The Wizard: Dubai World Cup card offers riches, strong wagering opportunities
By The Wizard
It has been six years since the Dubai World Cup was contested over dirt. American trainees won five of the final six runnings of the race over the dirt at Nad Al Sheba. With a dirt surface now installed at Meydan, favoritism in arguably the grandest dirt race in the world will belong to 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome.
California Chrome and Lea have shipped in from the United States to contest the $10 million Dubai World Cup. Lea exits a game second place in the Grade 1 Donn at Gulfstream Park and will provide a stern test for California Chrome, a four-time Grade 1 winner.
The American shippers will meet defending Dubai World Cup champion, African Story, who is fresh off a win in the final round of the Al Maktoum Challenge; former John Sadler-trainee Candy Boy, who is making his first start for Doug Watson, the leading trainer during the Dubai Racing Carnival; and the regally bred Japanese raider Epiphaneia. Epiphaneia is the most accomplished offspring of 2005 American Oaks winner Cesario.
The undercard is highlighted by two of the world’s richest turf races, the Dubai Turf and Sheema Classic. American invaders Mshawish, who was fourth in last year’s Dubai Turf (known prior to 2015 as the Dubai Duty Free), and Main Sequence will be among the top choices in those events.
The UAE Derby winner will earn 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The favorite, Mubtaahij, is considered a probable for the Run for the Roses, provided he earns enough points.
The Wizard’s Dubai World Cup Stakes Package provides selections for all eight stakes races. The in-depth analysis and wagering strategies include a pick three linking the Golden Shaheen, Dubai Turf, and Sheema Classic (races 6-8).
Longshots abound in the overflow fields of the Godolphin Mile and Al Quoz Sprint. Several of my top selections include horses that range from 6-1 to 20-1 on the morning line. Wagering strategies include exactas, trifecta, and a 10-cent superfecta play.