It is hard to believe, given the Melbourne Cup is still eight months away, that a race in Dubai could be considered a potential Melbourne Cup guide.
However, Thursday’s Nad Al Sheba Trophy (2810m) looks to be a fascinating contest for Melbourne Cup enthusiasts.
The race will feature one of Europe’s best stayers, two previous Melbourne visitors, a horse bought by Australian connections this week with the Cups in mind, a number of horses who have been touted as Melbourne Cup contenders and a strong Godolphin contingent.
Most notable is the return of Godolphin’s OPINION POLL, the Group 2 Goodwood Cup (3200m) winner.
Opinion Poll was also victorious in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3300m), while he finished second in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup (4000m) behind Fame and Glory.
Also returning for Godolphin is new recruit MODUN.
The September Stakes winner has only run once in the famous blue silks, finishing an ignominious last behind Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup after a wide passage throughout.
He will not be the only horse in this race who contested last year’s Cup, with seventh placegetter FOX HUNT set to continue his preparation here.
First up from his antipodean voyage, the son of Dubawi smashed his rivals under a large weight, and he will take beating in this race.
Of most interest to Australian punters will be JAKKALBERRY, who will come to Melbourne for the Cups after Darren Dance’s Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock purchased 50% of the entire.
The Italian Group 1 winner has not raced since he finished seventh to Dunaden in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in December.
A number of other runners have been touted as Melbourne Cup prospects.
GLEN’S DIAMOND, a winner of the Group 3 Dee Stakes (2100m) last year, was described as the perfect Melbourne Cup candidate by his trainer last year, and it is believed a tilt at this year’s race is firmly on the agenda.
South African mare IRISH FLAME has also been considered for the race the last two years, as has 2010 Goodwood Cup placegetter ELECTROLYSER.
French globetrotter KASBAH BLISS is a possibility of contesting this year’s Cup, despite his age (he will be an eleven year old by Australian time in the spring).
It is not unusual for a Melbourne Cup contender to emerge from the Dubai World Cup carnival.
In recent times, placegetters Give the Slip, Crime Scene and Mourilyan all began their seasons in Dubai.
Thursday’s card also features former Australian galloper Soul making his debut for Godolphin, while Scarf is set to improve off a nice second at his maiden appearance in Dubai.
