Fri, 03/23/2012 - 17:52

America's interest in Dubai World Cup fading since Meydan's Tapeta track opened

With shopping malls, ribbons of freeways, and a tumult of skyscrapers, the Middle Eastern emirate of Dubai has long radiated an unusually Western vibe. And for years, the Dubai World Cup racing program felt a lot like a cross-section of America plunked down in the Arabian Desert.

In 2003, a total of 21 U.S.-based horses were shipped to Dubai to run in the seven-figure stakes races on World Cup Night, and as recently as 2008, 14 horses made the trip. But that dynamic has shifted.

Thu, 03/22/2012 - 12:38

Japan: Curren Chan looks to reboiund in Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo

By Steve Andersen

Curren Chan, the 5-year-old mare who was Japan’s champion sprinter of 2011, will attempt to end a two-race losing streak in Sunday’s $2.4 million Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo Racecourse, Japan’s first Grade 1 of the year.

Curren Chan earned her title with a victory in the Grade 1 Sprinters Stakes last October, but has lost her last two starts.

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 14:15

Australia: Manighar and Shoot Out meet in Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill

By Steve Andersen

Manighar and Shoot Out, Group 1 winners on March 10, are two of the leading contenders for Saturday’s $428,000 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Racecourse in Australia.

Manighar, fifth in the 2011 Melbourne Cup, won the $1.07 million Australian Cup at Flemington Racecourse on March 10. A 6-year-old French-bred gelding trained by Peter Moody, of Black Caviar fame, Manighar is making his second consecutive start over about 1 1/4 miles on turf in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes.

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 12:27

2012 Dubai World Cup: Kahayla Classic

By DRF Staff

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Dubai Kahayla Classic, Post Time: 8:30 ET Saturday

Purse: $250,000; 1 1/4 miles

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 14:03

The Factor works for Dubai Golden Shaheen

By DRF Staff

The Factor, one of the leading sprinters in the United States, tuned up for the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen by working a swift six furlongs in 1:11.20 on Monday morning at Hollywood Park. The time was the best of eight at the distance on Monday, and a full second faster than the next-best time. The six-furlong Golden Shaheen will be run at Meydan March 31.

“He goes into quarantine this afternoon and leaves tomorrow,” said his trainer, Bob Baffert, on Monday. “He looked great. He worked nice, galloped out strong. He’s ready to ship.”

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 12:36

Synchronised surprises at 8-1 in Cheltenham Gold Cup

By Steve Andersen

CHELTENHAM, England – Champion steeplechase jockeys, both past and present, combined to win Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup with the outsider Synchronised at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday.

Synchronised was an 8-1 chance in the field of 14. Trained by former champion jockey Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by reigning champion jockey A.P. McCoy, Synchronised closed from fifth with two fences remaining in the race over 3 1/4 miles to win by 2 1/4 lengths over the 50-1 outsider The Giant Bolster.

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 13:14

Cheltenham: Big Buck's wins 16th race in a row with fourth straight World Hurdle

By Steve Andersen

CHELTENHAM, England - The legend of Big Buck's continues to grow.

Thursday at Cheltenham Racecourse, the 9-year-old Big Buck's extended his winning streak to 16 races, scoring an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the World Hurdle, over three miles.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh for trainer Paul Nicholls, Big Buck's, the 5-6 favorite, raced behind the leaders for the first two miles, moved to the front about six furlongs from the finish, and led over the final two hurdles.