Global stars are aligned to light up 25th Dubai World Cup night

They are coming to Meydan in March from all corners of the earth for the 25th Dubai World Cup night with strong contingents from America, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan alongside those from Britain, Ireland and the home hopes.

Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck, Japan Cup winner Suave Richard, and disqualified Kentucky Derby winner Maximum Security are among a host of Group and Grade 1 winners from 21 countries to be nominated for the richest raceday in the world at US$35million.

American interest in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline) is again strong, including Maximum Security, the Florida Derby and Cigar Mile winner, who is currently 5-1 ante-post favourite for the $12m centrepiece.

Brilliant 2019 Group 1 Champions Cup winner Chrysoberyl leads a strong Japanese contingent, looking to add a second World Cup trophy to its nation’s mantle after Victoire Pisa’s 2011 triumph.

Godolphin’s 2018 Dubai Turf winner Benbatl, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, leads the home entries, although he has yet to race on an artificial surface. More familiar with the dirt are fellow UAE hopes and Group 1 winners North America and Capezzano.

Godolphin are looking for a fourth successive success in the Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic with last year's winner Old Persian as well as the frustrating yet talented Ghaiyyath, who is currently 5-1 ante-post favourite for the $6m contest.

Ghaiyyath on the grass gallops at Moulton Paddock stables in Newmarket in SeptemberCredit: Edward Whitaker

Charlie Appleby, trainer of the latter, said: "Ghaiyyath is already out in Dubai and the plan is to take him straight to the Sheema Classic.

"History shows us he goes well fresh and he puts in a big performance off a layoff but we also now think that he doesn't like soft ground. Hopefully the ground at Meydan should be perfect for him."

Suave Richard, who was third to Old Persian in the 1m4f contest a year ago, could also be back for more whilst Cartier champion three-year-old filly Star Catcher, Anthony Van Dyck and Group 1 winner Defoe head the European contingent.

The Japanese are even better represented in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World) as the nominations are topped by defending champion and superstar Almond Eye and bolstered by fellow Group 1 winners, Win Bright, Loves Only You, Mozu Ascot, Lucky Lilac, Saturnalia and Danon Premium. Hong Kong’s seven-time Group 1 winner Beauty Generation adds further depth.

The entries are no less cosmopolitan for the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Gulf News) which has attracted US Grade 1 winners Imperial Hint, Hog Creek Hustle and Firenze Fire.

The turf equivalent, the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments) has attracted strong nominations from Australian sprinters, including Group 1 scorers Hey Doc, Nature Strip, Sunlight and Bivouac.

The Dubai Gold Cup, one of three Group 2s on the undercard, could feature last year's winner Cross Counter along with stablemate and runner-up Ispolini.

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