Recent Saudi Cup winner Mishriff is set to run in the Dubai World Cup next month at Meydan Racecourse. He will be bidding to complete a famous double in two of the richest races in the world.
John Gosden’s runner won the biggest prize of his career in the Saudi Cup where he was involved in a strong tussle with American star, Charlatan. He was able to outbattle his opponent in the closing stages of the race on the dirt at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh.
Mishriff and Charlatan were over six lengths clear of the rest of their rivals in that race earlier this month. The British-based horse finished the 1m1f contest so the extra 1f in the Dubai World Cup should suit the four-year-old. In fact, bookmakers make Mishriff the one to beat again in the Middle East as he is +275 in the horse racing betting for the Dubai World Cup. This demonstrates the high confidence in the colt’s abilities, as this will be his first appearance in the race at the Dubai Carnival.
It has been an excellent 12 months for the son of Make Believe as he has shown incredible versatility. The European horse also won the Group One Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly on turf last June.
A return to turf can be expected following the Dubai World Cup with Royal Ascot, Juddmonte International, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe all being possible targets on his return to Europe. More success in those big races could see him end the year as the highest-rated thoroughbred in the world right now.
Unbeaten Maxfield Set For Biggest Run Of His Career
Horses from the United States have an excellent record in the Dubai World Cup and the connections of Maxfield will be hoping that this continues with their runner claiming the first prize this year.
Brendan Walsh’s colt was the favorite for the Kentucky Derby in 2020 before picking up an injury that ruled him out of the race at Churchill Downs. He did return to action at the back end of last year, prevailing in a Listed contest at Fair Grounds.
Maxfield has had just the one outing so far in 2021. He was the winner of the Grade Three Mineshaft Stakes. He stretched away from the field inside the final furlong in New Orleans in what was a pleasing return to action.
The four-year-old will be one of the least experienced horses in the Dubai World Cup this year. He has yet to appear outside of the United States and has not contested a Group One contest. Walsh’s barn star does look to have a lot of ability, though, so the bookmakers feel he is the biggest threat to Mishriff, making him the second favorite at +500.
Maxfield will be joined from the USA by Jesus’ Team, Max Player, and Sleepy Eyes Todd who all travel to the UAE with strong chances of hitting the frame. This year’s Dubai World Cup takes place on March 27 and it will mark the end of the 25th running of the prestigious international race.
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