13 March 2023, UAE ~ The day’s traditional curtain raiser is the Purebred Arabians’ $1million G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Emaar) which will likely see the clash of the last two winners with First Classs (2022) trying for two in a row and Deryan (2021).
Three US-Bred horses are running in the Group 1: First Classs (Dahess x TopoftheClass by Genuine Monarch), RB Rich Lyke Me (Majed Al Arab x Rich Frynd), and Hiab Al Zaman (Hilal Al Zaman x My Shelby Cobra).
The 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting is the first in history to be run during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
First post is scheduled for 3:30pm
“We are very excited about the strength of the fields for the 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting,” commented Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Racing Club. “We have horses arriving from 12 different countries and it is especially fantastic to welcome back runners from Hong Kong and Australia after a break of a few years.
“It is also superb to see so many defending champions here to try and make history, with Country Grammer aiming to become just the second dual Dubai World Cup winner. As ever, we thank trainers and owners for their support of the meeting and wish everyone the best of luck on March 25th.”
Defending Champion Country Grammer and Equinox, 2022’s highest rated three-year-old in the world, are the headline acts for the $30.5million Dubai World Cup card, likely fields for which have been released. Penthalassa comes off the Saudi Cup win on 25 February.
Country Grammer heads a projected field of 14 for the $12million G1 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Bob Baffert’s charge aims to become just the second dual winner of the race but faces tough opposition from an eight-strong Japanese challenge which includes Japan Cup winner Vela Azul and Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa.
The sole European raider is the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers, impressive winner of G2 Maktoum Challenge Round 1 and 2, while Fawzi Nass’ Salute The Soldier heads the local challenge.
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