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INTERNATIONAL FEATURE MARCH 25, 2015 American-based horses looking to make a serious impact in Dubai by John Mucciolo A very strong contingent of U.S.-based horses will take aim at various races during the 20th edition of the Dubai World Cup on Saturday at Meydan. With top runners in the most lucrative races on the day, the U.S. group might be leaving the desert with a lot of dirhams (dollars). I've taken a look at a few of the major contenders below before departing overseas and will be reporting on-site this Saturday for the TwinSpires.com/blog. World Cup (UAE-G1) Reigning Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) looms the one to beat and could be a fairly short-priced favorite in the marquee event of the day. The Art Sherman trainee was a big second in the San Antonio (G2) in his 2015 bow, finishing behind arguably the best dirt horse in training right now, and 'Chrome appears to be training forwardly since the tightener. Proven at the trip, the four-year-old has reportedly settled in nicely since his arrival and could spearhead a one-two finish from the U.S. runners. Lea (First Samurai) is a most intriguing contender in the race and it should come as no surprise to see the six-year-old right there at the finish. Conditioned by Bill Mott, the Kentucky-bred is lightly raced since 2014 but has recorded four big efforts during that interval, coming up just short most recently in the Donn H. (G1). I'm expecting a big performance from the tactical chestnut as he makes his third start off a long layoff and Lea may wind up being my top selection. His running style, form and pedigree to thrive at the trip, combined, makes him most interesting. Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) Champion turf star Main Sequence (Aldebaran) has blossomed into a sensational performer since being importing to the U.S. and teamed with savvy horseman Graham Motion. The late-blooming six-year-old gelding does his best running late but leaves little doubt at the same time, and his last two performances were visually phenomenal. A decisive winner over a top the field in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) two prior, Main Sequence showed off his rapid acceleration in the stretch to take the February 21 Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1) with ease and could be even stronger for this test. In a field loaded like this one, it's possible that we might get a hint of value on the explosive closer. Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) A three-pronged attack of U.S. entrants figure to have a big say in the outcome of this sprint event. Secret Circle (Eddington) has dropped six straight starts since winning the 2013 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) and it's possible to doubt whether he'll be in absolute peak form on Saturday, but the Bob Baffert-trained horse almost always runs big (with five placings in his six losses) and figures to be ready for his Hall of Fame conditioner. Grade 1 hero Big Macher (Beau Genius) is a touch below the top contenders in this heat, though the Richard Baltas-trained former claimer is more than capable on his best day, and American runners have had a huge impact on this race when on dirt, historically. Salutos Amigos (Salute the Sarge) brings razor-sharp form with a four-race win streak and the five-year-old gelding packs an outstanding late punch for trainer David Jacobson. One of the top sprinters on the East Coast, he must avoid leaving himself too much to do, especially over a track that has played kindly to front-running types, but Salutos Amigos rates as a viable top-three contender if he shows up with his best. Dubai Turf (UAE-G1) The Todd Pletcher-trained Mshawish (Medaglia d'Oro) has been a fine performer this winter in Florida, reeling off a trio of stakes wins in succession, and is another who has impressed from a visual standpoint. The five-year-old may be a cut below a few of these from a class perspective, perhaps, but the Grade 1 winner has been in superb form. He checked in fourth last year behind the mighty Just A Way in this event and could be knocking at the door inside the final furlong on Saturday at a fair price. Godolphin Mile (G2) This race always seems difficult for me to gauge and it's the same situation in regards to the U. S. contingent this year. A three-pronged attack with Bradester (Lion Heart), Prayer for Relief (Jump Start) and Quadrivium (Henrythenavigator) will go postward, and while I am not fond with any of the trio, their dirt experience could be a big edge in a field that is often wide open. Of the group, Prayer for Relief has perhaps the best chance to pick up some pieces late after having knocked heads in some big spots stateside and could be a nice horse to key underneath in the vertical exotics.
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