• Dubai World Cup favourite Life Is Good gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
    Dubai World Cup favourite Life Is Good gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
  • Life Is Good walks to the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP
    Life Is Good walks to the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP
  • Dubai World Cup favourite Life Is Good gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
    Dubai World Cup favourite Life Is Good gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
  • Japan's UAE Derby contender Combustion gallops at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP Photo
    Japan's UAE Derby contender Combustion gallops at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP Photo
  • The Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 18, 2022. (AP Photo / Martin Dokoupil)
    The Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie gallops in the morning track work at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 18, 2022. (AP Photo / Martin Dokoupil)
  • Strongconstitution, left, and Al Quoz Sprint contender Get Smokin walk to the track. AP Photo
    Strongconstitution, left, and Al Quoz Sprint contender Get Smokin walk to the track. AP Photo
  • Dubai Turf contender Lord Glitters. AP Photo
    Dubai Turf contender Lord Glitters. AP Photo
  • Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie during morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
    Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie during morning track work at Meydan Racecourse. AP Photo
  • Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie, left, walks next to an outrider pony. AP Photo
    Dubai World Cup contender Hot Rod Charlie, left, walks next to an outrider pony. AP Photo
  • Dubai Turf contender Lord Glitters warms up ahead of the morning track work at Meydan. AP Photo
    Dubai Turf contender Lord Glitters warms up ahead of the morning track work at Meydan. AP Photo
  • Dubai Gold Cup contender Alignak. AP Photo
    Dubai Gold Cup contender Alignak. AP Photo
  • Japan's Dubai Turf hopeful Panthalassa gallops at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP Photo
    Japan's Dubai Turf hopeful Panthalassa gallops at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. AP Photo
  • Japan's Godolphin Mile contender Bathrat Leon, left, walks with Dubai Turf hopeful Panthalassa. AP Photo
    Japan's Godolphin Mile contender Bathrat Leon, left, walks with Dubai Turf hopeful Panthalassa. AP Photo
  • Japan's Al Quoz Sprint contender Entscheiden. AP Photo
    Japan's Al Quoz Sprint contender Entscheiden. AP Photo
  • Japan's Sheema Classic contender Shahryar. AP Photo
    Japan's Sheema Classic contender Shahryar. AP Photo

Predictions for each race at Dubai World Cup 2022


Amith Passela
  • English
  • Arabic

The Dubai World Cup 2022 takes place at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 26 with nine Group races and $30.5 million in prize money.

Here are our predictions for each race including the feature $12 million Dubai World Cup.

3.45pm: Dubai Kahayla Classic – Group 1 (PA) $1 million (Dirt) 2,000m

RB Rich Lyke Me didn’t handle the 2,000-metre distance when stepped up in trip in the Obaiya Arabian Classic in Riyadh. With that run under his belt and two impressive victories on his two previous starts at Meydan he should be ready to strike again.

1. RB Rich Lyke Me

2. Hadi De Carrere

3. Jagurtha De Monlau

4.20pm: Godolphin Mile – Group 2 (TB) $1 million (D) 1,600m

A hot contest that can go to Al Nefud, a winner twice over the track and trip before going down to Dubai World Cup hopeful Hot Rod Charlie in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2. He’s well drawn in Gate No 2 and was well clear of the rest when stepping up in trip to 1,900-metre in his last start.

1. Al Nefud

2. Storm Damage

3. Snapper Sinclair

4.55pm: Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2 (TB) $1 million (Turf) 3,200m

Undefeated in all six career starts, Manobo looks solid in the longest race of the night. He was an impressive winner on his debut at Meydan. Stay Foolish with a Group 3 victory under his belt in Riyadh, and Alignat, who has gone well in four local starts, can pose the challenge to the Sea The Stars colt.

1. Manobo

2. Stay Foolish

3. Alignat

5.35pm: Al Qouz Sprint – Group 1 (TB) $1.5 million (T) 1,200m

Man Of Promise has been a revelation on his two local starts and a repeat of those two runs can see the Into Mischief gelding complete a quick double for Godolphin. Stablemate Creative Force and the American raider Casa Creed look the best of the challengers.

1. Man Of Promise

2. Creative Force

3. Casa Creed

6.10pm: UAE Derby – Group 2 (TB) $1 million (D) 1,900m

Azure Coast remains undefeated in three starts and should maintain that perfect record. The Russian raider steps up in trip and that will suit his running style. This, of course, is tougher with the Saudi Derby winner Pinehurst but it will take a really good one to beat this strapping Street Sense colt.

1. Azure Coast

2. Pinehurst

3. Quality Boon

6.45pm: Dubai Golden Shaheen – Group 1 (TB) $2 million (D) 1,200m

Dr Schivel finished out of the board for the first time in nine starts. He should be fresh for his first run after a three-month break in a contest the American speedsters have had success in in the past. Drain The Clock and Wonderwherecraigis along with local trained Switzerland and Meraas remain of interest.

