Godolphin’s Cavalryman, winner of the 2013 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, makes his seasonal reappearance in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, the 2,810m turf feature at Meydan’s ninth meeting of the 2014 Dubai World Cup Carnival.
Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, Cavalryman was out of luck in three European outings since his Meydan win last March.
Fellow Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby saddles Buckwheat, having his second start for the yard after a pleasing local debut two weeks ago. It looks an absolutely cracking renewal of the race with Ireland particularly well represented with three of the 12 runners.
Of the trio, Certerach has already won at this year’s Carnival for Michael Halford and was a close second in this race last year. Shane Foley is again in the saddle.
Former UK Champion Jockey Ryan Moore makes his first UAE appearance of the year to ride Simenon.
The third Irish contender, the John Oxx-trained Saddler’s Rock, will seek to end something of a drought, having not won since landing the Group 2 Goodwood Cup in 2012.
South African Mike De Kock relies on Star Empire here. He has run well in both his starts this season and is likely to be staying on under Christophe Soumillon.
