There are 36 group I winners, including former American star Ron the Greek, among the fields taking shape for the eight Thoroughbred stakes on Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) card March 29. Three United States-based horses have shipped to Meydan Race Course to race on the $27 million card.
Sixteen horses are likely for the main event at Meydan, the $10 million World Cup, and 10 are group or grade I winners, including Ron the Greek. The three-time grade I winner is now racing in Saudi Arabia under the name of Wattani, for the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
British-based globetrotter Red Cadeaux, who uncoiled a torrid late rally to take second behind United States-based Animal Kingdom in last year's World Cup, returns to take another crack at the world's richest race. Unlike last year, however, there are no American-based horses pointing to the 1 1/4-mile test on the synthetic Tapeta surface.
Overall, only three U.S.-based horses are listed among the remaining preliminary fields: West Point Thoroughbreds' multiple graded stakes winner Twilight Eclipse, trained by Tom Albertrani, is probable for the $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I); Zayat Stables' listed stakes winner Zee Bros, trained by Seth Benzel, is aimed at the $2 million Dubai Gold Shaheen (UAE-I); and Stud Sampaio's grade III winner Berlino Di Tiger, a Brazilian champion currently racing at Gulfstream Park with Eduardo Caramori, is pointing for the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-I).