DUBAI // There was only one trainer yesterday at the post-position draw to the Dubai World Cup who was not grumbling when his horse was drawn in a double-figure starting stall.
Satish Seemar has had to take on the chin two terrible draws for Surfer in his past two runs, but despite being lumped with gate 10 for Saturday’s feature the master of Zabeel stable was quietly content. Surfer was third in the concluding round of the Al Maktoum Challenge on Super Saturday three weeks ago from the widest gate of all.
Alongside runner-up Sanshaawes, he travelled 23 metres further than Prince Bishop, who won the race for Godolphin. “That is almost the best draw he has ever had, so I am very happy,” Seemar said.
“When Ron The Greek drew 16 I had a big sigh of relief as I knew we weren’t going to get that. He has always had wide draws, so it has been always an excuse for me and for him. It gives him a better chance on Saturday.”
Sanshaawes will emerge from gate 5, while Prince Bishop has the opportunity to once again skim the rail under Kieran Fallon from the inner-most starting gate.
The Hong Kong challenge looks particularly strong, and both Akeed Mofeed in four, and Military Attack in eight, are well placed to deliver the special administrative region a first World Cup.
Richest day of racing just got, more richer
The prize money to the Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai Duty Free will increase by US$1million (Dh3.67m) each next year. As a celebration of the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup both races will offer US$6 million in prize money. “This is a truly international event and it is now so much more than a day of racing,” said Saeed Al Tayer, the chairman of Meydan.
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