Shotski, Fellow Americans Arrive in Dubai

Older horses aren't the only American runners traveling overseas for the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) card March 28 at Meydan Racecourse.

Arriving March 18 from the U.S. was Shotski, fourth last out in the Feb. 29 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, in advance of an intended start in the $2.5 million UAE Derby Sponsored by Emirates NBD (G2). That race is one of nine major races in Dubai March 28—six group 1 and three group 2 tests worth a combined $35 million.

The $12 million Dubai World Cup, which has its 25th anniversary this year, will be conducted spectator-free due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, though it is still attracting equine stars. Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) winner Sir Winston is among the major American older horses anticipated to take on an international cast led by Benbatl and Chrysoberyl.

U.S-based Imperial Hint is expected for another of the day's major races, the $2.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News (G1).

Post positions for the March 28 races will be drawn March 23. 

Laurel Park-based trainer Jerry O'Dwyer said Shotski landed around 8:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, following a flight from South Florida, where the 2019 Remsen Stakes (G2) winner remained after his most recent start.

"The horse shipped yesterday and arrived this morning in Dubai in good shape," O'Dwyer said from Florida, where he was attending the Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. "I breezed him myself the other day, and he went good, galloped out good, and cooled out good, so that was one step. He got there safe, so that's another one. Now I've just got to get out there myself."

Shotski breezed a half-mile at Gulfstream in :50 1/5 March 16, his first timed breeze since the Fountain of Youth, where he was part of a four-way photo finish for the minor positions, beaten a head and neck for second behind runaway winner Ete Indien.

A 3-year-old by Blame , he is owned by Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable, Pantofel Stable, and Howling Pigeon Farms.

"He'll just gallop over the track (in Dubai), light training and gallop and get his feet under him. Nothing too strenuous," O'Dwyer said. "I breezed him (at Gulfstream), and he had a good gallop out, even though the time wasn't reflected. It wasn't that fast. I only wanted :50 for him and that's what he went, but he galloped real good and strong. He pulled up and he was plenty fit enough and not blowing. We're looking forward to it."

O'Dwyer, who is scheduled to leave for Dubai on March 19, considered keeping Shotski home rather than travel in light of the current world health environment but opted to stick with the original plan to point for the 1 3/16-mile UAE Derby.

"We gave it some thought, sure. I'm a very positive person, and I always look on the bright side of things. My feeling was if we can get out there, we'll go. If we don't, then we'll regroup and make a new plan," O'Dwyer said. "I wanted to continue to go forward. They're adamant that they're going to race out there. It's going to be like we're doing mostly around the country—racing with no spectators.

"I'm sure they're taking every precaution to keeping everyone safe out there, so I feel safe in doing that," he said. "It's not like we're going to a dirty, second-rate racetrack anywhere. It's top, world-class, and they'll be doing everything they can to make it as safe as possible for themselves and for us."

Like other horsemen with a promising 3-year-old, O'Dwyer might have to adjust his plans following the postponement of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) from May 2 to Sept. 5. He believes the extra time could work to Shotski's benefit.

"All good horsemen, they're going to have no trouble adjusting. They'll tailor their training plans and running plans accordingly," O'Dwyer said. "I think by the Derby being later in the year, some of those 3-year-olds that might not be as strong right now at this time of year might have a little bit of a chance to mature and get stronger for running a couple of months later.

"I think it will help some, and it'll hinder some. Some that are ready to rock and roll and are bigger and stronger now, it'll hinder them because other 3-year-olds will have a chance to catch up by developing and getting stronger," he added. "I think (Shotski) is right there in the middle. He's mature enough and he's been running good enough, but I do believe he's still only a 3-year-old, and hopefully he continues to get stronger throughout the year."

Others (with intended Dubai World Cup races) that arrived with Shotski Wednesday were Sir Winston and fellow Dubai World Cup runners Math Wizard and War Story, the Peter Miller-trained trio of Gray Magician (Godolphin Mile), Texas Wedge (Al Quoz Sprint) and Wrecking Crew (UAE Derby), as well as Killybegs Captain (Dubai Golden Shaheen) and the Richard Mandella-conditioned duo of United (Longines Dubai Sheema Classic) and Tizamagician (UAE Derby).

The American-trained Tacitus is already in Dubai for trainer Bill Mott, having already shipped to Dubai following a fifth in the Feb. 29 Saudi Cup.

Since winning the Belmont last year, Sir Winston ran 11th this winter when returning in the Woodchopper Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on turf. He then won an allowance on dirt at Aqueduct Racetrack Jan. 21 with a powerful rally. 

“He’s training extremely well,” said trainer Mark Casse. “His last race’s (speed figure) was even bigger than his Belmont win. I was hoping for a decent race and then to try to run him one more time going farther, but he ran so well, I decided that that was all. After he got hurt after the Belmont, he came back really well. Since his (January) run, he’s been working great. We didn’t really change the way we prepare him for this race. You dance with the one who brought you. We think he deserves a chance in the Dubai World Cup.”