The stage is set for the $12 million G1 Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline), with the post-position draw revealing key insights into how Saturday’s race might unfold. Among the top contenders, Saudi Cup winner FOREVER YOUNG has drawn stall five, a placement that sits well with trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who expressed relief at avoiding an inside post.
“We thought that the wider we got, the better. I didn’t want stall one or two for him, so he gets a fair race, though it’s not a big matter anyway,” said Yahagi.
Defending Dubai World Cup champion USHBA TESORO will break from stall four as he attempts to retain his crown. The Japanese superstar had a wider draw of eight when victorious last year, but his trainer remains confident in his ability to handle any challenge. His stablemate WILSON TESORO, who finished behind Forever Young in the G1 Saudi Cup, will start from stall three, with trainer Noboru Takagi content at avoiding an outside gate.
The front-running WALK OF STARS will benefit from an ideal inside draw in stall one. Trainer Bhupat Seemar called it a “great draw” and expects the horse to set a strong early pace. His stablemate IMPERIAL EMPEROR, who finished second in the Al Maktoum Challenge, will have to overcome a tougher assignment from stall ten.
Another leading contender, RAMJET, who has finished behind Forever Young in his last three starts, will start from stall nine, while RATTLE N ROLL, representing the United States, secured stall two. His trainer Kenny McPeek welcomed the inside post, noting that it will allow the horse to save ground.
Among the other key runners, IL MIRACOLO will break from stall six, while HIT SHOW starts from stall seven. Trainer Antonio Sano described his charge as a “competitor” and was pleased with his middle draw.
The Dubai World Cup meeting features several top-tier races, including the G1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World), where ROMANTIC WARRIOR will break from barrier nine in his bid for an 11th Group 1 victory. The Hong Kong champion was a dominant winner in the G1 Jebel Hatta earlier this year and his jockey, James McDonald, remains confident despite the wider berth.
In the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Godolphin’s REBEL’S ROMANCE will start from stall four as he looks to defend his title and become the first back-to-back winner of the race.
With the draw now complete, anticipation builds for a thrilling night of world-class racing at Meydan Racecourse, where some of the world’s best horses will battle for the coveted Dubai World Cup title.
