Baffert’s big bet
American Hall of Fame trainer believes West Coast can deliver the goods
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has never been known to mince his words. So when he says that he has never brought a horse to Dubai, to compete for the $10-million Dubai World Cup (Group 1), unless he believes that it can win it, you had better believe him.
The self-assured American, who has trained three previous winners of the race including Arrogate, 12 months ago, saddles three-year-old champion West Coast, the red-hot antepost favourite and former UAE Derby (G1) winner Mubtaahij, on Saturday’s renewal
Both Baffert’s horses have been wowing form-watchers at the Meydan gallops, ever since they arrived from California to prepare for the ultimate dirt contest, which is run over a testing 2,000-metre track at Dubai’s iconic racecourse.
West Coast, who works under the watchful eye of Baffert’s trusted exercise rider, Dana Barnes, brought smiles to his trainer’s faces after he saw him breeze yesterday morning.
“West Coast is a big, tough horse and he shipped well and is carrying his weight well,” Baffert said. “I gave him a little easy half-mile [800m] and he looked great doing it. He’s happy and doing great and that’s all you can ask for at this stage.”
Shock defeat
Baffert, who also won the Dubai World Cup in 1998 with Silver Charm and Captain Steve in 2001, is confident that West Coast can bounce back following his shock defeat to Gun Runner in last month’s $16 million Pegasus Cup at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
“He needs to show up and run his race,” Baffert said. “He should be the favourite based on what he’s accomplished. “He’s run into some pretty nice horses and Gun Runner [second to Arrogate in 2017] is not in there and there’s no Arrogate.
“I’ve been very fortunate. Every time I’ve come over with the favourite I’ve been lucky to win it. Hopefully, that trend continues, but you still need racing luck,” he continued.
“But I would never bring a horse here unless I believed that he could win the race.”
Mubtaahij, who was previously trained by South African Mike de Kock when he won the UAE Derby, finished fourth in the Dubai World Cup last year when he was also second in the 2016 edition of the race behind California Chrome.
“We’re looking forward to it, but this race is a real challenge for a trainer, for me. It’s totally different [from racing in America],” added Baffert. “You have to really know your horse and understand how they’re responding. It’s not easy, but to win the big prize is really exciting and I feel good about both horses.”
We’re looking forward to it, but this race is a real challenge for a trainer, for me. It’s totally different [from racing in America].” Bob Baffert » Legendary trainer
Chief Reporter
Former champion trainer Satish Seemar is hoping for the “best returns ever” as he saddles a possible five runners on Dubai World Cup night, on Saturday.
Seemar — a one-time apprentice to horse whisperer Monty Roberts — has never won the big one on Dubai World Cup night. But this time, by his admission, Seemar has the strongest field of five starting with North America in the big event followed by 12-year-old ageless wonder Reynaldothewizard (Dubai Golden Shaheen), Yulong Warrior (UAE Derby) and Raven’s Corner and Secret Ambition both in the Godolphin Mile.
A four-time UAE champion trainer, Seemar has also campaigned horses in England, France, Japan, Argentina and America while claiming a host of important Carnival races over the years. And even though the Indian trainer has won races like the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas (with Little Jim), and the Group 2 Bani Yas (with Big Easy) in 2004, the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (with Al Sabeq) in 2007 and the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (with Al Mutawakel) in 2008, he is yet to strike it rich with the big one of Dubai’s season finale.
“In my 27 years now in the UAE, this is by far my strongest field ever. Our entire team of 142 have all worked very well till now, and this morning to see the old man [Reynaldothewizard] and the young man [Yulong Warrior] both working at the best is something that can bring a smile on the face of any trainer,” Seemar told media yesterday.
Seemar is hoping North America will join the likes of Dubai Millennium, Street Cry and Electrocutionist as former Al Maktoum Challenge winners who have gone on to win the World Cup. “North America has a great story behind him and honestly, he is just about starting. He loves the distance [10 furlongs] now and I expect him to come out flying on Saturday,” Seemar said.
However, much of the strategy on the grand night will defend on Saturday’s post position draw for North America. “If we get a good draw, we will not change anything. If the draw is not in our favour, then we will have to see what changes we need to make. We all realise that is our best chance ever of winning the big one and, should this happen, then it will be very emotional and exciting and a great honour all at the same time,” he added.
The six-year-old North America prepared for the big night with an emphatic win over Godolphin’s Thunder Snow on Super Saturday earlier this month. Before Super Saturday, North America had won two races each in 2016 and 2017 thus taking his winning tally to five in his 14 runs since August 2014. “He is a serious contender. If everything, including the draw, goes right, then he has the best chance to win the World Cup on Saturday,” Seemar said.
Satish Seemar | Trainer
Crucial day
However, the trainer averred the most important day in the life of his contenders is today. “Believe me, every trainer is on tethers from tomorrow [Tuesday] till race day. For me, tomorrow is the most important. I would want to see my runners with that extra spring in their step,” Seemar admitted.
“Tomorrow morning is very important. And of course, anything can happen from now on. These are living beings, but in an ideal situation I would love to see my five horses trotting along. That would put me at ease.”