Battle of Midway pointing to Dubai World Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. – Battle of Midway, the winner of the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita last Saturday and five other stakes, is targeting the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 30, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said on Wednesday.

“My owners are pointing for Dubai’s big race,” Hollendorfer said.

The Group 1 Dubai World Cup is run at 1 1/4 miles and would equal the longest race in Battle of Midway’s career. Battle of Midway was third, beaten 7 3/4 lengths by Always Dreaming, in the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

Hollendorfer said he has no hesitation in starting Battle of Midway at 1 1/4 miles.

“He gave a good showing,” Hollendorfer said of the Kentucky Derby.

The Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap at the same distance on March 9 has also been discussed for Battle of Midway, Hollendorfer said.

Owned by Don Alberto Racing and WinStar Farm, Battle of Midway, 5, has won 8 of 16 starts and earned $1,589,049. At 3, Battle of Midway won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in what was expected to be his final start.

Battle of Midway was sent to stud in Kentucky for the 2018 breeding season, but was found to be sub-fertile and was put back in training last spring. The San Pasqual Stakes at 1 1/8 miles is the most prestigious win of his comeback.

Fernando Diaz-Valdes of Don Alberto Racing said on Wednesday that a decision will be made later this month on the Dubai trip.

“There is a very good possibility,” he said.