March 3 (UPI) – From Super Saturday in Dubai to a crucial showdown in Australia, the final steppingstone to the Hong Kong Derby, and a stunning upset in Japan, the weekend was packed with top-class horse racing action around the world.
Dubai: Super Saturday Sets the Stage for World Cup Night
Dubai’s Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse offered a glimpse of potential contenders for the upcoming Dubai World Cup Night on April 5, but many will face stiff international competition.
Imperial Emperor dominated the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge, joining Laurel River and Walk of Stars as trainer Bhupat Seemar’s main contenders for the Dubai World Cup (G1). However, they may have to contend with Forever Young, Japan’s star who recently won the Saudi Cup and is eyeing a rare Saudi Cup-Dubai World Cup double.
Meanwhile, Godolphin continued its turf dominance, securing four victories:
- Nations Pride took the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes, booking a spot in the Group 1 Dubai Turf, where he could face Romantic Warrior—the Hong Kong superstar who was a close second in the Saudi Cup.
- Silver Knott led a Godolphin 1-2 in the Dubai City of Gold (G2), setting up a likely clash with Rebel’s Romance, the defending champion, in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1).
- Ruling Court and Mountain Breeze stamped themselves as European Classics contenders with convincing wins in the Jumeira 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas, respectively.
In the sprints, West Acre secured a spot in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint by winning the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3), while Tuz continued his dominance in the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3), setting up a big test in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).
French long shot Fort Payne won the Burj Nahar (G3), but will need to improve significantly to challenge for the Godolphin Mile (G2) on World Cup night.
Hong Kong: Rubylot Stakes Claim for Derby Glory
At Sha Tin, Rubylot emerged as a major player for the BMW Hong Kong Derby with a strong three-quarter-length victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1,800m).
The Rubik gelding came from the back of the field and finished powerfully, reversing his previous loss in the Hong Kong Classic Mile.
Trainer David Hayes, who won the 2003 Derby with Elegant Fashion, believes Rubylot will relish the step up to 2,000m in next month’s Derby.
“To my eye, he was the strongest late, and that’s a good sign stepping up in distance. I don’t think anyone ran home faster than him today.”
Australia: Via Sistina Edges Fangirl in Verry Elleegant Stakes
Via Sistina turned the tables on Fangirl, defeating her rival by a neck in a thrilling finish to the Group 1 TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick.
The 7-year-old Fastnet Rock mare, trained by Chris Waller, had settled for third behind Fangirl and Linderman in last month’s Apollo Stakes (G2), but this time, she held off Fangirl’s late charge to claim victory.
“It was a great race. The last 200 meters, I was proud. Simple as that,” Waller said.
With another Group 1 win to her name, Via Sistina now stands as the frontrunner for Australian Horse of the Year honors.
Japan: Kurino Mei Shocks in Tulip Sho Trial
At Hanshin Racecourse, Kurino Mei pulled off a stunning 40-1 upset in the Grade 2 Tulip Sho, a key trial for the Japanese 1,000 Guineas.
Ridden patiently from the inside post, the Orfevre filly took the lead 100 meters from the finish and narrowly held off Water Gerbera by a nose, while Vip Daisy, the race favorite, settled for third.
Kurino Mei’s win was a dramatic turnaround after she finished 14th in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) last December. With this resurgent performance, she has booked her spot in the Japanese Classics.
Looking Ahead
With Dubai World Cup Night, the Hong Kong Derby, and major global Classics fast approaching, the stage is set for more high-stakes showdowns in the coming weeks.