1. Dr Schivel

2. Wonderwherecraigis

3. Meraas

7.20pm: Dubai Turf – Group 1 (TB) $5 million (T) 1,800m

The Japanese have arrived with their biggest contingent - 24 runners - to Dubai and Schnell Meister can bring the smiles to their fans. Lord North and Vin De Garde, the winner and runner up 12 months ago, are also back.

1. Schnell Meister

2. Lord North

3. Colonel Liam

7.55pm: Dubai Sheema Classic – Group 1 (TB) $6 million (T) 2,410m

Hukum and Yibir are the two to follow. Hukum was impressive over the track and trip last time out, while Yibir arrives after three wins on the trot. Alenquer, Authority and Glory Vase should carry the Japanese hopes.

1. Hukum

2. Yibir

3. Glory Vase

8.30pm: Dubai World Cup – Group 1 (TB) $12 million (D) 2,000m

It’s hard to look beyond Life Is Good. His record stands up against any of the 10-runner field that also includes the Saudi Cup second and third, Country Grammer and Midnight Bourbon, and a fourth American entry, Hot Rod Charlie, an impressive winner in his local debut. Real World’s last run should be left behind while local entries Hypothetical and Remorse can spring the surprises.

1. Life Is Good

2. Hot Rod Charlie

3. Country Grammer

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid does a dance as Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon wins the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid does a dance as Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon wins the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, right, holds Thunder Snow which was ridden by Christophe Soumillon after winning the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, right, holds Thunder Snow which was ridden by Christophe Soumillon after winning the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Christophe Soumillon celebrates winning the Dubai World Cup. Reuters
    Christophe Soumillon celebrates winning the Dubai World Cup. Reuters
  • Thunder Snow wins in a photo finish. Reuters
    Thunder Snow wins in a photo finish. Reuters
  • Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon during the Dubai World Cup. Reuters
    Thunder Snow ridden by Christophe Soumillon during the Dubai World Cup. Reuters
  • William Buick celebrates winning the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on Old Persian. Reuters
    William Buick celebrates winning the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on Old Persian. Reuters
  • The huge crowds at Meydan. Reuters
    The huge crowds at Meydan. Reuters
  • Old Persian ridden by William Buick wins the Dubai Sheema Classic. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Old Persian ridden by William Buick wins the Dubai Sheema Classic. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Almond Eye ridden by Christophe Lemaire wins the Dubai Turf. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Almond Eye ridden by Christophe Lemaire wins the Dubai Turf. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Spectators take photos of winner Almond Eye. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Spectators take photos of winner Almond Eye. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • X Y Jet ridden by Emisael Jaramillo wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    X Y Jet ridden by Emisael Jaramillo wins the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Plus Que Parfait ridden by Jose Ortiz won the 5th horse race UAE Derby 1900m dirt. Pawan Singh / The National
    Plus Que Parfait ridden by Jose Ortiz won the 5th horse race UAE Derby 1900m dirt. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, left, listen to William Buick after Blue Point wins the Al Quoz Sprint. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, left, listen to William Buick after Blue Point wins the Al Quoz Sprint. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Blue Point ridden by William Buick wins the Al Quoz Sprint. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Blue Point ridden by William Buick wins the Al Quoz Sprint. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid looks happy as Cross Counter ridden by William Buick wins the Dubai Gold Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid looks happy as Cross Counter ridden by William Buick wins the Dubai Gold Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Cross Counter won the 3rd horse race Dubai Gold Cup 3200m turf. Pawan Singh / The National
    Cross Counter won the 3rd horse race Dubai Gold Cup 3200m turf. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Coal Front ridden by Jose Ortiz wins the Godolphin Mile. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Coal Front ridden by Jose Ortiz wins the Godolphin Mile. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A groundsmen prepares the sand prior to a race. Getty Images
    A groundsmen prepares the sand prior to a race. Getty Images
  • AF Maher ridden by Tadhg O'Shea wins the Dubai Kahayla Classic during the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    AF Maher ridden by Tadhg O'Shea wins the Dubai Kahayla Classic during the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People arrive for the Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
    People arrive for the Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Trophies of all the nine horse races on display before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
    Trophies of all the nine horse races on display before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
  • From left: Christina and Mona at the Sisters stand doing makeup before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
    From left: Christina and Mona at the Sisters stand doing makeup before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A model stands before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
    A model stands before the start of Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A trophy is on display at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A trophy is on display at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates - March 30, 2019: Different trophies on display at the Dubai World Cup. Saturday the 30th of March 2019 at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates - March 30, 2019: Different trophies on display at the Dubai World Cup. Saturday the 30th of March 2019 at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A trophy is on display at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A trophy is on display at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People look at the race cards before the start of Dubai World Cup held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    People look at the race cards before the start of Dubai World Cup held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Fhulu Badugela enjoys her day at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Fhulu Badugela enjoys her day at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A man wears tartan trousers at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A man wears tartan trousers at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Visitors are entertained by performance artists at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visitors are entertained by performance artists at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Visitors are entertained by performance artists at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visitors are entertained by performance artists at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People study the form and mark their race cards at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

South Africa squad

Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 592bhp

Torque: 620Nm

Price: Dh980,000

On sale: now

Updated: March 25, 2022, 11:16 AM