BIG BUCKS. Talismanic has some excellent form and as long as he can adapt to the dirt track, could upset the odds in the $10-million Dubai World Cup over 2000m at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
The eyes of world horseracing will be on Meydan on Saturday with the 23rd running of the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest raceday with a stunning $30 million up for grabs. Headlined by the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the star-studded card promises a top class night of a racing, attracting equine starts from all corners of the globe.
In the Dubai World Cup West Coast, representing three-time winning trainer Bob Baffert will start the hot favourite as he bids to give the USA their 12th victory. This four-year-old, US champion three-year-old male last year, is a worthy favourite and has impressed work watchers at Meydan last week.
The a able and media-friendly Baffert, speaking to the press, was upbeat and delighted with West Coast’s well-being since arriving in the UAE.
He said: “He shipped well. He looks happy, strong and healthy. He is getting better and better. I don’t want to jinx myself but I feel confident.”
Talismanic, trained by Andre Fabre, is a fascinating runner. This son of Medaglia d’Oro, who finished second in 2004, could upset the American challenge and give Europe only its third victory. He’s unproven on dirt but if adapting to the surface, can put up a bold show on the back of a promising comeback at Chantilly, where he impressed when defeating Sheema Classic favourite Cloth Of Stars.
Mike de Kock, who has had a poor year in Dubai by his standards, has enjoyed plenty of success on Dubai’s big night, saddling 12 winners putting him second behind Saeed bin Suroor on the trainer’s roll of honour since the Dubai World Cup fixture was introduced in 1996. Janoobi, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, carries De Kock’s hopes in the $6 million Dubai Turf.
Earlier the South African saddles Al Sahem in the Dubai Gold Cup, the stayers’ showpiece.
Game winner of the Zabeel Mile, Janoobi has progressed nicely since coming to the UAE and faces a strong international field, with top horses from Britain, Japan and strong local challenge, led by the Godolphin pair Benbatl and Blair House. The South African-bred horse has to prove his stamina in this company, a view shared by his trainer.
At least he’s nicely drawn and if his stamina holds up he could get a share of the lucrative prize money.
The Dubai Gold Cup looks the strongest renewal in its history, with French champion stayer Vazirabad back seeking a third successive victory, joined by Ascot Gold Cup winner Big Orange and the much improved Rare Rhythm.
Al Sahem, drawn in stall No 11 in the 16-runner maximum eld, needs to take a big step forward on recent evidence to give De Kock his first victory in the event.
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