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| Staff Writer |
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"They're taking off right now, how about that?!"
Bob Baffert, in California, sends two horses to Dubai: Newgate for the US$12 million Dubai World Cup and Hopkins for the Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Despite his past success in Dubai, with four Dubai World Cup victories, Baffert opts to stay behind this time.
"I love Dubai, I'd love to go but I'm shorthanded an assistant right now, so Jimmy [Barnes] is going, he'll be there at the weekend, along with a rider and a groom."
Barnes, who led Country Grammer to Bob Baffert's latest Dubai World Cup victory in 2022, now oversees Newgate's campaign. Newgate, fresh off his Group One Santa Anita Handicap win on 3rd March, makes a swift return to the track under Barnes' guidance.
"With Newgate I know I'm kind of back a little quick, but he's a really hardy horse who carries a lot of flesh," says Baffert. "He's doing better now than he was going into the Big Cap when he was a little heavy. I really think he's doing well."
Frankie Dettori, who partnered with Baffert on Country Grammer, will ride Newgate. Dettori boasts three previous Dubai World Cup victories.
"The thing about Frankie Dettori is the great riders don't need any instructions," continues Baffert. "When the gate opens, they figure it out. The last thing on my mind is worrying about Frankie and what he's going to do on the horse. My job is to make sure that the horse shows up."
Baffert acknowledges the formidable competition in the US$12 million race, with defending champion Ushba Tesoro and Laurel River, previously trained by Baffert and winner of the Gr.2 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar. Laurel River has since been transferred to Bhupat Seemar in Dubai.
"I'm running against one of my old horses Laurel River. He's a really talented horse; a top calibre horse. They can all stay if they don't go too fast early on."
Is there a resemblance between Newgate and Baffert's four previous race winners? The response is resounding.
"Totally different. My other winners were in top form, coming off big races. Country Grammer was coming off a long layoff, ran in Saudi and he was just a true mile and a quarter horse. The ride that Frankie gave him was unbelievable. He beat Life Is Good who was a great horse but the distance got him a little bit.
"Arrogate was one of the greatest performances of any racehorses that I've ever trained - he was incredible. To me, it was like a Secretariat-like performance. What he did that night; not breaking, being last, coming around… Gun Runner was a great horse and he just catches him like it was an exercise gallop.
"Winning the first time with Silver Charm was just really exciting. It's the only race that you lead your horse up there and you go 'I think he's doing well but I really don't know. I hope he handles everything.'
"I remember Captain Steve; he was normally on the lead but he was four lengths off it and I thought 'maybe he's not running' and then he came up and won it. It's magical, it's a challenge and I love challenges, but if you have a good horse and he's ready, you can win it."
Baffert's accolades include a Dubai Golden Shaheen victory, clinched with Secret Circle in 2015, in the US$2 million sprint. This year, his contender, Hopkins, finished fourth to the returning Sibelius in last year's race.
"Hopkins ran well last year and I think he's doing better this year," says Baffert. "He always shows up; he's big strong horse. I had him and another horse but I decided to go with him because he's doing so well right now. When you go halfway across the world you have to make sure your horse is in top form because it's a tough ship."
Where will he observe the Dubai action since he's not going? Perhaps over a leisurely lunch with friends? Not quite.
"I usually watch it in my barn at Santa Anita with all the grooms; we all huddle up to watch. It's exciting when they run well. To win the Dubai World Cup, it's just a thrill."
Baffert's affection for Dubai is deeply genuine and understandable.
"Dubai – every time I go, it changes. It's so much fun - I've gone snow skiing there! It's a working vacation.
"I have great memories because I had a heart attack there and Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] saved me. I have so much respect for Sheikh Mohammed and his family – he's such a visionary guy and has been really good for American racing.
"I got a second chance; he sent a top guy [Doctor] in there and he fixed me. There wouldn't have been any Triple Crowns if he hadn't saved me."