Preview: Dubai Golden Shaheen: A Star-Studded Field Of Top-Class Performers Lining Up For 6 Million Prize Purse

The son of Dubawi has been in sensational form, winning three straight Gr.1 races in 2022, including an impressive triumph in the Breeders' Cup Turf. 

His trainer, Charlie Appleby, is confident that the horse is in great shape, saying, "He has come here in great nick. It looks the strongest race of the evening, but the 12-furlong turf division is always strong internationally. We respect the opposition and I guess we can take positives from his wide draw [11] as the first turn comes up quickly at Meydan." 

Spirit Dancer seems to enjoy racing abroad as evidenced by his Gr.2 Bahrain Trophy win followed by the Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, bringing his total career earnings to over US$2.15 million.  

“Everything’s going great. Looking at the videos and speaking to the lad out there, I believe he’s come on in his coat and his demeanour, he’s in very good form,” said Fahey. 

“He did have five weeks to acclimatise from his first run this season to the Neom Turf Cup and it’s nearly another five weeks again. 

Fahey believes that Spirit Dancer should be able to stay the mile and a half distance, as he relaxes and finishes well in all of his races. 

Although it is a huge ask to compete at the Group One level, Fahey is confident in Spirit Dancer's abilities, especially after his recent win. It will be interesting to watch the entire step up in class to Group One racing on one of the most iconic race nights in the world.

Another horse to watch out for is Auguste Rodin, who won seven of his 10 lifetime starts, including the Derby double at Epsom and the Curragh, as well as the Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup Turf. He is a rare talent and has the potential to be a champion, as evidenced by his impressive record. 

Japanese sensation Liberty Island is currently the favorite, having won four Group One races in Japan, including a second-place finish in Equinox's farewell Japan Cup romp back in November. She is well-proven over the 12-furlong distance and is expected to give a tough fight to the other contenders.

Other notable horses in the field include Gr.1 Coronation Cup winner Emily Upjohn, Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf hero Rebel's Romance, Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup victor Spirit Dancer, and multiple Group One placegetter Point Lonsdale. All of these horses are top-class performers and could cause an upset on their day. 

In most years, horses like Rebel's Romance or Emily Upjohn would steal the spotlight, but in a race as competitive as this, they are just part of the glittering star cast. With so many favourites, the 2400 spectacle will have many disappointed fans no matter which way the wind blows.