Dubai World Cup Preview

It is a glittering card befitting the 'World's Richest Raceday' tag, so proudly trumpeted in global racing. This is a special race meeting, with all the trappings, Dubai-style.

Nine races, all with their unique features - dirt and turf - attracting outstanding horses from a wide variety of racing capitals. And, later, pop singer Janet Jackson, amid a party atmosphere unequalled anywhere.

There should be plenty to savour as Godolphin flagship Frosted clashes with California Chrome, the 2014 G1 Kentucky Derby winner, Keen Ice, the shock winner of Saratoga's G1 Travers Stakes, Mubtaahij, the G2 UAE Derby winner, plus eight others, in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

In terms of quality, this is a World Cup right up with the very best, and surely vindication of the decision to switch to a dirt surface from synthetic. While Europeans might continue to grumble, the Americans have returned in force for a crack at the $10m prizemoney pot.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has remained focussed on the World Cup as a target for Frosted from the day the handsome grey son of Tapit finished a courageous third behind Keen Ice in the Travers Stakes in August.

The story of that race was the shock defeat of American Pharoah, the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, but more to the point, Frosted was ridden aggressively in an attempt to beat the champion and proved gallant in defeat.

Already with a win at Meydan to his credit, Frosted is ready for the challenge, but, so too is California Chrome, who has furnished into a magnificent racehorse since finishing second in the Dubai World Cup 12 months ago. He also won at Meydan, albeit in handicap company.

On the other hand, Keen Ice has been largely disappointing since his Travers triumph, and last start finished 7th behind Special Fighter in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge (Round 3) at Meydan on Super Saturday, March 5.

Other chances? Trainer Mike de Kock's plan to aim Mubtaahij at the World Cup has been well plotted, with the evidence of an improvement in form coming with a 4th behind Special Fighter last time. He will be primed for the big night.

Special Fighter was impressive in winning last time, but this will be a lot more difficult for him, while Mshawish is tough and versatile and capable of sneaking a place.

Godolphin have 8 runners on the card, with high hopes held for Tryster, trained by Charlie Appleby, in the G1 Dubai Turf, though the stable's other runner Very Special, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, should also do well.

Marking, with James Doyle aboard, is favoured in the G2 Godolphin Mile, stepping up from 6 furlongs (1,200m), while Manatee will be joined by Haafaguinea in a two-pronged attack on the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, over two miles (3,200m), one of the most interesting races on the card.

In the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, Jungle Cat attempts to improve slightly on his last run, with Confrontation being the Godolphin representative in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Both are expected to run well.