Seeking redemption after a fifth-place finish in 2022, Casa Creed returns to the Al Quoz Sprint (G1T), one of numerous supporting stakes on Dubai World Cup (G1) night at Meydan Racecourse.
The 1,200-meter turf dash (about six furlongs) will be his 2024 debut after a reported fever cost him a shot at the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) in Saudi Arabia last month. The 8-year-old most recently finished a half-length back in third in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita Park.
He is not the only United States-bred contestant in the Sprint.
Bred in Kentucky, the Japanese-trained Jasper Krone has only run once in America—finishing 12th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) last year. Joining them is another American-bred, Frost At Dawn , who like Jasper Krone, is based outside of the U.S., having gained experience in Britain and Dubai, topped by winning March 2 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3T). She and Star of Mystery are the only fillies in the field, and the only 3-year-olds.
It has been a fast rise for the daughter of Frosted .
“To think we’re running on Dubai World Cup night in the Al Quoz Sprint as maybe one of the more fancied horses is crazy really but she’s thrived since she’s been out there,” trainer William Knight said. “She’s just really enjoying life and you make hay while the sun shines. It’s another step up in grade but I think she deserves to take her chance.”
Dubai Gold Cup
At nearly two miles, the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup (G2T) will provide an interesting experiment. Can the favored Tower of London , who is trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien and ridden by the world’s top-rated jockey Ryan Moore, overcome a deep field from a wide draw?
Tower of London and Ryan Moore win the Red Sea Turf Handicap at King Abdulaziz Racecourse
With only nine races under his belt, the 4-year-old Galileo colt is still figuring it all out.
He’s only gone 3,200 meters or longer once before, finishing ninth in a 3,300-meter handicap last September at the Curragh. But in traversing 3,000 meters at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 24, Tower of London rallied from the back of the field to win the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G3T).
M.V. Magnier, part of the horse’s ownership group along with Westerberg, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor, said following the Red Sea: “In fairness to Aidan he was quite confident coming out here and Ryan said he was going to take his time. He’s pretty cool, relaxed and nothing fazes him.”
GODOLPHIN MILE
For racing fans less familiar with many of the international entrants on the Dubai World Cup card, the second race of the night—or day in the States—might be more to their liking. Seven of the 13 runners in the Godolphin Mile (G2) were bred in the U.S. Not all of them have raced in America, but their lineages will certainly be familiar.
There is still one who should be at the center of the race’s outcome.
Saudi Crown at Meydan Racecourse
Saudi Crown , whose résumé features seven top-three finishes from eight career starts, will stand a good chance of continuing that trend as long as he gets off to a good start.
As the gate-to-wire winner of the Louisiana Derby (G3) and 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1), and narrow runner-up in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) after leading most of the race, not having to navigate traffic works to his advantage. His lone stalking trip since a maiden win, last fall’s Breeder’s Cup Classic (G1), resulted in a 10th-place finish.
Last time out, he finished third in the 1 1/8-mile Saudi Cup (G1), caught in the closing strides.
“He ran hard in Saudi, but we feel like this distance will suit him nicely,” assistant trainer Blake Cox said. “He’s been here since Feb. 26 and he’s worked three times.
“He looks very good and we are very happy with where he is at.”
However, another American-bred, Isolate , attempts to defend his victory in the race last year.
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