There are 132 horses accepted for the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival, which begins at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday, Jan. 11, the Meydan Group announced on Wednesday. Fifteen countries are represented and 14 Group 1 winners number among the acceptances, with the Dubai season culminating in the G1 Dubai World Cup on Mar. 31.
Proven stayer Vazirabad (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}), who races for H. H. The Aga Khan, returns to the Carnival with an eye toward a third G1 Dubai Gold Cup for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre. South Africa is well represented with G1 Sun Met hero Whisky Baron (Aus) (Manhattan Rain {Aus}), trained by Brett Crawford and G1SWs Sanshaawes (SAf) (Ashaawes) and Noah From Goa (SAf) (Tiger Ridge), as well as G1 South African Derby hero Al Sahem (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}), all three hailing from the Mike de Kock barn. French trainer Andre Fabre sends the Godolphin duo of Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d'Oro), who won the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf and Cloth of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The veteran GISW Sheikhzayedroad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) also returns to Meydan for Newmarket-based trainer David Simcock, as will Bjorn Baker's speedy Australian Group 1 winner Music Magnate (NZ) (Written Tycoon {Aus}).
The Carnival itself sees three races raised from listed to Group 3 status: Singspiel S. over 1800 metres on opening night, the main track 1200-metre Dubawi S. on Jan. 18 and the five-furlong Meydan Sprint scheduled on Feb. 22.
To view the complete list of accepted horses, or for more information about the Dubai World Cup Carnival, go to www.dubairacingclub.com.
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