Godolphin Mount Strong Challenge For Dubai World Cup

Godolphin has a strong team for Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Saturday, March 28.

African Story won the world's richest race, the US$10-million Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline, last year when it was run on Tapeta.

Meydan switched to a dirt track in 2014 and African Story, along with Godolphin's other Dubai World Cup contender, Prince Bishop, has now had experience of the new surface.

US$10-million Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline, 1m 2f dirt, Group One
African Story, 8, Saeed bin Suroor, James Doyle
Prince Bishop, 8, Saeed bin Suroor, William Buick
Saeed bin Suroor said: "Both African Story and Prince Bishop worked on Saturday and are happy and in good condition.
"It will be very tough racing against California Chrome from America, though our horses have been doing very well.
"They have been getting used to the dirt this year but they don't like the kickback and need to be prominent in the race.
"Prince Bishop has to start better - he came from last to second in the final round of the Al Maktoum Challenge. African Story was victorious last year's Dubai World Cup and is now back in peak form."

US$6-million Dubai Sheema Classic Presented By Longines, 1m 4f turf, Group One
True Story, 4, Saeed bin Suroor, James Doyle
Saeed bin Suroor said: "True Story won well first time out in Dubai this year but a mile and a half is a better trip for him. He needs to be more relaxed in his races and we have been working on this. Unfortunately, Sky Hunter is not able to run."

US$1-million Al Quoz Sprint Empowered By IPIC, 5f turf, Group One
Ahtoug, 7, Charlie Appleby, William Buick
Charlie Appleby said: "Ahtoug is ultra-consistent and looks in great nick. His most recent run was the best of the year so far and we were delighted the performance. William (Buick) rode him that day and saw what the horse is capable of. Ahtoug just got beaten in this race last year and retains his speed."

US$2-million UAE Derby Sponsored By The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, 1m 1f 110y dirt, Group Two
Sir Fever, 3, Charlie Appleby, William Buick
Maftool, 3, Saeed bin Suroor, Paul Hanagan
Charlie Appleby said: "I was pleased with Sir Fever's first run for us and he has come out of the race well. It was good that William (Buick) got to know him during the race. Sir Fever is a big, lengthy galloper and we are applying headgear (blinkers & shadow roll) to help his concentration and keep him focused."

Saeed bin Suroor said: "Maftool is doing good and I am happy with the progress he is making. The longer trip will suit him. The jockey (Paul Hanagan) has been riding him in the mornings. It is a hard race but he has a chance."

US$1-million Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored By Al Tayer Motors, 2m
Ahzeemah, 6, Saeed bin Suroor, James Doyle
Marzocco, 4, John Gosden, William Buick
Saeed bin Suroor said: "Ahzeemah worked on Sunday but was very disappointing last time. We are expecting a much better performance in the Gold Cup and hope he can show his best form."

John Gosden said: "We feel that the track and ground at Meydan should suit Marzocco and the trip is within his compass."

US$1-million Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Meydan Sobha, 1m, Group Two, dirt,
Free Wheeling, 6, Saeed bin Suroor, James Doyle
Saeed bin Suroor said: "Free Wheeling ran well last time and we will see how he handles the dirt as he is returning to the surface. I am happy with him and he worked well on Sunday. It is a tough race and he will need to be at his best."