Dubai Word Cup 2009

Unlike last year's Word Cup race, horse of the year Curlin was an easy pick and it went on to rout the field by 8 1/2 length. This year's renewal of Dubai World Cup is a wild open even and a full field o f 14 horses will line up at the starting gate.

Here's a quick look at the pp of each horse and its jockey.
1. Muhannak, Moore
2. Arson Squad, Prado
3. Snaafy, Hills
4. Asiatic Boy, Murtagh
5. Happy Boy, Ajtebi
6. Gloria de Campeao, Leme
7. Well Armed, Gryder
8. Casino Drive, Ando
9. Joe Louis, Ramos
10. Albertus Maximus, Garcia
11. Muller, Marwing
12. Anak Nakal, Bravo
13. Paris Perfect, Faydherbe
14. My Indy, Dettori

Since there is no standout in the field, I will start by eliminate horses that I think has no chance. I loved Muhannak in the Breeders' cup Marathon but this is not a G1 horse. His last 2 race proved he is a cut below G2 competition. Arson Squad ran 4th in the Donn Handicap, beaten 5 1/2 length by Albertus Maximus. I don't see him improve while stretching out to 1 1/4 mile. Gloria de Campeao already beaten twice by My Indy and others in the field, not likely to turn the table. Well Armed was my long shot pick last year and his 3rd place finish helped me cashed in a nice trifecta ticket. This year Well Armed is coming into this race with an off form, I will pass. Joe Louis, Muller and Paris Pefect are unknown to me and they ran mostly in Saudi Arabia since 2008. Of the 3, like Muller the best. His jockey Marwing is a big race jockey and he could suprise. Anak Nakal is a multiple G2 winner in US but it has never come close in a G1 race.

Albertus Maximus is in excellent form, it has won 3 of last 4 race and ran a 100+ Beyers in each race. AM will most likely be the favorite at post time and I prefer others with better value. I may use him on some of my backup tickets.


I am a big fan of Casino Drive. I don't think the horse handle the pro-ride surface in Santa Anita. In his last race, he finished 2nd in the G1 February Stakes at 1 mile beaten by a neck was an excellent prep race for him. Since rain is expected on Saturday, his chance will increase on an off track. I also read on the Internet that alot of money are being bet on Casino drive in the betting shops in England, maybe a sign of good things to come. Casino drive is my top pick and must use in all exacta and trifecta tickets.


Asiatic Boy ran 2nd last year and is coming into this year race with a win at the R3 Maktoum Challenge (G2). This is an very interesting horse, it only ran 3 times last year and it seems always peak at the World cup card. He is most likely to be the 2nd favorite at post time.

Happy Boy are very similar to Asiatic Boy. It is very lightly race, 18 starts at age 6, South American born and always peak at the world cup. Happy Boy finished 2nd is its last 2 race and could hang on for a show spot.

My Indy won its last 2 but has been off since Feb 5. 8 weeks layoff is a concern but the horse showed he runs well fresh. Godolphin only entry and with Dettori as the rider, it shouldn't be a surprise if it pull off the upset.

Snaffy is my long shot for the race. He is 3 for 3 at Nad Al Sheba but the distance is a major concern. He never won beyond a mile and his sire is the famous miler Kingmambo. Snaffy is a closer and if Hill can save ground early, it can be dangerous.

Here's what I will bet. Casino Drive on top of the trifecta tickets with Snaffy, My Indy, Asiatic Boy and Happy boy and Muller. Trifecta box with CD, Snaffy, MI, AB. Exacta Box with AM, CD, AB and MI.