This weekend marks one of the most significant stretches in the global flat racing calendar — and Dubai will have a major presence across three continents. Several Meydan-based stars, including Ruling Court, Choisya, Soul Rush, and Raging Torrent, are primed to chase Group 1 victories from Epsom to Saratoga to Tokyo.
At Epsom, Ruling Court bids to make history in Saturday’s G1 Derby. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the colt first caught attention with a commanding win in the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan and recently backed that up with a gutsy triumph in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Now stepping up in trip, Appleby believes the maturing colt has what it takes to handle Epsom’s testing mile and a half.
Joining him at Epsom on Friday are Sheema Classic runner-up Calandagan, and Giavellotto, a regular at the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Aidan O’Brien’s Continuous also lines up, hoping to bounce back from his underwhelming run in the Dubai Gold Cup.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga features strong UAE connections. Choisya, dominant winner of the G2 Cape Verdi and Balanchine at Meydan, is eyeing her second top-level win in the G1 Just A Game Stakes. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained mare arrives in peak condition, fresh off a commanding performance in the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland.
In the Belmont Stakes itself, Heart Of Honor—who wintered at Meydan and ran a gallant second in the UAE Derby—clashes with Preakness winner Journalism and Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty. The Jamie Osborne-trained colt will be partnered by Saffie Osborne, who believes her mount is ready to redeem himself after a below-par showing in the Preakness.
Also at Saratoga, Raging Torrent, winner of the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup night, steps into elite company in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap. He faces top-tier rivals including Fierceness and White Abarrio, in what promises to be one of the weekend’s most fiercely contested races.
Further star power comes in the G1 Manhattan Handicap, where Highland Robber — third in the Turf Classic last time out — will look to reverse form against Spirit Of St Louis, following a forgettable run in the Dubai City of Gold.
In Japan, all eyes will be on Soul Rush in Sunday’s G1 Yasuda Kinen. Victorious in the G1 Dubai Turf earlier this year, the Yasutoshi Ikee-trained veteran lines up for a fourth attempt at this race. His camp is confident, citing his sharp finishing speed and consistent training rhythm post-Dubai.
As the curtain rises on this international Group 1 weekend, it’s clear that Dubai’s racing alumni are no longer just Carnival stars — they’re global forces. Whether it’s Epsom’s rolling turf, Saratoga’s gritty stretch, or Tokyo’s electric straight, the Meydan graduates are poised to take on the world once again.
