{"id":57699,"date":"2022-03-25T12:22:20","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T12:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=57699"},"modified":"2022-03-25T12:22:22","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T12:22:22","slug":"urc-dubai-world-cup-contest-preview-dirt-races","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=57699","title":{"rendered":"URC Dubai World Cup Contest Preview – Dirt Races"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to the URC Dubai World Cup Contest Dirt Races Preview. After exciting events in Florida and Dubai, this weekend marks the end of the 2022 contest. Waremblem is out in front with a commanding lead hoping to hold on to the top prize. Fernando, Fredje and Metallinut are all in the running to secure that podium finish and some nice URC gifts. The rest of us hope today proves to be one to remember as another exciting URC contest comes to a close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a quick preview for the URC Godolphin Mile, which has been won in back-to-back years by now retired Vegas Vizion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 In House Drive Bye (Worldclass) – 28\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only 4 career starts for this one. Very well bred filly who has found herself in the winner\u2019s circle 3 out of 4 times. The only defeat was a tough one in a local stakes race. Makes her URC debut here facing the boys and needs to produce a bigger figure, but the way she is bred, would it really be a surprise if she took a step up here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Thorograph Cadet (Teece) – 9\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has come a long way in his career from running in 5K claimers to running in some big races. Took part in the URC Dirt Mile back in November where he came a very respectable 4th. Unfortunately for him two are in here who defeated him that day, but definitely could be in the mix as a top notch URC dirt miler. Can he turn the tables on them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Giant Snowballs (Pboy20) – 12\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interesting name to see here as he hasn\u2019t run in 9 months. Was the 2019 URC Dirt Mile Champion so has experience in these contests, and at this distance. Hard to back as we just haven\u2019t seen enough of him and the last few out he just hasn\u2019t been that competitive. Did the rest help him find the level we saw earlier in his career?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Deceptive Moon (Cashmoney) – 6\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one has seemed to run at every level. From a claiming event a few back to racing turf stake races earlier in his career. Has settled in routing on dirt the last few, with a very nice 2nd place in the URC Pegasus last out. Decided to scale back to the Mile for this one (based on his sprinting past), instead of going 10F in the feature later today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5 Port Harbor (Oakridge) – 20\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participated in the URC Haskell last year in a disappointing showing. Since then he has been a steady performer in the allowance ranks. Like how he has competed at this distance the last two out. One of many here who screams allowance horse, but is looking for that jump in figure. Is this the one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6 Struggle Buggy (Kiddman) – 15\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A URC debut for this one. Seemed to get better each time as a 3 year old and posted some impressive speed figures at the end of that season. Last out, took the step up to graded stakes and ran down some horses to finish a respectable 5th. Cutting back to 8F might hinder this one, as he has seemed to like a bit more distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7 Eye For Quality (Steve555) – 5\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another one who is making his URC debut. Actually participated in the G2 Sand Castle Godolphin Mile last year, finishing a non-threatening 7th. Had a nice end to his 4 year old season with a couple allowance wins, including a local stakes. Wasn\u2019t the best start to this year in the G3 Not So Far last out, but definitely has been running with ones as good as these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#8 Bird Count (Jwest44) – 24\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one is mine. Ran 7th in the URC Derby as a 3 year old last year. Has been tolling in mediocrity since that day. Last out, his first in the claiming ranks, produced his highest speed figure as well as a 2nd place finish. Probably in over his head, but maybe can be a decent miler as he continues his 4 year old career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#9 Up The Nile (Houseriot) – 12\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wins at a 50% clip which is impressive at any level, especially this one. Won the URC Pat O\u2019Brien last summer sprinting. Has won 4 of 5 going this distance, with a 3rd in the Old Cow two back, while posting an impressive speed figure. Got sharp winning a hot race last out. Like him as a contender at these odds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#10 Valiant Cat Thief (Fredje) – 11\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Fredje for these comments : \u201cHe is a very nice, good, honest and well bred horse from stable Dydalt. Winner of 2021 URC SANTA competition. The cat is getting better and better and has a good chance in this race. He won his first race in the local track Dubai and is happy to come back where it all started. His last race was impressive and a graded win is possible this year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#11 History Lives Here (Metallinut) – 11\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have to go back to his 3 year old season to find some URC successes and they sure were. Winner of both the URC Travers and URC Classic facing older that year. He has been strangely uncompetitive in his URC races since then, and cuts back to a distance he hasn\u2019t run since the peak of his career. Can he remember how it was done?