The Dubai World Cup will go the way of Japan when RED DESIRE scores a knockout punch.
Maybe.
At least, the consensus among the international media and meet-long observers is that the Japanese filly could be the next superstar in racing, and there are few to go against that opinion. She was an amazing specimen this morning, as playful as her countrymate BUENA VISTA the other day, and the comparison I have based on appearance is, once again, involving the “Z” word – ZENYATTA. She is just incredibly fit, fun, feisty, and should be way shorter than 10-1 on the American morning line based on the sentiments of many with whom I have spoken. She cantered around Meydan without turning a hair.
RACING! from the 1,400 meters start.
YOUMZAIN is quite possibly the best horse to have never won a premier race, but come so infinitely close to doing so. Second for the third consecutive year in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), he finished behind Sea The Stars, Zarkava, and Dylan Thomas. Just incredible. That being said, despite a decent fifth and fourth in the last two runs, all coming as his first start of the season…another placing might be the best we can expect.
GIO PONTI, the favorite in America for the Dubai World Cup, looked worse for the wear this morning. While this picture may not show it, he was incredibly sweaty under his saddle towel and in behind. I received a first hand report that he was shaking while schooling at the gate yesterday and today’s appearance, still under some slightly cooler conditions, does not bode well for Saturday’s big race. Preparations for the Dubai World Cup will begin around 7:00 p.m when horses are vanned to the course, and begin a slow-moving process of shifting from barns to holding barns, to saddling paddocks, and beyond. It will be HOT all tomorrow and I think it may already be taking a toll on Gio Ponti.
Seeing Mike De Kock horses preparing on the main track is nearly impossible, as he likes to keep them out of the spotlight. That being said, insiders report that GOLDEN SWORD is just absolutely on point and could NOT be doing any better. I tipped him second for the Dubai Sheema Classic and he should be just a monster price. Glad to have heard the good word from the barn this morning.
As for others we have followed all week, GLORIA DE CAMPEAO continues to not have a hair out of place, just professional as could be with his stable companions once again today. RICHARD’S KID is probably the best looking American in the Dubai World Cup but needs to class up for success here. ROCKET MAN seems brillant in his attempts to take out GAYEGO and absolutely MUST be considered for a prize, possibly the big one, in the Dubai Golden Shaheen.