Meydan’s $30.6 million Dubai World Cup card isn’t just about the headline events. Saturday’s supporting races feature eight high-stakes contests showcasing top turf and dirt talent, from the speed-packed sprints of the Al Quoz and Dubai Golden Shaheen to stamina-testing showdowns in the Dubai Gold Cup and UAE Derby, along with elite milers and Arabians. International stars, local specialists, and rising contenders promise a full day of world-class racing drama.
$1m G1 Dubai Sheema Classic 2,400m Turf
KT Selections: 1. Calandagan , 2. Ethical Diamond
Calandagan, France’s reigning World’s Best Racehorse, faces Godolphin’s Royal Power and By The Book in a titanic 2,400m turf showdown at Meydan. Youth clashes with experience as the five-year-old sensation seeks redemption against the eight-year-old globetrotter, whose career boasts eight Group 1 wins. Supporting contenders like Ethical Diamond, Giavellotto, and West Wind Blows promise depth, but all eyes remain on this blockbuster duel that could define Europe’s 2026 turf season.
$5m G1 Dubai Turf 1,900m Turf
KT Selections: 1. Ombudsman , 3. Facteur Cheval.
The $5m Dubai Turf attracts an international star-studded field. Godolphin’s Ombudsman, dual Group 1 winner in 2025, battles returning champion Facteur Cheval and UAE sensations Quddwah and Elnajmm. Japan’s Gaia Force and British raider Dividends add depth to this tactical, speed-heavy contest. With elite milers and middle-distance stars converging, this classic continues to cement its global reputation on Dubai World Cup night.
$1m G2 UAE Derby 1,900m Dirt
KT SElections: 1. Six Speed, 2. Pyromancer
Twelve top-class three-year-olds clash in the Group 2 UAE Derby, a key Kentucky Derby qualifier. Dubai’s Six Speed, Japan’s Pyromancer, and British hope Brotherly Love headline a competitive lineup. The race offers emerging stars a springboard to global glory, blending local talent with seasoned internationals. Meydan’s 1,900m dirt promises a high-stakes test for the next generation of classic contenders.
$2m G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen 1,200m Dirt
KT Selections: 1. El Naseeb, 2. Bentornato.
The Dubai Golden Shaheen delivers six-furlong dirt drama at Meydan, pitting US sprinters like Breeders’ Cup hero Bentornato against UAE speedsters Tuz, Dark Saffron, and rising star El Naseeb. Rapid fractions and razor-thin margins define this historic sprint, blending international firepower with local talent. With proven champions, seasoned challengers, and emerging prospects, the 2026 renewal promises an electrifying, blink-and-you ’ll-miss-it spectacle.
$1m Al Quoz Sprint 1,200m Turf
KT Selections: 1. Lazzat , 2. Lugal
The 6f Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan features a star-studded 13-horse field. Lazzat (FR) heads the market after a narrow second in Riyadh, with Reef Runner (USA) and Lugal (JPN) also arriving in form. Course and distance specialists like Native Approach, Run Boy Run, and Northern Champion add depth, while Cover Up and Rayevka offer outsider potential in a race promising lightning-fast turf action.
$1m Dubai Gold Cup 3,200m Turf
KT Selections: 1. Al Riffa ,2. Dubai Future
The 2m Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan features a competitive 10-strong field. Al Riffa (FR) tops the betting after a solid fourth in the Hong Kong Vase, while Sons And Lovers and Al Nayyir arrive in form with recent wins over 1m6f–1m7f. Local course specialists Dubai Future, the defending champion, Sunway, and Caballo De Mar add stamina depth in a race set to test both speed and staying power.
$1m G2 Godolphin Mile 1,600m Dirt
KT Selections: 1.Commissioner King , 2. Mendelssohn Bay
Commissioner King seeks another Meydan triumph after a dominant course-and-distance win, but faces rivals including Mendelssohn Bay, The Camden Colt, and Zandvoort. David of Athens brings recent Group 3 form into the mix, while Banishing and World Record offer depth. Tactical speed, early positioning, and finishing kick will decide this competitive Group 2 mile. With local and international talent converging, the Godolphin Mile remains a marquee dirt contest.
$1m G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic 2,000m Dirt (Arabians)
KT Selections: 1. Muraad , 2. First Classs
Meydan hosts 16 of the finest Arabians over 1m 2f in the Dubai Kahayla Classic. Muraad, recent course-and-distance winner, meets First Classs, the Group 1 Obaiyah Arabian Classic hero, and Falaah, fresh off a narrow victory over Mubeed. Rb Kingmaker, veteran of eight wins, and rising contenders like Moshrif and Vizhir ensure depth. A tactical, endurance-rich test, this Arab Group 1 promises intrigue from start to finish.
Source: Khaleej Times