Nine American horses, including recent GI Santa Anita H. winner Newgate, prepared for the Dubai World Cup meeting with breezes both domestically and abroad, showcasing their readiness for the prestigious event in two weeks at Meydan Racecourse.
‣ Newgate, a recent winner of the GI Santa Anita H., and eight other American horses are preparing for the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse, with Newgate posting a notable five-furlong breeze in :58.20 at Santa Anita.
‣ Trainer Bob Baffert is gearing up for the Dubai World Cup meeting with high expectations for his horses, including Newgate and Hopkins, emphasizing their health, happiness, and the excitement surrounding their participation in such prestigious events.
‣ Several U.S.-trained horses, including Saudi Crown and Bold Journey, have also been preparing for their respective races at the Dubai World Cup meeting, with both horses turning in solid breezes at Meydan Racecourse ahead of their next starts.
SAUDI CROWN breezed this Saturday morning, half mile in 48”50 over the Meydan dirt track, handily and comfortably, Kelvin Perez up for trainer @bradcoxracing
SAUDI CROWN ajustó esta mañana del Sábado, 48”50 para la media milla, cómodo y en el freno, con Kelvin Pérez up,… pic.twitter.com/w0SYyzCyLn
— Agentes305 (@agentes305) March 16, 2024
Newgate, a recent victor at the GI Santa Anita H., stirred the tracks again. This time, it was part of a select group of nine American horses. They were gearing up for the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse. The event is just two weeks away.
An impressive figure, Newgate was bought for $850,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. Saturday morning saw him return to the worktab. It was his first appearance since the Mar. 3 Big ‘Cap. Alongside GIII Native Diver S. winner Mr Fisk (Arrogate), he covered five furlongs. Their time? A bullet :58.20 (1/77) at Santa Anita.
Frankie Dettori is on board for the ride. He’s no stranger to victory, having won his fourth World Cup last year. The horse he’ll be riding, trained by Bob Baffert, is a contender in the $12-million feature.
Hopkins, a stablemate, wasn’t far behind in performance. Covering five-eighths of a mile in :58.80 (2/77), he’s also set for Dubai. Luis Saez will be his partner in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Last year, Hopkins missed the win by just a hair, finishing fourth.
Bob Baffert couldn’t hide his excitement. “We had a great day breezing,” he said. His horses are healthy and happy, ready for Dubai. The plan? To get them acclimated to the Meydan surface and surroundings with Jimmy and Humberto “Beto”.
Two Rivers Over also made headlines at Santa Anita. Covering five furlongs in 1:00.40 (19/77), he’s eyeing the G2 Godolphin Mile. His trainer, Doug O’Neill, has faith in Edwin Maldonado to bring home the win.
Crupi is Todd Pletcher’s hope for a maiden victory at the World Cup. Last seen finishing third in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., he’s ready for another shot. Luis Saez, who’s been with Crupi since a win in Saratoga, breezed him Saturday morning.
Jose D’Angelo’s entries are also worth watching. Caramel Chip and Run Classic are his big-night hopes. They breezed near Palm Beach Downs, showing promising speeds. Cristian Demuro and Florent Geroux will be riding them, respectively.
Casa Creed is another interesting contender. Training mainly on turf for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, he’s also been working on dirt. His recent half-mile breeze was impressive, leaving part-owner Lee Einsidler very satisfied.
A couple of U.S.-trained horses have already made the trip to Dubai. They’re coming off placements in races on the Saudi Cup program. Saudi Crown and Bold Journey are the ones to watch, each showing strong pre-race breezes.
Lastly, Pandagate is gearing up for a potential appearance in the G2 UAE Derby. The team at Payson Park is busy preparing him for what could be a defining race.
In the world of horse racing, every second counts. And as these athletes prepare for their next big challenge, the excitement is palpable. Whether it’s a seasoned champion or an eager newcomer, each has its eyes set on victory. The Dubai World Cup meeting is shaping up to be an event to remember.
