Dubai World Cup preview: Major contenders, odds, trends and an 8/1 tip

The Dubai World Cup Carnival will come to a conclusion on Saturday and it’s going out with a bang. There’s an awesome eight-race card to look forward to at Meydan and the feature event is the Dubai World Cup itself. With almost £10,000,000 in prize money on offer, it’s one of the world’s richest races and one that every trainer would love to win.

Our big race preview will provide you with all the information you need ahead of Saturday’s big race, including the main contenders, key stats and trends and an 8/1 tip. Check out our free tips page for daily horse racing content and our Aintree Grand National Festival page ahead of next month’s big event.

Main Contenders

11. Ushba Tesoro

This horse was an impressive winner of the race last year and was last seen finishing second to Senor Buscador in Saudi Arabia. He’s a worthy favourite after last year’s performance and a big run is anticipated.

6. Kabirkhan

It would be quite the story if Kabirkhan was to come out on top here and it was a hugely impressive performance here last time out. Whilst it’s difficult to know just how good this horse is, he’s entitled to run a big race.

4. Derma Sotogake

Japan is becoming a major power in international racing, especially over middle-distances. Derma Sotogake was only fifth when last seen but he should improve for the run.

10. Senor Buscador

Todd Fincher’s horse put in a career best effort to win the very valuable Saudi Cup last time out and if reproducing a similar performance here, he has every chance of being bang in the mix.

9. Newgate

Trainer Bob Baffert won this race back in 2017 with the awesome Arrogate and whilst this horse isn’t on his level, Newgate’s victory at Santa Anita last time out suggests he’s got a fair chance.

7. Laurel River

One for the local trainers, Laurel River was an impressive winner of a Grade 3 here over a mile last time out. More is needed here however and the trip is a bit of an unknown.

Stats and trends

Age doesn’t appear to be an important factor in this race and it has thrown out winners aged anywhere between four and eight in the last 10 years.

US-based trainers have won five of the last 10 renewals and that certainly bodes well for the chances of a couple of the main contenders.

Only three of the last 10 winners have been favourites so it appears to be a good opportunity to find some value at bigger prices.

Verdict

Senor Buscador looks worth a play here, on the evidence of his recent form. US-based trainers have a decent record in this race and it would be no surprise if Todd Fincher’s six-year-old was to improve it further.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.