Ten millions pounds of cash spread right across the card ➜ Meydan magic: Trainers reveal future ambitions outside $12 Million World Cup
This Saturday’s racecourse also promises plenty of drama and tactical intrigue. With a host of veteran stars and up-and-coming talent in the spotlight, trainers were busy putting final touches to preparations on Wednesday.
John Gosden’s Ombudsman, the legendary British trainer, got a leg stretch on the Tapeta before his $5 million Dubai Turf. Gosden, whose previous Meydan winners are led by Dar Re Mi and Mishriff, spoke of planning the 30th anniversary of the carnival carefully.
“It’s been the plan since last year… this is what we’ve targeted,” he said. “He’s stronger and bigger now; he’s a horse who’s matured over the years… He is still kind of a nervous-type horse; he likes to look at everything. He has a very inquisitive mind.”
In the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, Bentornato made it back to Meydan for his five-year-old debut after winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Its inside draw is a concern for trainer Jose d’Angelo, who remains optimistic.
“He’s really good and he’s holding the condition very nicely… And he loves this track as well,” he said. Bentornato is trying to become just the second horse to capture both the American sprinting championship and his Emirati equivalent.
The United States has its flag raised in the $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint with Reef Runner. The gelding’s adaptability was praised by his trainer David Fawkes. “He’s acclimatized very well and he seems to like this hot weather… I think we have the horse that can win this race,” he said.
Young talent will also be on display in the $1 million UAE Derby. Godolphin’s Japanese candidate Pyromancer, who is three from three, will be ridden by James Doyle in his first UAE Derby mount. Harry Sweeney, president of Godolphin Japan, said: “In theory he has a really good chance but this is a horse race and we have huge respect for all these other runners as well … We will focus on this race and if it goes well then look to the next option.”
Staying tests are also the order of the day in the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup. Joseph O’Brien dishes out G1 Irish St Leger victor Al Riffa and G2 Red Sea Turf winner Sons And Lovers, helped by former Gold Cup-winning handler Mick Halford.
“They are seasoned travellers… it has panned out exactly as we planned,” said Halford, noting Meydan’s two-mile test had been one the Kuwaiti connections prepared for carefully. Completing a high-class field is Caballo De Mar, who’s fresh from landing the 4,000m Prix du Cadran.
Trainer George Scott continued, “I always had this race as a good step up… he’s an upfront runner in his races and we’ll see what he does against horses that are proven at that level.”
From minor sprints to major marathons, greenhorns to seasoned campaigners, Meydan’s carnival is a smorgasbord of global talent. But behind the glamour and the $12 million main event, connections are working through draws, conditions of the track and tactics, with each race offering its own narrative and a chance for glory.