The $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) is March 30 at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The race is for 4-year-olds and up at 1 ¼ miles on dirt. usracing.com is publishing profiles of the contenders.
He hadn’t visited the winner’s circle in three years, so after Military Law pulled off a 20-1 upset in the Al Maktoum Classic on March 2 there was no doubt where he’d show up next -- the Dubai World Cup.
And here he is, the 9-year-old son of Dubawi all set for the 21st start of his career going back to his debut at Doncaster in September 2017.
In ending an eight-race losing streak, Military Law earned an automatic berth in the 1 ¼-mile World Cup, much to the delight of trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri.
"Of course. Of course," he replied when asked if Military Law would run next in the Dubai World Cup.
It was three years ago that Military Law was ready to run in the Dubai World Cup only to get loose before the start and was withdrawn.
In four races he’s run 1 ¼ miles, Military Law finished 11th in the 2023 Al Maktoum Challenge (Round 3), with a sixth, second, and first dating back to 2019.
The England-bred won with a gutty performance last out, turning into the stretch of the 1 3/16-mile Al Maktoum Classic with a narrow lead and held on for a one-length victory over Walk of Stars, with heavy favorite Clapton third.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all!” Chavez said after his biggest win in Dubai.
“He jumped a little bit awkward but then he put himself in the race and once he got to the straight, he really had momentum, and at the 800 (meters, about 1/2 mile) he gave me a big kick and I just let him roll.”
Betting advice: Can’t make a case for this veteran pulling off any surprises in an elite field. Toss.
Spotted!
Al Maktoum Classic winner MILITARY LAW heads onto the main track in preparation for the $12million Dubai World Cup. #DWC24 pic.twitter.com/OHfRA5OpA0
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 26, 2024
Post position: 4
Jockey: Oscar Chavez
Trainer: Musabbeh Al Mheiri
Owner: Naser Askar
Age: 9
Career record: 20-6-4-0
Career earnings: $1,359,365
Most recent race: Al Maktoum Classic (G2), March 2, (1st)
Top Equibase speed figure: NA
Pedigree: Dubawi-Marine Bleue, By Desert Prince
Color: Bay
Running style: On/near lead
Notes: The gelding was trained for a while by Doug Watson in 2023 before being returned to Al Mheiri ... He was 3-for-6 to begin his career in England before being moved to Dubai – he's won three times in 13 starts at Meydan.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
