Dubai World Cup Day

As per usual on the Dubai World Cup undercard, most of the American entries who are not Curlin (pictured) seem outclassed (excepting, of course, the sprinters in the Golden Shaheen). I'd planned to do a real run-down of each race, but circumstances intervened; instead, here are a few horses I'll be keeping my eye on throughout the day. Godolphin Mile Elusive Warning - Seems to be improving, but has a very wide post position Diamond Stripes - The best American horse in the race Watch What Happens - Interesting Hong Kong star should make it fun UAE Derby Cocoa Beach - One of the toughest mares around (and was champion 3 year old filly in Chile last year) - she's got a great shot Numaany - Lest we forget this Royal Vintage/Honour Devil - Hard to choose between these two Michael de Kock entries My Indy - If Frankie Detorri chose this horse over Cocoa Beach, he might know something -- but he's a very lightly-raced colt Dubai Golden Shaheen Cobalt Blue - Whenever I overlook him, he wins. Diabolical - He seems to like his new surroundings at Nad al Sheba Benny the Bull - Always does well, has Edgar Prado aboard Calrissian - OK, this one really is just for his name. I couldn't resist. Smooth! Idiot Proof - Another top-class US sprinter Dubai Duty Free Seachange - I am a big fan of this New Zealand-bred mare Finsceal Beo - She seems to beat all comers, male or female, everywhere she goes. I am very much looking forward to seeing her Darjina - Hey, she's beaten Finsceal Beo Vodka - Tough Japanese mare deserves respect Dubai Sheema Classic Youmzain - He's always finished just behind the best of his generation (e.g. Dylan Thomas); in their absence, he should run a big race Spring House - One of the most under-rated US horses running today could spring an upset Oracle West - Another Mike de Kock entrant worth watching Better Talk Now - Must as I admire him, I'm don't think it's going to be his day Doctor Dino - Interesting winner of the Hong Kong Vase Gower Song - She seems to love Dubai; quality mare Dubai World Cup Curlin - He can only beat himself Jalil - While I don't think he's in the same class, given an off day for Curlin, he could be right there Asiatic Boy - Bad race last time out, but was it a throwout? Kocab - André Fabre wouldn't be here if he didn't think he had a shot of hitting the board Happy Boy - Always-impressive Brazillian star could get up for second Vermillion - The Japanese star has been working well in Japan and could wind up in the money All in all, it should be a good day - and I'm thrilled I finally have TVG and HRTV so that I can actually enjoy it.