always a truly international affair and there would be few more popular winners than Lord North, aiming to claim the $5m event for a fourth time.
Up against him could be Arima Kinen winner Do Deuce, while Voyage Bubble brings top Hong Kong form into the mix. Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is yet to win this race but that could change with Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Master Of The Seas among those nominated.
There are plenty of defending champions elsewhere on the card, with Sibelius entered for a defence of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. He could be up against 2023 runner-up and 2022 winner Switzerland.
Al Quoz Sprint winner Danyah could also be back to defend his crown and could face last year’s runner up, The Astrologist, as well as fellow Australian Star Patrol.
• Visit the Dubai Racing Club website
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