Note: My heart goes out to Belgium where attacks happened this morning.
This Saturday marks the end of the UAE Racing Season with World Cup night. With the defending champion Prince Bishop retired, there will be once again no repeat champion. However, the US will be well represented and has a few great chances to get the first win for the country since Well Armed won (yes Animal Kingdom was trained in the US, but Team Valor sold part of him for breeding purposes and part of the deal was that he was considered an Australian horse for the WC). Here are the horses who I think are the contenders.
California Chrome- The 2014 Horse of the Year became a bit of a laughing stock last year due to his connections behind the scenes issues. However he has come back this year with two solid races, including a prep over the Meydan surface. Something he did not have last year. With Victor Espinoza done with American Pharoah duty, he will have his undivided attention this year.
Hoppertunity- Speaking of one of Pharoah's stablemates, he skipped the Santa Anita Handicap to run in a race where his trainer has had some success in. Picked up a big win last time out in the San Antonio where he won by a nose.
Frosted- Even though his owner is the Ruler of Dubai, everything else about him is American. Hard to believe that it's been 10 years since his trainer won the DWC with Invasor. It also helps that he has won his last 2 out of 3 races. Granted both of those wins have been without you know who in the field. However his Dubai race was very solid.
What about Mshawish and Keen Ice? Honestly both could surprise, but it also wouldn't be surprising if they finished up track.
Tomorrow the International Contenders and then the entire field will be broken down on Friday.
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