Dubai World Cup start time, runners and riders, draw and tips for mega Meydan race

We've got you sorted ahead of Saturday's showdown in the UAE

By / Horse Racing Tips / 3 years ago

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

One of the richest and most glamorous events on the racing calendar returns this weekend as Meydan Racecourse hosts the Dubai World Cup in front of spectators for the first time since 2019.

Around 80,000 people are expected to be in attendance for the event which, for the first time in its history, will offer at least $1million in prize money for every single race. The total purse for the meeting stands at $30million, its largest ever, with the prize money for the Dubai World Cup race alone coming in at a whopping $12million.

Needless to say, there’s huge incentive for the riders and their trainers, and here we’ve got the lowdown on start times, the schedule and the runners while we’ve also got host of top tips for you to sink your teeth into. This is everything you need to know.

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When is the Dubai World Cup?

The Dubai World Cup is taking place this Saturday, 26 March. Held at Meydan Racecourse, the action will begin at 12.20pm BST with the Dubai World Cup race closing proceedings at 16.30pm.

Where can you watch it?

The event will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. Viewers will be able to watch every race with coverage beginning at 11.45am BST.

Full race schedule

12:20 – Godolphin Mile
12:55 – Dubai Gold Cup
13:35 – Al Quoz Sprint
14:10 – UAE Derby
14:45 – Golden  Shaheen
15:20 – Dubai Turf
15:55 – Dubai Sheema Classic
16:30 – Dubai World Cup

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Runners, Riders and Tips

12:20 Godolphin Mile – AL NEFUD has taken tremendously well to racing round here and, having found only a high-class rival too good attempting the hat-trick last time, he can get back to winning ways. Storm Damage has a cracking strike-rate and he looks sure to give another solid account if taking to this surface, with Mubakker and Secret Ambition completing the shortlist.

12:55 Dubai Gold Cup – MANOBO was deeply impressive as he maintained his 100% record in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy on his latest outing 5 weeks ago, quickening clear for hands-and-heels riding. He’s every inch a Group 1 performer in the making and is fancied to come out on top again. Stay Foolish impressed himself when ending a losing run 28 days ago and is feared, along with Baron Samedi.

13:35 Al Quoz Sprint – Only eighth in this race 12 months ago, MAN OF PROMISE has looked an all-round improved model this campaign, successful at listed level on return pror to landing the C&D Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint 3 weeks ago. He should prove tough to beat if turning up in the same form and can complete the hat-trick. Stablemate Creative Force, Suesa and A Case of You head up the dangers

14:10 UAE Derby – Last year’s Del Mar Futurity winner PINEHURST put his experience to good use when making most in the Saudi Derby 4 weeks ago. Well berthed in stall 6, Bob Baffert’s charge is taken to make his first start on these shores a winning one. Irwin was prolific in South America last year so he could have a say in proceedings, with Sekifu and Combustion also considered in an open renewal of the UAE Derby.

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14:45 Golden Shaheen – DRAIN THE CLOCK and Dr. Schivel boast high-class US form on dirt and they could be the pair to focus on, with marginal preference for the former. Wondrwherecraigis hasn’t achieved as much at that pair but has an enviable strike rate and he may still be improving.

15:20 Dubai Turf – SCHNELL MEISTER produced a high-class performance to win at Hanshin last time and is taken to provide Japan with a fifth winner in this since 2016 and deny Lord North back-to-back successes. Saffron Beach, the sole filly in the line-up, Mohaafeth and Colonel Liam are others to consider in a strong renewal.

15:55 Dubai Sheema Classic – YIBIR ended his 3-y-o campaign with a remarkable win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar and he’s likely to make a big impact in the top middle-distance races this year, starting with this. Glory Vase looked as good as ever when beating Pyledriver in the Hong Kong Vase and rates a big threat along with Japanese Derby winner and Japan Cup third Shahryar.

16:30 Dubai World Cup – LIFE IS GOOD has been most impressive at the highest level on his last 2 starts and should be hard to beat as he bids to take his career record to 7-8. Hot Rod Charlie was impressive here last month and can follow him home, with the Frankie Dettori-ridden Country Grammer best of the rest in what is likely to be an American domination.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

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