Dubai World Cup Pen Pics

There are 15 runners carded to go to post for the $12-million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.

Below are details of all the runners.

Algiers

The only European runner, he failed to make an impact in the Godolphin Mile last year but has thrived this year, impressing in the opening two legs of the Al Maktoum Challenge. An uncomplicated and strong-travelling gelding, he possesses a sharp turn of foot and should go close. He comes here a fresh horse as connections deliberately missed Round III of the Al Maktoum Challenge and turned down an invite for the Saudi Cup to wait for Dubai’s showpiece.

Bendoog

By exciting young US sire Gun Runner, he has raced exclusively at Meydan, winning two of his nine races, all on dirt. A confirmed front-runner, he is a consistent performer and ran fourth in last year’s UAE Derby. He was no match for Algiers earlier in the year and it’s hard to see him making an impact in this company.

Café Pharoah

A three-time Grade 1 winner on dirt in Japan, he ran well on his first start overseas when finishing a close third behind Panthalassa and Country Grammer in the Saudi Cup. This son of US Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner American Pharoah is a reliable type and should go well under Joao Moreira.

Country Grammer

Won the race 12 months ago and comes here on the back of a terrific second to Panthalassa in Riyadh. He has the assistance of Frankie Dettori, a four-time Dubai World Cup winning jockey. He will appreciate the stiffer test of stamina at Meydan and will take plenty of stopping.

Crown Pride

Winner of the UAE Derby 12 months ago. Winless since but wasn’t disgraced in the Saudi Cup, finishing sixth. Will enjoy return to Meydan and holds minor claims of becoming the first horse since Thunder Snow to win both the UAE Derby and Dubai World Cup.

Emblem Road

Shock 50-1 winner of the 2022 Saudi Cup. Never landed a blow when defending his title, having lost ground at the start but plugged on to finish sixth. Can’t be ruled out if avoiding a tardy start, as step up to 2000m in his favour.

Geoglyph

The 2022 Japanese 2000 Guineas winner. Finished a respectable fourth in the Saudi Cup, an encouraging effort on his dirt debut in a strong race for a horse with little experience. Needs to take a step forward on his Meydan debut to make his presence felt.

Jun Light Bolt

Has progressed since switching to dirt. Defeated Crown Pride in the Champions Cup, his third win on dirt. Never fired in the Saudi Cup when trailing in a well-beaten seventh. It’s encouraging Ryan Moore remains loyal, but it is hard to see him making an impression on Saudi Cup form.

Panthalassa

A classy, versatile performer, dead-heated (with Lord North) in the 2022 Dubai Turf and won the Saudi Cup on his dirt debut. Will find it hard to adopt his customary front-running tactics here and reservations he will see out the 2000m trip. Easy to oppose from the widest draw.

Remorse

Sixth last year. A tough and consistent gelding who has won two of his seven races on dirt at Meydan, he faces a stiff task on his Saudi Cup form when beaten eight lengths. However, back on home soil he could easily outrun his odds and can’t be totally dismissed.

Salute The Soldier

Winner of Round III of the Al Maktoum Challenge, the veteran bids to become only the second eight-year-old, after Prince Bishop, to win the Dubai World Cup. A creditable fifth behind Mystic Guide two years ago, he faces a stiff task and hard to see being involved at the business end.

Super Corinto

Earned a late call-up and is the joint lowest-rated horse in the field with an official mark of 111. Began his career in Chile, winning four times, including at Grade 1 level, before switching to the USA. Effective on dirt but will struggle in this company. Readily ruled out.

T O Keynes

A useful performer but is exposed, having had 21 races on dirt. Defeated Crown Pride in the JBC Classic but held in two runs since. Now six, he’s likely to find a few too good and is unlikely to threaten in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

Ushba Tesoro

Blossomed since switching to dirt, winning five of his six races, the most recent the Kawasaki Kinen. Progressive horse with a likeable attitude and if finding further improvement, he can’t be discounted at fair odds.

Vela Azul

Classy Japanese six-year-old. Won the 2022 Japan Cup, first Group 1 success on his sixth start on turf. Failed to reach that level since when well-held behind Equinox in Arima Kinen in late December. Modest strike-rate on dirt, 2-16, and is hard to fancy.