Dubai World Cup Extends Invitation to Rattle N Roll
Lucky Seven Stable and Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi’s Rattle N Roll (Connect) has officially received an invitation to compete in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on April 5, trainer Ken McPeek announced Thursday via social media.
The 6-year-old comes off a creditable fifth-place finish in the G1 Saudi Cup on Feb. 22, where he rallied from the back of the pack behind winner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and runner-up Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}).
Rattle N Roll remained at King Abdulaziz Racetrack following the Saudi Cup before shipping to Dubai approximately two weeks ago to continue his preparation. McPeek reported the horse has displayed good energy in morning gallops since arriving and is scheduled for a five-furlong breeze under veteran horseman Danny Ramsey on March 22.
“Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing,” McPeek tweeted.
Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing. @DubaiWorldCup @RacingDubai @DubaiRacingTV pic.twitter.com/TvMgklKAoy
— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek)
Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing. March 20, 2025
The addition of Rattle N Roll brings the World Cup field to 11 competitors. Forever Young currently leads ante-post markets at 4-5, followed by Bhupat Seemar’s duo of Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) at 11-2 and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) at 8-1. Rattle N Roll is quoted as a 25-1 chance.
The Kentucky-bred’s path to Dubai began after failing to draw into last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. Rerouted to the GII Clark Stakes on Nov. 29, he prevailed by 3/4 of a length over a field that included fellow World Cup invitee Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). He then shipped to Riyadh for the Jan. 25 G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup—a Saudi Cup qualifier—where he won impressively by 4 3/4 lengths.
In the Saudi Cup, Rattle N Roll finished approximately two lengths out of third place while adding $1 million to his career earnings. The $210,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase continues to build an impressive international resume.
World Cup Preparations Intensify
In other World Cup-related developments:
Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) worked five furlongs in 1:00.13 (1/5) Friday morning at Gulfstream Park for trainer Antonio Sano. The dual Grade III winner’s World Cup riding assignment remains unconfirmed.
Trainer Doug O’Neill announced Thursday that Frankie Dettori will ride Calumet Farm’s GI Pacific Classic winner Mixto (Good Magic) in the World Cup. Dettori also retains the mount on GI Malibu Stakes hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), who leads the market for the G2 Godolphin Mile—a race O’Neill has won twice, including last year with Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz).
At Santa Anita Friday morning, Mixto worked a half-mile in :48.60 (9/36) while Raging Torrent covered the same distance in :50.80 (35/36). Katonah (Klimt), O’Neill’s third Dubai invitee, drilled four furlongs in :50.60 (33/36).
In Florida, Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What A Winter {SAf}) worked five furlongs on turf at Palm Meadows in :58.75 (10/26) preparing for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on the World Cup undercard. At Payson Park, Wathnan Racing‘s Brad Cox-trained duo Hit Show and Flood Zone (Frosted) completed their final preparations for the World Cup and G2 UAE Derby, respectively, both timed in 1:01.80 (1/11) for five furlongs.
