By Alan Carasso
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Though it was north of 70 degrees Farenheit (that's about 22 degrees on the Celsius scale for those of you who do things that way), there was still a bit of a chill in the air when the first of the horses bound for Saturday's Dubai World Cup meeting here at Meydan Racecourse took to the oval.
As per usual, Team Japan are the earliest of the early risers and one of the most enjoyable aspects of trackwork, from this reporter's perspective, is the way the horses–bay, chestnut, gray, what have you–and their often colorful tack are contrasted against the impenetrable darkness of the 5 a.m. sky.
There is no better example of this than Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), looking as good as ever approaching his final career start and immediately identifiable by his bright yellow tack. 'Ushba's two previous spins over the Meydan 2000 meters have netted him a cool $9.36 million, just a shade over half of his career earnings. If Ushba Tesoro catches the eye that quickly, it is possible that his commonly owned stablemate Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) can be seen from outer space, as he struts out each morning in yellow headgear, shadow roll and four yellow polos. And by the looks of it, he's feeling pretty good in Dubai as well.
And then there is Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who you could also easily pick out of a lineup even without the red saddle cloth bearing his name. His alternating red-and-white polos match perfectly with the jacket typically worn to trackwork by his underrated jockey Ryusei Sakai, and he was tracked by his G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen-bound stable companion American Stage (Into Mischief) as they trotted a couple of laps the 'wrong' way on the outside fence before breezing in company down the lane. A remarkable side note unearthed by my astute colleague Andrew Hawkins–American Stage squares off in the Golden Shaheen with older half-brother Super Chow (Lord Nelson), who also looks very well headed towards the weekend.
A nice blowout for Forever Young in company with American Stage. Forever Young given a target as he likes to chase.#DWC25 #フォーエバーヤング #アメリカの舞台 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/qNExJA5Sdd
— Suleiman Altaf (@SuleimanAltaf) April 1, 2025
There really is nothing like a Meydan sunrise and that ushers in a rush of local horses for the next little bit, but the throng of media on hand moved en masse from the so-called harrow yard over to the turf course approaching the 7 a.m. hour. With the sun still having yet to exacted its influence, there was plenty of morning dew on ground as Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) readied for his final hit-out ahead of Saturday's G1 Dubai Turf.
The 7-year-old could not look any better despite all the traveling he's done over the last four months or so and given what must have been a gut-busting run in that highly memorable G1 Saudi Cup just over a month ago. But the Tattersalls October grad gives no indication he's over the top, as he charged down the Meydan straight with the dogs placed nearly against the stands'-side rail (final 400m in :23.34, last 200m in :11.67) while putting half a furlong on his 'company' with James McDonald having arrived to put him through his paces. The Longines World's Best Jockey bypassed Tuesday's postponed first day of The Championships in Sydney in order to travel to Dubai as previously scheduled.
“He usually works well, he does what he has to do and he just enjoys it,” he said. “Hence why he's such a good horse. He loves his work, thrives on a bit of pressure and he's all guns blazing.”
As seen LIVE🔴 this morning on #DWCDaybreak, ROMANTIC WARRIOR having an impressive final piece of work under @mcacajamez on the @RacingDubai turf course ahead of Saturday's G1 $5m Dubai Turf test. Many thanks to today's guest analyst @AndrewNJHawkins.
📺Join @AdolphsonRacing… https://t.co/MQbnSHgk22 pic.twitter.com/I189ZeMPMT
— Michael Adolphson (@AdolphsonRacing) April 1, 2025
A couple of those who will line up against the $26-million earner also burned up the turf Tuesday morning, including Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) and Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), third in last year's strangely run G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, but dropping to the 1800 meters for the Dubai Turf this time around.
Representing America Tuesday morning was the imposing Little Vic (Practical Joke), while trainer Antonio Sano and owner Eduardo Soto were on hand to watch dual Grade III winner Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) gallop across the main track. The Venezuelan conditioner sent out Gunnevera (Dialed In) to finish a strong third to the repeating Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) in the 2019 World Cup. John Velazquez, who rode the late Roses In May to win the 2005 (gulp!) World Cup, has the riding assignment.
Wathnan Racing's Flood Zone (Frosted) had a good look around when led onto the track and was gone just as quickly, but looks in good order heading into his assignment in Saturday's G2 UAE Derby, where he is expected to make the running for Florent Geroux. Unfortunately, news came down Tuesday afternoon that Wathnan's Cagliostro (Upstart) had come out of Saturday's G2 Godolphin Mile. Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) carries the hopes of the team in the World Cup.
The draw for Saturday's five Group 1 contests will take place at 11 a.m. local time Wednesday morning. Due to predicted high temperatures in the upper 90s on Saturday, officials at the Dubai Racing Club have announced that post times will be pushed back by roughly one hour. The World Cup is now scheduled for 9:30 local time (1:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. BST).
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