American-based World Cup
hopefuls arrive in Dubai
A total of 13 American-based horses, who are set to compete on the
$26-million Dubai World Cup program March 26, arrived in Dubai around 7:15 p.m.,
local time, Wednesday. The group, which included Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1)
entrants GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) and FLY DOWN (Mineshaft), traveled without
incident on the long journey from the United States and were transported to
Meydan and settled in their stalls within about an hour.
The large contingent is being kept in Barn 3, where previous American
luminaries, including inaugural World Cup winner Cigar, were stabled, and Barn
8, which was completed last year for the opening of Meydan.
“Everyone looked good,” confirmed Jim Cornes, who oversees the international
stables for the Dubai Racing Club. “They drank well on the flight and there were
no problems.”
In addition to three-time champion Gio Ponti and Grade 2 hero Fly Down, who
is now owned by Saudi Arabian King Abdullah, the flight also contained Dubai
Duty Free (UAE-G1) hopeful VICTOR’S CRY (Street Cry [Ire]) and KINSALE KING
(Yankee Victor), who will try to repeat in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1).
“Fly Down made a great impression, and Victor’s Cry looked particularly
good,” Cornes said. “Victor’s Cry was very curious, looking at everything, but
very settled and sensible.”
The remainder of the incoming U.S. team includes Grade 2 veteran BOURBON BAY
(Sligo Bay [Ire]) (Dubai Sheema Classic [UAE-G1]), Grade 2 hero CHAMP PEGASUS
(Fusaichi Pegasus) (Sheema), Grade 2 victor EUROEARS (Langfhur) (Shaheen), Grade
1 winner I WANT REVENGE (Stephen Got Even) (Mile), stakes scorer MAKE MUSIC FOR
ME (Bernstein) (Godolphin Mile [UAE-G2]), Grade 3 star STRADIVINSKY (Stravinsky)
(Al Quoz Sprint [UAE-G2]), dual Grade 3 king MR GRUFF (Mr. Greeley) (Sprint),
Grade 3 winner QUICK ENOUGH (High Brite) (Sprint) and dual stakes victor SWEET
DUCKY (Pulpit) (UAE Derby [UAE-G2]), who was recently sold.
The American team will spend two days in quarantine before heading to the
Meydan track for the first time Saturday morning. The sole exception is
California-based Group 1 winner CROWDED HOUSE (GB) (Rainbow Quest), a candidate
for the Godolphin Mile who is already on the grounds having finished off the
board in a pair of starts during the Dubai International Racing Carnival.