Godolphin homebred Mystic Guide -- sharp winner of Saturday’s Razorback (G3) in his 4-year-old bow -- is expected to represent the home team in the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 27 at Meydan Race Course.
Trainer Michael Stidham told Daily Racing Form the decision to ship Mystic Guide overseas was made on Tuesday after discussing the matter with representatives from Godolphin. Two days earlier, it was announced Godolphin’s other top U.S.-based older dirt horse -- Maxfield -- would run in Saturday’s $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
Stidham told DRF the mile-and-a-quarter of the Dubai World Cup played a role in deciding to send Mystic Guide. In his only previous try at the distance Mystic Guide was beaten just three-quarters of a length in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) to close out his sophomore campaign.
“Our main goals here aren’t until late summer and fall, so we have plenty of time to get him back,” Stidham told DRF.
In the 1 1/16-miles Razorback, Mystic Guide romped by six lengths over a sloppy track while earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure. The son of Ghostzapper out of multiple Grade 1 winner Music Note earned his only other stakes win in last year’s Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga. He has a record of 7: 3-2-2 and earnings of $553,200.
Other U.S.-based horses under consideration for the Dubai World Cup include Tacitus and Sleepy Eyes Todd, both of whom contested the recent Saudi Cup in Riyadh; and Jesus’ Team, who is exiting a second in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).
Trainer Michael Stidham told Daily Racing Form the decision to ship Mystic Guide overseas was made on Tuesday after discussing the matter with representatives from Godolphin. Two days earlier, it was announced Godolphin’s other top U.S.-based older dirt horse -- Maxfield -- would run in Saturday’s $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
Stidham told DRF the mile-and-a-quarter of the Dubai World Cup played a role in deciding to send Mystic Guide. In his only previous try at the distance Mystic Guide was beaten just three-quarters of a length in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) to close out his sophomore campaign.
“Our main goals here aren’t until late summer and fall, so we have plenty of time to get him back,” Stidham told DRF.
In the 1 1/16-miles Razorback, Mystic Guide romped by six lengths over a sloppy track while earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure. The son of Ghostzapper out of multiple Grade 1 winner Music Note earned his only other stakes win in last year’s Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga. He has a record of 7: 3-2-2 and earnings of $553,200.
Other U.S.-based horses under consideration for the Dubai World Cup include Tacitus and Sleepy Eyes Todd, both of whom contested the recent Saudi Cup in Riyadh; and Jesus’ Team, who is exiting a second in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).
2021 Dubai World Cup (G1)
*Rating is based on HRN fan votes, which rank the Top Active Horses in training.
