DUBAI // Simon Crisford promised after Super Saturday that Godolphin would roll out their heavy guns for Dubai World Cup night, but even with 23 runners across the eight-race thoroughbred card, the Godolphin racing manager was not totally confident of success on Thursday.
Three weeks ago, Godolphin dominated the dress rehearsal for World Cup night with Saeed bin Suroor saddling all four winners for the Dubai-based operation.
The quartet return to Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, but the influx of international challengers since then has tempered Crisford's enthusiasm.
Hunter's Light won the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge and heads to the World Cup, in which he will be joined by African Story, who won the Burj Nahaar.
Secret Number took the Al Bastikiya and lines up in the UAE Derby, and Sajjhaa bids to secure the Jebel Hatta-Dubai Duty Free double.
America has set out its stall by sending over Animal Kingdom, Royal Delta and Dullahan to try to wrest back the World Cup for the first time since Aaron Gryder scored aboard Well Armed in 2009, and Crisford was wary of their challenge.
"We do have a strong hand, but if the American contingent are on song, and they take to the surface, they are much better than anything that we have, especially Animal Kingdom and Royal Delta," he said yesterday.
Talent is not always telling in the world's most valuable horse race, however.
Gloria De Campeao was thrashed by Well Armed to the tune of 14 lengths on dirt at Nad Al Sheba, but came out on top 12 months later when denying Lizard's Desire on the opening night at Meydan.
Mirco Demuro's outrageous mid-race manoeuvre on Victoire Pisa, when he swept to the front, secured the trophy in 2011, while home advantage and a liking for Tapeta saw Monterosso to the line ahead of Capponi last season.
"Of course, just because the Americans are better quality horses does not mean they are going to win, because we are racing at Meydan and our horses love the surface," he said.
"The depth of our challenge is probably the same as it has been in previous years, but if you come into the evening thinking you are going to win, then it never really happens. But if you don't fancy anything ,sometimes they do win."
African Story became the first horse to win the Burj Nahaar in consecutive years three weeks ago. Rather than allow him to take the easy option and defend his title in the Godolphin Mile, the six-year-old takes his chance in the World Cup under Kieren Fallon.
"You have to like African Story and Hunter's Light for a small piece of the Dubai World Cup - hopefully one of them is good enough to win, but we will find out," Crisford said.
Secret Number put in one of the memorable performances of the Dubai World Cup Carnival in the Al Bastikiya, becoming the only horse to win from stall 11 or wider around two turns this season.
The son of Raven's Pass, the 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic winner, put two lengths on Mike De Kock's Zahee, who reposes.
Bin Suroor has won the UAE Derby, which is the third thoroughbred race of the night, seven times and could conceivably win it again.
Secret Number is joined in the race by stablemate Shuruq, who will be ridden by Paul Hanagan in the red cap after Silvestre De Sousa chose Secret Number.
The Brazilian rider conceded yesterday that he may have chosen incorrectly.
"Secret Number has done nothing wrong - winning two from two. I have may have picked the wrong one because the filly Shuruq is nice as well.
"She gets a weight allowance and was impressive when winning the UAE Oaks.
"It was a difficult choice as she is a nice filly, but he's a good horse."
Mahmoud Al Zarooni is set to run in the 1900m contest the well-regarded Now Spun and Snowboarder.
Now Spun will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona, while Snowboarder will be ridden by William Buick.
With such firepower, it may be the Classic generation that set the Godolphin ball rolling.
"We are just hoping they run their races and, if they run their races and we get one winner, we will be delighted," Crisford said.
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The specs
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Transmission: Eight-speed auto
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The currency conundrum
Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”
Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.
This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Army of the Dead
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera
Three stars
Our legal advisor
Rasmi Ragy is a senior counsel at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Prosecutor in Egypt with more than 40 years experience across the GCC.
Education: Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1978.
Brief scoreline:
Tottenham 1
Son 78'
Manchester City 0
