3 minute read
25th running of race after year off due to Covid19 in 2020.
Trainer Michael Stidham could not be happier after Dubai World Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) favourite Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper) drew barrier six for the Group 1 race at Meydan on Saturday.
Owned by Godolphin, the son of Ghostzapper (Awesome Again) will be having his first start in Dubai, having won three of his seven starts in his native America including the Jim Dandy Stakes (Gr 2, 9f) last September and he was most recently seen landing the Razorback Handicap (Gr 3, 8.5f) at Oaklawn Park, while he also finished second in the Belmont Jockey Club Gold Cup (Gr 1, 10f) last year.
Meanwhile, Jesus Team (Tapiture), who comes into the race off the back of a second place finish in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (Gr 1, 9f), has drawn barrier 9 for the Dubai World Cup.
"When I saw post position 9 I was happy because it's in the middle," said trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo. "He doesn't need to make an aggressive move at the beginning.
"I like the number 9, and I am very sure [about my horse]. It was a relief. In the Breeders' Cup Mile he had to start from gate 11. He can move fast to find a good spot. So, I like this post position."
Last-start Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Salute The Soldier (Sepoy) will jump from barrier 11, with trainer Fawzi Nass saying he would have preferred a lower draw.
"Obviously we would have preferred a lower draw but it is what it is and, in Adrie de Vries, we have a top jockey who will ride his race as he sees fit," he said.
