Dubai World Cup Post-Position Draw

Godolphin trainer Kiaran McLaughlin remains upbeat about the chances of Frosted in Saturday's G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan following a barrier draw that has arguably made the race even more intriguing.

This year, connections of the World Cup runners picked their own post position after the order of selection was decided by drawing names of the selectors, one by one.

By the time Godolphin's representative Jimmy Bell was called up on stage, most of the prized barriers had gone. He selected gate 9, fourth from the outside, hoping that a 'speed' rival might take up gate 7, which was left vacant.

Instead, French contender Vadamos ended up in 7, while California Chrome, who looks certain to go forward early, was left to take stall 11, second from the outside.

"We wanted to be outside, with the speed on our inside," McLaughlin revealed. "I'm not happy the way it has turned out, but we have to deal with it. Ideally, we would have liked California Chrome to be on our inside.

"Frosted will probably have to run the best race of his life to win, but he can do it. He looks fabulous and has worked well," McLaughlin said.

William Buick discussed tactics with the trainer shortly before the draw, which was conducted at Meydan racecourse. "We agreed we wanted to be near where we are because it gives us options. He's straightforward. He wants to have a nice, clear run on the outside," the jockey explained.

"We have respect for all the others, but belief in our horse," Buick concluded.

Among the other interesting draws: Keen Ice (1) and Mubtaahij (4) have contested Classics in America, both acquitting themselves well, while Mshawish (2) has a crack at the Meydan dirt for the first time, and Hong Kong entry Gun Pit (3) attempts to run up to his last effort when placed behind Special Fighter (5) in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge (Round 3).

McLaughlin, who won the 2007 Dubai World Cup with Invasor, sends out three runners for Godolphin on Saturday's glittering card. "Frosted is our best chance. He's done well out here in Dubai, but so have the others. California Chrome will be tough opposition.

McLaughlin sends Marking for the G2 Godophin Mile, but the trainer has concern about the start.

"He's had an issue with the starting gate all his life. He gets nervous in the gate. We have been working on it. We've even had the starter come down," the trainer reported.

"If he breaks well, he should run his race. On pedigree, he wants a mile," he added.

McLaughlin also sends Confrontation for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. "From gate 8, I'm hoping the speed comes back to us," he said.

Buick will partner the Charlie Appleby-trained Tryster in the G1 Dubai Turf and expects the prolific Godolphin winner to drop out at the start, as usual, from gate 2.

"The draw is not crucial for him, and hopefully I can save ground on the inside early," the jockey said.

Appleby was adamant: "We won't change his running style. We'll ride him cold. And with Intilaaq coming into the race, I feel there will be a genuine gallop all the way."

Buick and Appleby combine with Jungle Cat in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, though both believe it will be a much tougher race than he experienced when placed on Super Saturday.

Saeed bin Suroor saddles Haafaguinea for Godolphin in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, in which the trip will be a test. "He has never been 2 miles before, but if he relaxes, he has a chance. He has a big heart," the trainer said.

Mickael Barzalona partners the Andre Fabre-trained Manatee for Godolphin in the same race and expects a good run. "He is an uncomplicated ride, who will be suited by the race. I believe it will be a truly run race," he pointed out.

Saeed also saddles Very Special in the G1 Dubai Turf, giving added strength to the Godolphin challenge headed by Tryster. "Very Special is improving all the time. She worked well 3 days ago, and she is ready to run her race," the trainer said.