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2017 Dubai World Cup Workouts


Wednesday morning was foggy at Meydan.
Date: 03/22/2017

On Wednesday morning in Dubai, some of the entrants for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) and its rich undercard were at Meydan Racecourse on the main track, turf course, and training track. Participants have experienced Dubai weather in its many forms, the desert heat on Sunday and Monday, steady rain on Tuesday morning, and then thick fog on Wednesday morning with temperatures in the low 70's. The races will be shown live in North America on TVG in the U.S. and HPI-TV in Canada, as well as at racetracks and simulcast sites. In addition, for the first time NBC Sports Network will show the four Group 1 races in a special telecast starting at 10:30am ET.

Here are photos and comments for 9 horses, 3 trainers, and a jockey who were out on Wednesday. Please click the smaller photos to see a larger version.


Gold Dream (Dubai World Cup) galloped 6f on the main track, blowing out the final furlong in about 11 seconds. Trainer Osamu Hirata said: "He is coming along really nicely. He is a horse that likes large tracks like Meydan and Tokyo and with the guidance of Joao Moreira I will hope for the best."

Neolithic (Dubai World Cup) galloped on the main track on Tuesday. John Velazquez gets the call Saturday for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Ribchester (Dubai Turf) cantered on the main track at 5am. Trainer Richard Fahey said, "It's cooler and less crowded at that time of morning. he job has been done at home and he's in good nick."

Vivlos (Dubai Turf) galloped on the turf, blowing out the final furlong in 12.2 seconds. Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said: "I worried about her weight since she has arrived, but she hasn't lost any. She is getting familiarised with the new surroundings, is in good condition and set for the big day. I hope the track will not be too soft for her as it will be possibly rain on Saturday."

Mondialiste (Dubai Turf) cantered once around the training turf under exercise rider Fergal Davis. Regular rider Daniel Tudhope gets the call Saturday for trainer David O'Meara.

Sharp Azteca (Godolphin Mile) trotted 5f and then galloped 1 1/2 miles and then schooled in the starting gate. Trainer Jorge Navarro said, "I told my exercise rider to let him have fun. Whatever he wants to do, let him enjoy himself. I think he knows that raceday is coming. Up until yesterday he was the gentleman of the track; today he's on his toes. He did things today that I didn't like. He tried to wheel, and then he was backing up coming out of the gate. He wanted me to let him go."

Ross (Godolphin Mile) cantered once around the main track (9f) under exercise rider Patrick Gibson. Gibson said, "He is really well in himself. He likes it here and he is fresh and fit. "

Not Listenin'tome (Golden Shaheen) cantered once around the main track under exercise rider Kelvin Wan. Assistant trainer George Moore said: "That work there was fine. Everything is perfect with him. I can't feed him enough. Dad (John Moore, trainer) will be here tomorrow morning when the horse will do a jump-out from the gates from the 6f. The start is crucial so he needs to be as sharp as possible. He acts well on the dirt and we believe he will run well."

Finsbury Square (Al Quoz Sprint) was out on the main track Wednesday. trainer Fabrice Chappet said, "He did just a regular canter. Tomorrow he will go a bit faster over the last furlong. He had worked before he left for Dubai. A little lung opener tomorrow should be sufficient."

Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi being interviewed after having to scratch defending Dubai Turf champion Real Steel the morning of the draw. Yahagi said, "There was only blood found in his nasal passages, not his lungs, so it doesn't seem that serious, but we have to think about what is best for the horse. I am very disappointed, but we will make fall plans for him and hopefully be back next year for the 2018 Dubai Turf." This is the first time the colt has bled in any way, either during training or a race.

Japanese jockey Yutaka Take after working Lani on the main track, blowing out the final furlong in 12.2 seconds. He said, "He was very keen and aggressive. I think he can handle the dirt surface. The horses in front will have an advantage over those in the back in the dirt races here, so I will think about the tactics. I am excited to run with the world's highest-rated horse, and it will be a tough race for him but he is in good condition. He was too quiet during the previous races, but he is different this time. I am hoping now."

Take also breezed Adirato (UAE Derby) 6f on the main track. He said, "He was quiet when getting on the track, but once I urged him to pick up the speed, he answered me well and moved faster. He has travelled well, eats up well and has a good coat, which shows his good condition. He handled the surface. Hopefully he starts off the gate well and runs his race."


Trainer Erwan Charpy has the mare Furia Cruzada in World Cup, and Zamaam in the Gold Cup. After drawing post 8 for Furia Cruzada he said, "It's my first runner (in Dubai) and it's exciting to be here. We've got speed inside and outside and I'm happy enough with midfield. She's adaptable. Realistically she's an outsider but she'll run to her best." Regular rider Antonio Fresu rides Furia Cruzada while Jim Crowley will be aboard Zamaam.

Trainer Michael Bell arrived from the airport just in time to watch Big Orange (Gold Cup) breeze through the lane. He said, "He has taken the journey well. An eight-hour flight is a hop, skip and a jump for him. He has so many air miles. He's a little bit heavier than this time last year. He's filling his frame. He's happy and well." Frankie Dettori gets the call on Saturday night.

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