The American challenger was beaten by rank outsider Prince Bishop last year, yet despite being posted wide throughout after breaking from his wide draw, he last night ran out a comfortable winner.
The complexion of a dramatic race changed more than once as the field approached the home straight but ‘Chrome’ stamped his class on proceedings to pull inexorably away from his helpless rivals.
Frankie Dettori tried to make all the running on Mshawish but, as the field tuned for home, he forfeited the often preferred rail position to Mubtaahij, last year’s UAE Derby winner.
For a few fleeting strides it appeared the Mike de Kock-trained Mubtaahij could become the first winner of the Derby to claim the World Cup the following year.
Special Fighter, winner of Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 over the same course, was also throwing down a challenge as his trainer Musabah Al Muhairi sought a third winner on the night.
Mshawish tried to stay with them with Godolphin’s Frosted also looming large and looking a big danger with William Buick in the saddle for Kiaran McLaughlin.
However, Mshawaish tired and Special Fighter faltered before staying on again close to home.
And despite a slipping saddle, Victor Espinoza, who had pulled out wide fully 700m from the line, was producing a determined challenge from California Chrome and they hit the front 300m out and won well. Given the saddle issues, it was even more commendable that they broke the track record and the jockey had to dismount and re-saddle his mount before entering the winner’s enclosure to rapturous applause.
Leading the welcoming committee were 78-year-old trainer Art Sherman, who becomes the oldest trainer to win the race, and his son, Alan, who has overseen the horse’s regime in the two months he has been here in the UAE.
This year, instead of arriving just before the race, they travelled over in January, winning a 2000m
handicap in the middle of February as they eyed the big one.
It was the same route taken by Curlin, winner of the 2008 World Cup, trained in America by Steve Asmussen.
Of the vanquished, De Kock, saddling a runner-up in the race for a third time, was over the moon with Mubtaahij’s effort.
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He said: “We always maintained tonight was his target and the aim was to have him spot on.
“Super Saturday was a strange race but he has proved here that he is a serious racehorse.
“He has only had three runs this year after a break so we are seriously considering taking him to America to race on the dirt there.”
Musabah Al Muhairi was delighted with Special Fighter, only run out of third close to home by Hoppertunity, who flew late.
Al Muhairi said: “We have always thought the world of him and he proved how good he is on Super Saturday and again tonight.”
Hoppertunity’s trainer, Bob Baffert, was seeking a third win in the race and his jockey, Flavien Prat, said: “He had been working very nicely and it was a good run – we would have been second in a few more strides.”
Frosted, hotly-tipped beforehand, was fifth, and Buick said: “I was happy tracking California Chrome until he came off the bridle early in the straight. He was much better last time when he won, so it is a bit disappointing.”
Mshawish, eventually sixth, appeared not so stay.
Jockey Dettori said: “It just seemed to be too far for him.”
Having his first start since the same race last year was the Doug Watson-trained Candy Boy.
He was never able to land a blow but was beaten less than six lengths in seventh under Pat Dobbs.
Watson said: “After a year off, having suffered a setback late last year, you cannot be disappointed with that run.”
The truly cosmopolitan nature of the Dubai World Cup was perfectly highlighted at Meydan with winners from Australia, France, England, a pair from Japan and three from the UAE.
But that octet were just the appetisers before the world’s richest horse race.
And California Chrome’s majestic display ensured the $10milion Dubai World Cup went to America for the 10th time.
