DUBAI WORLD CUP: ITALIAN COLORS MAY ALSO BE THERE

They're not official yet, but the line-up for the Dubai World Cup, which will take place on Saturday 5th April, is almost as such. Late yesterday evening the lists of possible participants in what promises to be a fantastic day of racing, from a technical point of view and with obviously very rich prizes, appeared on the organisation's website.

Ten competitors have been announced, unless there is a last-minute withdrawal from the $12 million Dubai World Cup. Among these is Forever Young, fresh from his victory in the Saudi Cup, who is chasing a very lucrative double. Two of the horses are locally owned, four are Japanese and four are American.

There is an important Italian presence in the Sheema Classic, the second highest prize money event of the meeting over 2410 metres. Giavellotto, trained by Marco Botti in England, will be on the track and among his owners is the very Italian Scuderia La Tesa, which holds 50% with an Indian owner. Giavellotto has already raced twice at Meydan in Dubai, but in the Gold Cup over 3200 metres where he was 9th in 2023 and 5th last year. Among other things, Giavellotto, due to the agreement between the co-owners, after having raced in Japan with the Indian colours, should wear the Italian colours in Dubai.