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| Staff Writer |
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Two of the world's elite dirt sprinters are preparing to clash in what promises to be a blistering renewal of the Dubai Golden Shaheen Gr.1 on the Dubai World Cup card at Meydan on April 5.
Straight No Chaser, the American speedball trained by Dan Blacker, arrives in scorching form having landed back-to-back victories in the Breeders' Cup Sprint Gr.1 at Del Mar last November before triumphing in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Gr.2 in Saudi Arabia on February 22.
The 6YO son of Speightster has been virtually unstoppable recently, winning five of his last six outings. His only defeat during this impressive sequence came in the Runhappy Stakes Gr.3 at Aqueduct Racetrack nearly 11 months ago when stumbling badly coming out of the stalls.
Thousands of micro-owners through the My Racehorse syndicate will be cheering on their star, but they'll face stiff opposition from the local favourite Tuz, who demolished last year's Golden Shaheen field by 6½ lengths.
The 8YO Kentucky-bred son of Oxbow has been imperious during the 2024-25 World Cup Carnival for trainer Bhupat Seemar, winning all four starts this season by no less than 3¼ lengths.
His connections include his American breeder Calumet Farm, whose general manager Eddie Kane expressed pride in their homebred champion.
"It's always nice to have a horse you bred that goes on and does well," said Kane. "Breeding is why we're in the game and it's especially nice to have a horse by Oxbow, who we bought as a yearling. It's always fun to see that."
Both headliners bring early pace as their primary weapon, with Tuz known for burning out rivals before finding an extra gear in the finishing straight. While Straight No Chaser typically employs front-running tactics, he demonstrated versatility when adopting stalking tactics to secure his Breeders' Cup triumph.
Should these two engage in a speed duel, several dangerous rivals are poised to capitalise, including Nakatomi from the Wesley Ward yard. Third in last year's Golden Shaheen and winner of the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap Gr.1 at Saratoga, the 6YO son of Firing Line has strong international form and represents a partnership between Qatar Racing and Fitriani Hay.
Super Chow, fresh from victory in the Gulfstream Park Sprint Stakes, gives Chantal Sutherland a chance in the big race. Recently returned from a career-threatening injury, Sutherland remains realistic about their prospects.
"Super Chow is doing really well. I breezed him. He's strong, healthy and really happy and I guess that's all we can really ask for," she said. "Just have to see how it all plays out."
The Japanese contingent includes American Stage, a 3YO by Into Mischief trained by Yoshito Yahagi, who finished five lengths behind Tuz in the Mahab Al Shimaal Gr.3. Oisin Murphy takes the ride.
Remake, fourth in last year's Golden Shaheen and dual winner of the Korea Sprint Gr.3, will have Frankie Dettori aboard but has finished well behind Straight No Chaser in their last two meetings.