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 won the 2024 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Cup photo.
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).
The top-two finishers in Saudi Arabia are set for a Dubai rematch
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.
Dubai Sheema led by Auguste Rodin
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.
Forever Young among UAE Derby runners
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.