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#12 Cheeky Devil (Punter34) – 7\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30 races into his career and this one is debuting in a URC contest. Has been a steady allowance horse for most of his career. Tried a local stakes last out where he was a bit overmatched. Rolling back to 8F might be good for this one, but one has to wonder how many quality races he has left in the tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#13 Rebelle Bowie (Fernando) – 15\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 of 2 girls in here to take on the boys. Last year took place in the URC Triple Crown contest with some nice showings in both the URC Oaks and Acorn. Has been really quite good in the last bit running against allowance company. This is an obvious step up in class and facing the other gender, does she have an extra gear for this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#14 Volsunga (Waremblem) – 9\/2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The URC World Cup leading trainer has another good one here. Won the URC Met Mile back in 2020 and the URC Dirt Mile back in November. Was the residency selection for the 2022 Equinics in the dirt mile where he ran a disappointing 8th at 6-1. However, rates out the best in here and will try to cement his status as the best dirt miler this residency has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Field In Numbers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#<\/td>Horse<\/td>Top Speed<\/td>Top Distance<\/td>Top \u00bd Year<\/td>Points<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>Volsunga<\/td>120.9<\/td>120.9<\/td>116.9<\/td>39<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Eye For Quality<\/td>118.4<\/td>116.4<\/td>118.4<\/td>37<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Up The Nile<\/td>118<\/td>118<\/td>118<\/td>36<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Cheeky Devil<\/td>118.3<\/td>114.9<\/td>118.3<\/td>34<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Valiant Cat Thief<\/td>116.7<\/td>116.7<\/td>116.7<\/td>30<\/td><\/tr>
T6<\/td>Giant Snowballs<\/td>117<\/td>117<\/td>None<\/td>23<\/td><\/tr>
T6<\/td>Deceptive Moon<\/td>115.8<\/td>113.1 (T)<\/td>115.8<\/td>23<\/td><\/tr>
T8<\/td>Struggle Buggy<\/td>114.8<\/td>101.7<\/td>114.8<\/td>17<\/td><\/tr>
T8<\/td>Thorograph Cadet<\/td>113.8<\/td>113.8<\/td>110.3<\/td>17<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Port Harbor<\/td>113.2<\/td>113.2<\/td>113.2<\/td>16<\/td><\/tr>
T11<\/td>History Lives Here<\/td>115.7<\/td>102.6 (T)<\/td>102.1 (T)<\/td>13<\/td><\/tr>
T11<\/td>Rebelle Bowie<\/td>113.5<\/td>94.8<\/td>113.5<\/td>13<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>Bird Count<\/td>111.8<\/td>111.8<\/td>111.8<\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
14<\/td>In House Drive Bye<\/td>108.7<\/td>None<\/td>108.7<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here is a quick preview of the URC Dubai World Cup. Defending Champion Baja Blast is not here, so we will be looking to crown a new champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Callixtus (Cashmoney) – 6\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one made his URC debut 3 summers ago with a 2nd place showing in the URC Travers. The last little bit has seen this one be competitive in some starter allowances after trying his hand at claiming races. The last looked like one of his best races in a while and the extra distance might help him here. Does he have another level in him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Valdeschant (Fernando) – 3\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one is well known in URC Contests. Winner of both the URC Whitney and Pacific last summer. Finished a very strong 2nd in the URC Classic to end his 5 year old campaign. No signs of slowing down heading into this year as he has already been on the podium in both the URC Pegasus and Saudi Cups. No reason to think he won\u2019t be in the mix with a chance to add points for his trainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Victoria Court (Oakridge) – 9\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another well who should be known to all of us in URC Circles. Was the URC Derby champion last summer and followed that up with a victory in the URC Travers. Began his 4 year old campaign this year with a going away win in an allowance, which probably was a nice tune-up for this one. Based on his past URC successes, no reason to think he won\u2019t be ready to add to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Master D\u2019Oro LV (Jwest44) – 14\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mine and definitely a notch below the best in here. In his two previous URC races has run a non-threatening 5th in both of them. His last was the URC Pegasus and was definitely making up some ground late. Probably will like the additional furlong here and one can hope he is