Postcard from Dubai: five things to note for World Cup night

You will struggle to find many grander settings for a stall draw than the Armani ballroom within the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

But amidst the grandiose, what did we learn about potential clues for Saturday’s $25 million Dubai World Cup card. Here are five factors to note.

The Vapors reached number 3 in the UK charts with this international hit in 1980 and it will be disappointing if this tune is not part of the DJ set list after racing on Saturday

Remarkably, Japan, the coming force on the international racing sphere, have 27 runners across the eight thoroughbred races on Saturday.

Their team is headed by Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa and defending Godolphin Mile champion Bathrat Leon. Sheema Classic hero Shahryar is also back, whilst they also have eight of the 15 runners in the $12million Dubai World Cup.

Japanese trainers saddled five winners on World Cup night last year but it could be even more this time. They have runners who head the betting in four of the eight contests.

An equinox is an event in which a planet's subsolar point passes through its Equator. If this week is anything to go by, Equinox is going to pass through Meydan on his way to international stardom.

I’ve been lucky enough to work at tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon and the Laver Cup and I leave those events with the same take away every time - the Japanese media are the most humble and kind press pack you could wish to meet.

The same has been true this week, but there is clearly fervour within the camp regarding Equinox. With the days of Orferve, Almond Eye and Deep Impact fond but fading memories, the word in the gulf is that this guy is Japan’s next big talent.

Successful in the Tenno Sho and the Arima Kinen on his past two starts, a Breeders’ Cup Turf bid is a long-term aim for the Dubai Turf favourite. Saudi scorer Mostahdaf, Irish Derby hero Westover and Godolphin’s Rebel’s Romance will make this tough but hopes are high that Equinox can live up to his billing.

There were oohs and aahs in the packed Ballroom when Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa was allotted stall 15 for his Dubai World Cup bid.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi magnanimously suggested it was “no issue”, but for a horse who thrives on front-running and is not guaranteed to see out the 10-furlong trip on the dirt, a draw in the car park is a massive blow to his hopes. There was more drama with defending champ Country Grammer was drawn in 14 and second favourite Algiers in 13. Both sets of connections did not seem too perturbed given they are likely to be ridden with restraint, but the draw has still thrown up a fascinating tactical battle.

There are plenty of expatriates and British members of the press out in Dubai, but can a UK representative come away with a prize or two on the track?

Lord North’s dead-heat with Panthalassa in last year’s Dubai Turf yielded the only British success, but there is cause for optimism this time around.

Al Dasim, Flaming Rib and Happy Romance are key players in the Al Quoz. Former champion Subjectivist and Ardakan are Dubai Gold Cup players, whilst Lord North chases a record third successive Dubai Turf crown. Throw into the mix Mostahdaf and Westover in the Sheema Classic along with three Irish representatives for team Ballydoyle, it ultimately would be disappointing if Britain and Ireland cannot at least get on the scoresheet.

Of the home side, Godolphin have a number of interesting chances headed by Sheema Classic bound Rebel’s Romance, Al Suhail in the Al Quoz along with Nations Pride and Master Of The Seas who both warrant respect in the Dubai Turf.

The Italian has enjoyed a productive start to the year with big-race successes in the US, but he will surely be hoping to bow out on a high in the UAE.

Dettori has the chance to become the first jockey to win five renewals of the Dubai World Cup and partners defending champion Country Grammar.

It’s now 23 years since Dettori’s first success in the race aboard the great Dubai Millennium. A horse who meant everything to the ruler of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed, he would be the lynchpin on which Dettori’s golden age in the royal blue silks of Godolphin would really flourish.

Shamardal, Fantastic Light, Kazzia, Swain, Sakhee, Blue Bunting and more would all follow. In the twilight of his career, a country which yielded such importance, personally and professionally for Dettori, now reaches end game.