Dubai World Cup: Racecard, predictions and analyses

A comprehensive look all nine races and our 1-2-3 predictions for the Dubai World Cup.

Meandre is running in the Dubai World Cup.

Click here for the full race card at Meydan

4.30pm

Race 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic, 2,000m, Arabian Group 1, US$250,000

Analysis

There will be plenty of pace with Areem and Rakha set to lead from the front until they get on the home stretch. The chasing pack should close in with Nieshan, Versac PY, TM Fred Texas, Musharab and Naseem being the most prominent. Naseem should have enough pace to get ahead followed by Versac PY and Nieshan in that order.

Prediction

5.10pm

Race 2 Godolphin Mile, 1,600m, Thoroughbred Group 2, US$ 1 million

Analysis

Moonwalk In Paris did not have the gears to deal with last year's winner, African Story, on Super Saturday. He is drawn wide, which means Ahmed Ajtebi is going to have to take a pull. If he encounters traffic, Barbecue Eddie and Zazou may profit.

Prediction

5.45pm

Race 3 Dubai Gold Cup, 3,200m, Thoroughbred Group 3, US$1 million

Analysis

This is really a question of whether Aidan O'Brien's Imperial Monarch can stay the distance of two miles, having never run over it before. O'Brien has past form with taking decent middle-distance horses and turning them into stayers but the Godolphin trio of Tenenbaum, Ahzeemah and Cavalryman look too strong.

Prediction

6.25pm

Race 4 UAE Derby, 1,900m, Thoroughbred Group 2, US$2 million

Analysis

The Americans may have a strong hand in the Dubai World Cup but they look to have a stinker in this. He's Had Enough regularly gets trounced by 10 lengths on the gallops by Private Zone, who goes in the Golden Shaheen, which is simply not good enough. If Aidan O'Brien's Imperial Monarch fails in the Gold Cup, he could get immediate compensation with Lines Of Battle. O'Brien has a good record in the race and Lines Of Battle can lead home Law Enforcement.

Prediction

7:05pm

Race 5 Al Quoz Sprint, 1,000m, Thoroughbred Group 1, $1 million

Analysis

Shea Shea looked to run a huge trial when running out an impressive winner of the Meydan Sprint. He looks the most likely winner but, with Sole Power proving the most consistent in Europe, he should be in the frame at worst. Ganas may sneak a place.

Prediction

7:45pm

Race 6 Dubai Golden Shaheen, 1,200m, Thoroughbred Group 1, $2 million

Analysis

Last year's winner, Krypton Factor, has had a troubled preparation and has run a fraction of the number of races this season compared to 12 months ago. He looks a shadow of his former self and could struggle to deal with the American challenge. Breeders' Cup Sprint hero Trinniberg and Private Zone are likely to run a huge race from the front, but may have to concede to Mental, who will swoop fast and late.

Prediction

8:40pm

Race 7 Dubai Duty Free, 1,800m, Thoroughbred Group 1, $5 million

Analysis

With eight Group 1 winners in the field, it is amazing anyone fancies Trade Storm. His Zabeel Mile victory was impressive and, although he is improving, he needs to take a massive step up. Ocean Park is one of the best horses to have come out of Australasia and will need to run at least in the first three to confirm his trip to Royal Ascot. Little Mike looks solid, while Godolphin's Sajjhaa can get involved.

Prediction

9:20pm

Race 8 Dubai Sheema Classic, 2,410m, Thoroughbred Group 1, $5 million

Analysis

Japanese fillies have had a tough time of it abroad but the way that Gentildonna held a straight line when bumped by Orfevre in the Japan Cup shows she has some steel. Quite simply the Japanese raider was the best middle-distance horse in the world last year, and having seen her track work improve all week, she is primed for a huge run. Await The Dawn looks a have a big chance if Gentildonna does blow out, while Dunaden and St Nicholas Abbey look the forgotten horses.

Prediction

10.05pm

Race 9 Dubai World Cup, 2,000m, Thoroughbred Group 1, $10 million

Analysis

This is the highest quality World Cup to have been staged at Meydan. The Americans have come in with their best challenge to date and Royal Delta looks to be the pick of the challengers. She is much bigger than last year, which will help in what can be a rough race. The World Cup is an odd race, however, and Dullahan has the right credentials. His three Group 1 wins have been on synthetic around two turns. Hunter's Light looks to be Godolphin's main hope.

Prediction