Stage set for a West Side Story in Dubai World Cup

American raider looks the horse to beat but several have credentials to spring a surprise

When the ten thoroughbreds break from the starting gate at Meydan Racecourse at 8.50pm this evening to contest the 23rd running of the $10 million Dubai World Cup (Group 1), most eyes will be on the one in stall 9 — West Coast, the red-hot favourite from America.

Trained by American Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, a former three-time winner of the great race, West Coast has dominated the wagering markets across the planet which makes him the horse the other nine contenders will have to overcome in the quest for victory.

Twelve months ago Baffert won the race with Arrogate, who despite missing the break, outrageously circled the field running eight horses wide, before delivering a turbo-charged run to devour the dirt surface and coast home as easy winner under veteran jockey Mike Smith.

However, many will agree that West Coast, while a high achieving horse in his own right, doesn’t look to possess the same profile as the mighty Arrogate.

A winner of last year’s Travers Stakes (G1), he was far from disgraced when chasing Gun Runner home in the $15 million Pegasus World Cup on his last start in February.

Today, as he bids to atone for that defeat and stamp his credential as one of the great winners of the Dubai World Cup, West Coast, and his jockey Javier Castellano, he must overcome a less than favourable draw in stall nine. “It’s a field of totally different horses, but a good horse will win from any post,” said Baffert.

“The only reason I’ve been successful in three World Cups is because I’ve brought the best horses and, on paper, West Coast is that horse. But he needs to step up now. This is his coming out party.”

Commenting on the wide draw Baffert said it was not a concern. “Everyone says the rail here is golden and that you want the inside post but you can’t really judge a race before it’s run,” he said.

“My other runner Mubtaahij won the UAE Derby and has finished second and fourth in the race. He is probably as well as he has ever been since I’ve had him.”

Comfortable position

Among West Coast’s nine rivals is Thunder Snow, who races out of seven-time Dubai World Cup winning handler Saeed Bin Surour’s Godolphin stables.

Thunder Snow will break from West Coast’s side in the widest stall. But Bin Surour is confident that the horse has the early turn of foot to break well and secure a comfortable position in the race from which he can launch his challenge in the final two furlongs.

“The best horses in the world are here, it’s a tough race,” said Bin Surour. “But you have to stay positive and focus on your horse.

“Thunder Snow will try hard, and should he run his race, I believe that he would have a chance.

“Christophe [Soumillon] knows the horse well. They get along like friends. He has ridden him since the start. If he is in a nice position, the horse has a chance to run a big race,” added Bin Suroor, who traditional provides the local challenge to the powerful American raiders.

However, this year, he is not alone. Satish Seemar looks to have the best chance he has ever of laying his hand on the much sought after World Cup trophy, should North America produced the magical performances he has all season.

North America will break from the plumb draw of stall two. He has simply thrived during the Carnival where he also broke 2016 Dubai World Cup winner California Chrome’s course record when making all over course and distance in the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge on Super Saturday.

Forever Unbridled is another high-class American mare will be looking to prove herself against the males.

All in all a very interesting field of horses will contest the race, with victory going to the bravest, as we have seen in its short, but enthralling history.

The only reason I’ve been successful in three World Cups is because I’ve brought the best horses and, on paper, West Coast is that kind of horse.”

Bob Baffert |

Trainer The best horses in the world are here but Thunder Snow will try hard, and should he run his race, I believe that he would have a chance.”

Saeed Bin Surour |

Trainer