World Cup contestants arrive from America

Congrats is one of 13 American based horses that will compete in the Dubai World Cup Program  (Uli Seit/Horsephotos.com)

Thirteen U.S.-based horses who are expected to compete in the March 26 Dubai

World Cup program, arrived at Nad al Sheba Racecouse on Monday.

The Dubai World Cup Program is the world's richest event with $15.25 million in

total prizes. Trainer Richard Mandella, who captured a thrilling Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) by a

narrow margin with Pleasantly Perfect last year, is back to seek a second

straight victory in the $6 million event with CONGRATS (A.P. Indy).

Second in the Santa Anita H. (G1) last out, Congrats also captured the San

Pasqual H. (G2) earlier this season. The other U.S.-based contenders for the 1

1/4-mile event are ROSES IN MAY (Devil His Due), Pacific Classic (G1) hero

CHOCTAW NATION (Louis Quatorze), multiple Grade 2 winner LUNDY'S LIABILITY (Brz)

(Candy Stripes) and DYNEVER (Dynaformer).

Roses in the May, owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trained by Dale Romans,

is the likely favorite. The five-year-old reeled off five straight victories

before concluding last season with an excellent second in the Breeders' Cup

Classic (G1), and tuned up for Dubai with a fine second in early February's Donn

H. (G1).

American sprinters have always performed well in the $2 million Dubai Golden

Shaheen (UAE-G1) and PICO CENTRAL (Brz) (Spend a Buck), winner of the Met Mile

(G1), Vosburgh S. (G1) and Carter H. (G1) in 2004 for trainer Paulo Lobo, looks

like a standout in this year's edition. General George H. (G2) victor SARATOGA

COUNTY (Valid Expectations) and Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) third placer MY COUSIN

MATT (Matty G) will also be on hand.

PRINCE ARCH (Arch), who captured the Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup H. (G1)

earlier this month, will represent America in the $2 million Dubai Sheema

Classic (UAE-G1), which is held over 12 grassy furlongs. Trainer Doug O'Neill

has shipped San Marcos S. (G2) winner WHILLY (Ire) (Sri Pekan), who will meet

turf milers in the $2 million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1).