The excitement for the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup is reaching new heights as contenders finalize their preparations at Meydan. Among them, Imperial Emperor has garnered significant attention with a series of strong performances leading up to the event. Trained by Bhupat Seemar, this talented runner has secured three victories and a second-place finish in four outings this season. His commanding triumph in the Al Maktoum Classic has positioned him as a key contender for the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup. Seemar, expressing confidence in his charge, emphasized that the team is focused on maintaining his peak condition ahead of the big race.
Imperial Emperor’s ownership under the British-based syndicate Deva Racing has added an extra layer of enthusiasm to his campaign. Having acquired the horse from Godolphin last year, the group is now set to witness their silks competing in the feature race for the first time. Their success in both Britain and Ireland has extended seamlessly to Dubai, where they now stand on the brink of a remarkable achievement.
Tadhg O’Shea has been overseeing the preparations for Imperial Emperor and will retain the ride on race day. Stablemate Walk Of Stars, another strong contender from Seemar’s yard, will be guided by Mickael Barzalona. In other notable jockey assignments, Frankie Dettori will partner with Mixto, while Florent Geroux takes the reins of Wathnan Racing’s Hit Show. The Japanese duo of Wilson Tesoro and Ushba Tesoro, trained by Noboru Takagi, are also expected to be strong challengers, having displayed solid form in the Saudi Cup.
The formidable Forever Young, who impressed with a powerful performance in the Saudi Cup, is widely considered the one to beat. The Yoshito Yahagi-trained runner is coming off a stellar season that included top finishes in the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His presence has drawn significant attention, with international media keenly following his progress at Meydan.
In the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, Japanese talent is well-represented with multiple Grade 1 winners in the mix. Last year’s Tokyo Yushun victor, Danon Decile, had a light workout on the turf track, while fellow contenders Cervinia and Shin Emperor completed their morning routines. European hopes rest on Giavellotto, who has consistently competed at elite levels. Trainer Marco Botti’s team is optimistic about his chances, particularly after his impressive victory in the Hong Kong Vase.
Hong Kong’s champion Romantic Warrior is set for another major challenge in the $5 million Dubai Turf. After a runner-up finish in the Saudi Cup, the talented performer has been thriving in Dubai. Trainer Danny Shum, thrilled with his progress, expressed confidence that the horse is in peak form heading into the race. Facteur Cheval, last year’s winner, has remained in Dubai since January, acclimating well to his surroundings and showing promising signs in training.
The $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen promises to be a thrilling sprint showdown, with local favorite Tuz going head-to-head with Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Straight No Chaser. Drew’s Gold, who has been sharpening his gate skills, is expected to be a strong challenger, while trainer Julio Olascoaga remains hopeful that race tactics will play to his advantage.
The prestigious Al Quoz Sprint will see West Acre attempt to extend his winning streak following dominant performances at Meydan. Trainer George Scott acknowledges the competitive nature of the race but remains optimistic about his horse’s ability to handle the challenge.
In the UAE Derby, Queen Azteca aims to become the first filly in over a decade to claim victory in the event. With an impressive come-from-behind win in the UAE Oaks, she has captured the attention of racing enthusiasts and represents the hopes of Scandinavian connections.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Gold Cup will feature Double Major, a French-trained competitor with an excellent record over staying distances. Trainer Christophe Ferland has been gradually increasing his workload since arriving in Dubai and is pleased with his progress. Another intriguing entry is No Lunch, who will contest the Godolphin Mile. With an impressive pedigree and a solid recent performance in France, he is expected to put up a strong fight in this highly competitive field.
As race day approaches, the international racing community eagerly awaits one of the sport’s most prestigious nights. The Dubai World Cup is set to deliver world-class competition, bringing together top talent from across the globe. Fans and bettors alike will be closely monitoring the final workouts and jockey bookings as the countdown to the grand spectacle continues.
