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Meydan magic: Trainers reveal their ambitions beyond the $12 Million World Cup
From sprints to staying tests, connections share their strategies and hopes as Dubai’s richest racing night prepares to unfold
- PUBLISHED: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 7:37 PM
Racecourse this Saturday also promise bags of drama and tactical intrigue. Trainers were busy finalising preparations on Wednesday, with a mix of veteran stars and rising talent taking centre stage.
Legendary British handler John Gosden’s Ombudsman enjoyed a leg-stretch on the Tapeta ahead of the $5 million Dubai Turf. Gosden, whose previous Meydan winners include Dar Re Mi and Mishriff, spoke of careful planning for the 30th anniversary of the carnival.
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"It’s been the plan since last year… we made this the target,” he said. “He’s bigger and stronger now, and he’s a horse who’s got better with age… He’s still edgy; he likes to look at everything. He’s got a very inquisitive mind.”
In the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, Bentornato, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner, returned to Meydan for his five-year-old debut. Trainer Jose d’Angelo is optimistic despite an inside draw.
“He’s doing very well, and he’s keeping his condition well… He really likes this track too,” he said. Bentornato aims to become only the second horse to win both the American sprinting championship and its Emirati equivalent.
The $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint sees the United States represented by Reef Runner. Trainer David Fawkes praised the gelding’s adaptability. “He's adapted really well here, he seems to like this warm weather… I feel we have the horse to win this race,” he said.
Young talent will also shine in the $1 million UAE Derby. Godolphin’s Japanese contender Pyromancer, unbeaten in three starts, will be guided by James Doyle in his first UAE Derby ride. Harry Sweeney, Godolphin Japan president, said: “In theory, he has a very good chance, but this is a horse race, and we have enormous respect for all of these other runners as well… We’ll concentrate on this race and if it goes well, we’ll consider the next option.”
Staying tests are equally compelling in the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup. Joseph O’Brien sends out G1 Irish St Leger winner Al Riffa and G2 Red Sea Turf victor Sons And Lovers, with former Gold Cup winner Mick Halford assisting.
“They are experienced travellers… everything has gone as planned,” Halford said, highlighting the careful preparation for Meydan’s two-mile challenge. Caballo De Mar, fresh from a breakthrough Prix du Cadran victory over 4,000m, completes a highly competitive lineup.
Trainer George Scott added, “I always had this race as a great stepping stone… he loves to go forward in his races, and we’ll see how he stacks up against horses proven at this level.”
From sprints to marathons, young prospects to seasoned campaigners, Meydan’s carnival is a showcase of global talent. Behind the glamour and the $12 million main event, connections are navigating draws, track conditions, and strategy, with every race carrying its own story and potential for glory.