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By Suleiman Altaf -
The Dubai Turf and the ever-green Lord North have become intwined in recent years and why not with the latter capturing a record-setting three golds in the $5m event, even if he had to share one of those successes two years ago. Meticulously prepared and delicately handled by the Gosdens, the gelding made his intentionally belated return in the Winter Derby last month, a race he successfully used as a springboard for the last two renewals. Despite suffering defeat in it this year, it should have the desired effect of producing him in pristine condition before he lines up on Saturday. Frankie Dettori, for obvious reasons, resumes partnership with his longtime associate. Perhaps, one of the dangers hails from his next-door neighbour in Nashwa. The multiple G1-winning mare produced a lacklustre effort on British Champions Day in testing conditions but posted two impressive efforts prior to that with placings in the International Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes. The 1800m at Meydan should play to her strengths while her rider Hollie Doyle seeks to become the first female rider to win on World Cup night.
Aidan O’Brien’s globetrotting star Luxembourg has raced in four different countries on his last four starts, with the Emirates serving as his fifth in as many outings. He has been gracing the international fixtures with his presence and comes into this off a slightly underwhelming fourth in the Neom Turf Cup. O’Brien is also represented by Cairo, last seen finishing second in Doha last month. Withdrawn from this race 12 months ago following a setback, Do Deuce returns for compensation on the back of a solid win in the G1 Arima Kinen from December of last year. It took him a while to get going since that blip last March, but he seems to be peaking at the right time. Fellow Japanese compatriot Danon Beluga was an unlucky second in last year’s renewal facing an unclear passage in the home stretch. With a plethora of consistent performances since in his native Japan, there is good reason to imagine he can go close again. Matenro Sky and Namur complete a potent quartet for the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The only turf race on World Cup night that Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby is yet to win is this. This year’s candidate Measured Time comes into this with a similar profile like his stablemates who both won in the Carnival prior to their Turf assignment. With two impressive victories this winter, including in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, the Appleby camp is sure to be high on confidence. France is represented by the ever-consistent Facteur Cheval, while Hong Kong’s flag will be borne by the pair of Group 1-placed Voyage Bubble and Straight Arron. Saeed bin Suroor’s Real World has also managed to make the cut following a convincing victory in Bahrain alongside Neom Turf Cup third Calif, Pegasus World Cup Turf third Catnip and local hope San Donato.
