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 After rain the last two days, Friday morning at Meydan was very foggy. |
On Friday morning in Dubai, entrants for the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) and its rich undercard were at Meydan Racecourse on the main track. Friday's training hours had thick fog with temperatures in the mid 80's, making photos difficult. The races will be run Saturday evening (Saturday morning in North America), with the World Cup going to post at 9:40pm local time (1:40pm ET). In North America the full card will be broadcast live on TVG in the U.S. and HPI-TV in Canada. In addition, NBC Sports Network's show will start at 12:30pm.
Here are photos and comments for 12 horses that were out Friday morning plus some scenic shots. Please click the smaller photos to see a larger version.
 Pavel (Dubai World Cup) came onto the dirt track on Friday morning, where he did his usual routine of cantering steadily around the track. Leandro Mora, who has been with him every step of the way, said: “It’s another great day. Pavel came out to do his gallop, came back home and he is as good as he is going to be. There is nothing to report. We are just going to sit and wait until tomorrow.” |
 Yoshida (Dubai World Cup) has made a good impression during morning track work on the Meydan dirt this week under the care of Mott’s son and assistant, Riley Mott. Yoshida galloped once around under exercise rider Penny Gardiner. “He just had a normal gallop to get him into the race. He looks good and is acting well,” Mott said. |
 Hunting Horn (Sheema Classic) was third in Qatar last out for trainer Aidan O'Brien. He was among the five envoys from Ballydoyle who made their first appearance on the dirt track on Thursday morning a little after 7:00 a.m. as the worst of the morning rain cleared. "They have settled in well since arriving late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Not a bother on any of them. Hunting Horn has got plenty of air miles already this year, but we think he can run a good race. ." said Matt Gleeson, part of trainer Aidan O'Brien's travelling team. |
 Magic Wand (Sheema Classic) finished second last out in the Pegasus World Cup for trainer Aidan O'Brien. She was among the five envoys from Ballydoyle who made their first appearance on the dirt track on Thursday morning a little after 7:00 a.m. as the worst of the morning rain cleared. "They have settled in well since arriving late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Not a bother on any of them. Magic Wand is in good form. She should run well." said Matt Gleeson, part of trainer Aidan O'Brien's travelling team. |
 Rey De Oro (Sheema Classic) won the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1) and then was 2nd in the Arima Kinen Grand Prix (G1). |
 Almond Eye (Dubai Turf), winner of the Japanese Filly Triple Crown, galloped on Friday. Trainer Sakae Kunieda said, "She is training great. Her weight is up to 493kg. As we push her more in training and after her trip to Dubai, she should be at her best. With the big sweeping one turn, I think the 1800m (Dubai) Turf is a suitable easy distance for her first start of the year." |
 Lord Glitters (Dubai Turf) came out on the track Friday. Colin Bolger, assistant to trainer David O'Meara said, "He can be quite highly strung, but he has taken the journey over really well." |
 Southern Legend (Dubai Turf) was out in the fog on Friday. Trainer Caspar Fownes said, "The Dubai Turf is going to be a strong race, no doubt, but he has shown he can travel and perform. Perhaps his best performance of all was in the Kranji Mile, when he had to travel and also go left-handed. I'd be hoping for a big run." |
 Vivlos (Dubai Turf) won this race in 2017, has not won since, and finished 2nd last year. She was 2nd in the Hong Kong Mile (G1) last out. |
 Fight Hero (Golden Shaheen) is winless since the Jau To Shan Handicap at Sha Tin in June. He finished 12th in the Leighton Handicap also at Sha Tin last out in January. |
 Jahbath (UAE Derby) had another light canter on Friday after a stronger stretch on Thursday. William Haggas has made every possible effort to get Jahbath ready for his big engagement, fitting in four consecutive wins in lower-key events on artificial surfaces during the British winter. The colt has stretched his legs on the dirt track every day this week. |
 Van Beethoven (UAE Derby) was on the track for the second day since his arrival. "They have settled in well since arriving late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Not a bother on any of them. It was a very good run by Van Beethoven in his prep a few weeks ago when he carried a 5lb penalty. The boss thinks this track and trip should suit him." said Matt Gleeson, part of trainer Aidan O'Brien's travelling team. |
  Break time for the pony buddies Blondie (left) and Wato. |
  The grandstand at Meydan before and after the fog moved in this morning. |
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