Fast Track To World Cup Night

A fully subscribed field of 14 stayers has signed on for the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy going 2810 metres at Meydan Thursday, and that group includes horses with Group 1 form, some recent local achievers and some past luminaries with something to prove. This group is likely has the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night Mar. 26 in their sights, but could also potentially take in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on the same night. One who has tried both contests is Mohammed Jaber's Sheikhzayedroad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) seeks his first win since taking Woodbine's GI Northern Dancer Turf S. in 2014. He has strong form over this course, having finished second in the Dubai City of Gold. last year. He had a busy summer in Europe, running at Epsom, Royal Ascot, Newmarket and Goodwood before dropping back in class to finish third in Chester's Listed Betfair Stand Cup Sept. 12. He was also third when last seen in Woodbine's GI Canadian International Oct. 18.

The Roger Varian-trained Battersea (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) made a big impression when winning a course and distance prep for this Feb. 4. The 5-year-old entire, who had last been seen finishing second in a Doncaster handicap in September, got up late to just pip Paene Magnus (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) last month, the latter having inherited the lead prematurely at the top of the stretch. Godolphin's Famous Kid (Street Cry {Ire}), third in a 3300 metre conditions event at Wolverhampton Dec. 12, finished third that day, and trainer Saeed bin Suroor said, “The course and distance really suit him and he ran very well last time. He has improved for that outing and is working very well. It looks an open race but he should be competitive.”

Certerach (Ire) (Halling) was a winner on the Dubai World Cup card two years ago, besting Cavalryman (Halling) in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, but the 8-year-old gelding has not won since and must rebound from two lacklustre performances at this year's carnival, including a well-beaten 11th of 13 behind Battersea.