Dubai World Cup 2015: Racecards, Odds, TV Info, Live Stream and Meydan Schedule
The iconic Meydan racecourse will play host to the Dubai World Cup once again, including the signature race worth a whopping $10 million, per Geoffrey Riddle of The National. According to the piece, over the entire day there will be around $30 million up for grabs.
The event has grown in stature since it was first run in 1996, and this year’s spectacle has attracted some of the finest horses, jockeys and trainers in the world, all looking to battle it out for a share of the lucrative prize fund.
Meydan—the largest racecourse on the planet—always provides a stunning backdrop to the occasion, and expect the one-mile long grandstand to be packed to the rafters come raceday, March 28. Here’s the full card and odds for this year’s event and a closer look at some of the horses set to shine in Dubai.
All start times are local times. Odds accurate as of 2:30 p.m. (GMT), Mar. 24. Racecards courtesy of dubaiworldcup.com.
TV Info: Channel 4 (UK), Fox Sports 1 (US)
California Chrome Looking to Conquer Dubai World Cup
California Chrome will be the big attraction at this year’s showpiece and is the favourite to win the hotly anticipated Dubai World Cup race. The four-year old won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes last year, putting the Art Sherman-trained horse two legs toward a coveted Triple Crown title.
But he was trodden on by another horse coming out of the stalls at the Belmont Stakes, and dreams of becoming the first horse to complete that coveted triumvirate of titles in 36 years were shattered. Winning the Dubai World Cup would certainly go some way to making up for that disappointment, though.
Trainer Graham Motion revealed that the horse is looking in fine fettle in preparations:
GrahamMotion @GrahamMotionEnjoyed watching California Chrome train from my balcony in my PJs this morning. Looking good #earlybird
One of the key factors will be running on the Dubai dirt. Indeed, as noted by Peter Scargill of the Racing Post, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum has claimed the dirt used at Meydan is not comparable to those in America, and subsequently the favourite could find it tough against those horses better acquainted with the conditions.
But as noted in the piece, Sherman told The National that California Chrome seemed to take to the course pretty well, which switched from tapeta to dirt last year:
He seemed to like the surface.
Willie [Delgado, work rider] said he glided right over it this morning. Of course, galloping in the morning is different to running in a race, but at this stage I don't think there will be an issue.
If California Chrome triumphs here he will become the second American-trained horse to win this sought-after crown in three years. Indeed, a triumph at Meydan would further cement California Chrome’s legendary status along with iconic horses like Cigar and Silver Charm. Last year’s winner African Story will pose a big threat to their chances, though.
Aside from the feature race, the Godolphin Mile is another one for punters to keep an eye on. Leading the market for that title is Tamarkuz, who is owned by Sheikh Hamdan. Paul Hanagan will be on the five-year old after steering him to wins in the previous two outings; Tamarkuz has won his last three races in succession.
As such, Hanagan thinks we could see something pretty special at Meydan, per Adrian Lewis of the Racing Post:
He has been a revelation. Hopefully he is over the stalls issues which had affected him and he has won well on his last three starts.
The 1,600m on dirt really suits him and we have a nice low draw.
Also vying for a victory in that particular race will be two-time winner of at Dubai World Cup Carnival, Dark Emerald. Former Grand National-winning jockey Brendan Powell has been training the horse for this one and thinks that given the favourable draw, they have a fine chance of picking up a victory at Meydan too:
Brendan Powell @bpowell13DE drawn 7 of 16 in Godolfin Mile. Just about where we would have liked. Fingers crossed!! http://t.co/tnSs7wNkLE
There will also be an appearance by the horse owned by former England footballer Michael Owen, Brown Panther. He’ll run in the Dubai Gold Cup and is one of the big favourites to pick up victory, while after the action out on track has finished, spectators will be treated to a performance from Australian pop star Kylie Minogue.