still improving. If he is and gets this distance, a top half finish could be in play for this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5 Good Humor Trick (Metallinut) – 5\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This addition to the URC contests comes from the barn of Smokeglack. Made his URC debut last out with a win the the Saui Cup. Before that was an ASR Dirt Mile champion. Looking to go farther than he has in career with this 10F race, but the way the others have unfolded shouldn\u2019t be that much of a problem. Can he go back-to-back here to give Metallinut a chance to make things interesting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6 Kyogift King (AussieTJ) – 13\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Teece for these comments : \u201cThe King as he is known around the barn flies into Dubai off a victory in his first attempt past 8.5f. Although he comes off a Claim victory, he’s not just a travel companion for some of my other runners and I give him a real chance stepping up to 10F. The stables are confident he can see out the 10f but he’ll have to be ridden conservatively but hopefully not too far back in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7 Spell Grammar (Worldclass) – 10\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another one in this loaded URC field with some very strong credentials. Beat the 3\/1 favourite in here to take the URC Classic last November. Was the residency pick in the 2022 Equinics, and although he struggled a bit in that one, we can\u2019t take anything away from what we have seen from him. Will be a really contender in here based on his past URC resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#8 Turkey King (Pboy20) – 6\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has been running in these URC contests for a long while. Best finish was in this race last year with a 2nd place finish. Was 5th place in the URC Classic to end this season. A bit concerning was the start to his 5 year old season as he was disappointing in an allowance bid. However, based on his URC history should be able to compete here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#9 Tactical Design (Fredje) – 10\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Fredje for these comments : \u201cA 5 year old gelding from Curlin who lost his way at the end of last year. Has been good in allowance and not good enough in stakes races. He needs a miracle on the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#10 White Corvette (Waremblem) – 7\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Waremblem for these comments : \u201cWhite Corvette has the pedigree for the surface and distance but has never hit the board in a stakes so we are looking at a longshot here. And if that’s my best entry for this race, well you see the state of my dirt racing. Three of his four wins were at 12 furlongs. Maybe the cutback to 10 after two straight 12s helps here, but it’s hard to see him running a winning time. He’s run his two fastest times in 2022 so I think he’s in his prime, whatever that means. If nothing else, White Corvette is a splendid looking horse. Wish he would have been better. At the same time, Tapit never gives me complete bums, they always have a degree of talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#11 Got To Be (Punter34) – 28\/1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One that has spent the majority of his career running in not only claiming races, but ones on the turf. Is on a 4 race winning streak, including his last where he won by 28 \u00bc lengths. This is obviously a huge step up for this one, so will see what he has in him as he makes his URC debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Field In Numbers<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#<\/td>Horse<\/td>Top Speed<\/td>Top Distance<\/td>Top \u00bd Year<\/td>Points<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>Valdeschant<\/td>118.6<\/td>117<\/td>117<\/td>31<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Spell Grammar<\/td>117<\/td>117<\/td>117<\/td>29<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Good Humor Trick<\/td>121.5<\/td>None<\/td>121.5<\/td>24<\/td><\/tr>
T4<\/td>Victoria Court<\/td>112.6<\/td>112.6<\/td>112.6<\/td>21<\/td><\/tr>
T4<\/td>Turkey King<\/td>113.9<\/td>110.7<\/td>110.7<\/td>21<\/td><\/tr>
T6<\/td>White Corvette<\/td>113.5<\/td>97.4<\/td>113.5<\/td>17<\/td><\/tr>
T6<\/td>Callixtus<\/td>116.4<\/td>106.5<\/td>109.1<\/td>17<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Master D\u2019Oro LV<\/td>110.1<\/td>110.1<\/td>110.1<\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>Tactical Design<\/td>110.6<\/td>102.7<\/td>109.3<\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Got To Be<\/td>103.5 (T)<\/td>None<\/td>103.5 (T)<\/td>7<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>Kyogift King<\/td>107.7<\/td>None<\/td>107.7<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the URC Dubai World Cup Contest Dirt Races Preview. After exciting events in Florida and Dubai, this weekend<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2975,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57699","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2975"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=57699"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57712,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57699\/revisions\/57712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=57699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=57699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}