Riding Assignments Firming Up For Dubai World Cup Night

[Wandering Eyes]

With two weeks remaining until the $30.5-million Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse, riding assignments for the American raiders are coming into focus.

Perhaps the best chance for U.S. victory on the program, champion and recent G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint hero Straight No Chaser (Speightster) will look for more desert riches in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen with his regular rider John Velazquez back in the irons. The veteran reinsman's agent Kiaran McLaughlin also confirmed that Velazquez has the call aboard Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) for trainer Antonio Sano in the G1 Dubai World Cup and has also accepted the call on Little Vic (Practical Joke) for Juan Carlos Avila in the G2 Godolphin Mile.

As reported in Saturday's TDN, Frankie Dettori will renew acquaintances with GI Malibu Stakes winner Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the Godolphin Mile and with Mixto (Good Magic) as he seeks what would be a record-setting fifth victory in the World Cup. Trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill confirmed Saturday that the connections of Katonah (Klimt) have elected to go with William Buick in the main event. The Norwegian-born rider guided Prince Bishop (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) to victory in the 2015 World Cup.

Christophe Soumillion will take the ride on Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What a Winter {SAf}) in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, trainer Graham Motion said on Saturday. A Belgian native, but French-based, Soumillon rode the 6-year-old on two occasions in South Africa in 2023, including a third in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship.

Emisael Jaramillo took the 2019 Golden Shaheen and will look to double his account when he rides 2024 third-place finisher Nakatomi (Firing Line) for trainer Wesley Ward. The news was confirmed by Fergus Galvin, U.S. advisor to part-owner Qatar Racing. Paco Lopez was originally booked to partner with Steal Sunshine (Constitution) in the Godolphin Mile, but is unable to make the trip to Dubai. He will be replaced by leading Japanese jockey Christophe Lemaire, co-owner Carrie Brogden said on Saturday.

Florent Geroux will be aboard GIII Gotham Stakes hero Flood Zone (Frosted) in the G2 UAE Derby and Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}), Wathnan Racing's Case Clay confirmed. Golden Shaheen aspirant Super Chow (Lord Nelson) will have Chantal Sutherland aboard for trainer Jorge Delgado and trainer Ken McPeek has yet to confirm a World Cup jockey for the newly invited Rattle N Roll (Connect). Joel Rosario, who rode the horse to victory in the G3 King's Cup and to a fifth in the G1 Saudi Cup, will be in New York for Wood Memorial day, his agent Ron Anderson said. .

The American contingent was scheduled to depart South Florida on Saturday.

The post Riding Assignments Firming Up For Dubai World Cup Night appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article