First round of Dubai World Cup Carnival hopefuls settling
in at Meydan
The first international contenders have arrived at Meydan
Racecourse ahead of the 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival, which begins on January 9.
There are 26 international Group 1 winners among the acceptances for the
three-month-long festival of racing, which concludes with the March 29 Dubai World Cup and carries combined prize money of more than $37 million.
Newmarket-based Italian handler, Marco Botti, brings an extended string to
contest the Dubai World Cup Carnival this year. His runners include last
season’s Dubai City of Gold winner Jakkalberry, this year’s Melbourne Cup fifth Dandino and recent
Prix Royal Oak winner Tac De
Boistron. Botti’s string is also strengthened by the new additions of Australian
Group 1 winner Linton, who comes to Dubai following his Hong Kong Mile run, and
four other Brazilian prospects belonging to Dubai World Cup-winning owner
Stefan Friborg’s Estrela Energia.
Six from Andrew Balding’s Park House Stables will make the trip, with Mackinnon Stakes victor Side Glance chief among them. Former international
footballer Michael Owen’s Brown Panther also travels to Dubai following his
Melbourne Cup run for trainer Tom Dascomb, while Meydan stalwart Mike de Kock
comes armed with a string bristling with Group 1 winners.
Among the new recruits for South Africa’s four-time champion trainer are Durban July winner
Heavy Metal, South Africa’s champion three-year-old colt Vercingetorix, 2012 Champions Cup winner Master Plan and champion miler
Variety Club.
De Kock, who claimed the Godolphin Mile with Soft Falling Rain last term, has a
good record with former Aidan O’Brien-trained horses and two more are added to
the ranks this year. Jersey Stakes winner Gale Force Ten and International
Stakes scorer Flying the Flag join the likes of David Livingston and Daddy Long
Legs, who already bolster de Kock’s string. His globe-trotting Soft Falling
Rain will be back, as will Al Quoz Sprint hero Shea Shea. The Apache, the 2013 Dubai Duty Free runner-up, also contests
the new season.
Ed Dunlop’s tough galloper Red Cadeaux, the 2013 Dubai World Cup runner-up, has
been accepted for another trip to Dubai. He will be joined by three-time
Canadian International winner Joshua Tree as well as Red Avenger.
Dunaden, last see finishing third in the 2013 Hong Kong Vase, has also been
accepted alongside 2012 Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and French One
Thousand Guineas heroine Flotilla for trainer Mikel Delzangles.
Richard Hannon Jr., who takes over the training reins from his father, English
champion trainer Richard Hannon Sr. in January, brings four
including 2013 Topkapi Trophy winner Producer, while Charlie Hills has entered Dewhurst Stakes runner-up Cable Bay.
The full list may be found by clicking
here. Please note this is a working list and is subject to change.
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