By Sam Turner
The sky is the limit for connections of the dozen Dubai World Cup contenders, so it seemed appropriate the draw for Saturday evening’s prestigious $12million event took place at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Wednesday’s post-position draw for the DWC and the other four Thoroughbred Group One races, staged at the Armani Hotel, was overseen by hosts Laura King and Rishi Persad as preparations for one of the world’s most viewed sporting events at the iconic Meydan Racecourse stepped up a gear. Following a welcome speech from Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the
Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, it was confirmed that the prestigious nine-race card had attracted runners from no less than 14 countries.
Japan are particularly well represented among the international contingent as they seek to replicate their success of 12 months ago when they were represented by three winners including success in the night’s feature event courtesy of Ushba Tesoro. Owned by Ryotokuji Holdings, defending champion Ushba Tesoro was alotted stall no.5 as he bids to become the first horse since Thunder Snow, and just the second in history, to capture back-to-back renewals of the most spectacular race.
“We all were very proud of him (Ushba Tesoro) in the Saudi Cup even though the result was a little disappointing,” said Mai Weisburd, Racing Manager to owners Ryotokuji Holdings.
“But, he has been prepared with the idea that Dubai World Cup night will be his main target, so he doesn’t have to worry too much about the next race.
“The stables in Dubai are spacious, and he is able to exercise during the cooler hours, so it’s a good environment for him, and the final adjustments are being made carefully.”
USHBA HAS A WORTHY TEAMMATE
Ryotokuji Holdings are also represented by Wilson Tesoro who drew gate 11 as he bids to avenge a narrow defeat by Ushba Tesoro, sustained in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten in December. Wilson Tesoro will be partnered by young Japanese rider Yusuke Hara and connections are confident he can make his mark at Meydan on World Cup night.
“Hara is a young jockey who has contributed to the success of many our horses in Japan, and is highly trusted by the owner,” continued Weisburd.
“Wilson Tesoro has had good results both times in G1s with Hara riding, and he is a jockey who always gives his best,
so I think he will be quite a sight to see on the world stage.”
Japanese counterpart Derma Sotogake, winner of last year’s UAE Derby in impressive style, was handed stall no.8 and was reported in good form by connections.
“We made sure to conduct his workout with caution to avoid overworking as we galloped last week,” said Masatoshi Segawa, a stable representative.
“I believe both mentally and physically, he is well-prepared for the race. The environment and track conditions at Meydan seem to suit Derma Sotogake very well, and he appears to be enjoying and engaging in morning trackwork.”
Leading local hopes Kabirkhan and Laurel River drew, two and 12 respectively, and Bhupat Seemar, trainer of the latter, revealed his motivation for heading to the Dubai World Cup instead of the G2 Godolphin Mile. Seemar said: “He is a high class horse. We are not sure but looking at his pedigree he should get the ten furlongs (2000m). You’ve got to try sometimes and there are 12 million dollar reasons for it!
“There appears a lot of pace in the Godolphin Mile and we could all get in a speed battle for a million dollars. So why don’t we do it for $12 million?”
