Let’s take a break from sorting out the leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders and look at the likely field for the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) -- it’s pretty strong.
The 28th running of the 1 ¼-mile race at Meydan Racecourse on March 30 is set to feature a rematch between $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) winner Senor Buscador and runner-up Ushba Tesoro.
The Dubai Racing Club announced a likely field of 13 for one of the world’s richest dirt races, including five U.S.-based horses, four from Japan, and three based in Dubai.
Senor Buscador, who edged Japan bred Ushba Tesoro, by a head in Riyadh, leads the American contingent, which includes Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Newgate, five-time graded stakes winner Newgrange, Crupi (third in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational), and Clapton, third in the Al Maktoum Classic (G2).
Newgate is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, a four-time winner of the Dubai World Cup.
In addition to Ushba Tesoro, the Japan contingent includes Derma Sotogake (runner-up to White Abarrio in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and fifth in the Saudi Cup), Wilson Tesoro (runner-up in the Champions Cup and eighth in the recent February Stakes), and Dura Erede (0-for-7 after winning Japan’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes in December 2022).
The Dubai World Cup is the premier event on a seven-race card with $24.5 million in prize money.
The $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on the turf has a likely field of 12, including Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winners Auguste Rodin (2024) and Rebel's Romance (2022). There are no U.S.-based horses on the list.
Then again, there is a Derby points qualifier on the card – the $1 million UAE Derby (G2) featuring Forever Young, winner of the Saudi Derby and being pointed to the Kentucky Derby on May 4. The 1,900-meter (1.18-mile) race offers qualifying points of 100-50-25-15-10 to the first five finishers.
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