Horse Racing Odds: Dubai World Cup 2025 Preview

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Dubai World Cup 2025 Preview

International Stars Collide in Record-Setting Night

As Kentucky Derby Prep Races fans track the latest point leaders and movement in Kentucky Derby odds, international racing steps into the spotlight this Saturday with the Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan Racecourse. 

While Kentucky Derby betting draws attention from U.S. fans, the Dubai card offers a global mix of top-level dirt and turf action that could influence future races on the international calendar. The full slate includes five Group 1 events featuring powerhouse contenders worldwide, each with their shot at making history.

Forever Young Aims for Saudi Cup–Dubai World Cup Double

Japanese superstar Forever Young enters the Dubai World Cup after winning the Saudi Cup (G1). No horse has ever pulled off the Saudi Cup–Dubai World Cup double, but Forever Young looks better suited to the 1 1/4-mile, two-turn layout at Meydan. 

His stablemate Panthalassa faded after setting a hot pace in this race last year. Still, Forever Young has a more balanced running style and incredible stamina, which should help him navigate the longer distance.

A win would make Forever Young the second UAE Derby (G2) graduate to win the Dubai World Cup, joining the legendary Thunder Snow. He’ll face 2023 World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro, who seeks to go out on top in his career finale. 

If he wins, Ushba would become the second horse to win two Dubai World Cups and the first to do so in non-consecutive years.

Imperial Emperor Headlines Local Hopefuls

With 2024 World Cup winner Laurel River sidelined, local trainer Bhupat Seemar turns to Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars. While Walk of Stars struggled in the Saudi Cup, Imperial Emperor looked sharp, winning the Al Maktoum Classic (G2) over this track and distance. Jockey Tadhg O’Shea chose to ride Imperial Emperor, a vote of confidence for his chances to challenge the international heavyweights.

U.S. Runners Face Uphill Battle

The American team arrives without its most prominent members—Sierra Leone, Locked, White Abarrio, and Mindframe—who are all absent. That leaves veterans like Rattle N Roll, fifth in the Saudi Cup and who could improve with the added distance, and Hit Show, third behind Locked in the Santa Anita Handicap. 

Other U.S. runners like Mixto, Katonah, and Il Miracolo appear up against it, and barring a surprise, the U.S. is likely to go winless in the Dubai World Cup for a third straight year.

UAE Derby: Final Stop on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby

The UAE Derby (G2) is one of the final Kentucky Derby Prep Races and offers 100 qualifying points to the winner. U.S. shipper Flood Zone, trained by Brad Cox, stretches out after running in the Gotham (G3) and will face a strong international field.

Queen Azteca, winner of the UAE Oaks (G3), could qualify for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) with a strong showing here, though her connections remain undecided on whether she’ll make the trip to Churchill Downs. Japan is again represented by a powerful group, with Shin Forever leading the way after a runner-up finish in the Saudi Derby (G3). 

Other Japanese contenders, such as Don in the Mood, Admire Daytona, and Dragon, will look to validate the form of Hyacinth winner Luxor Cafe, who already earned his Derby invitation via the Japan Road.

Dubai Golden Shaheen: Straight No Chaser vs. Tuz

A highlight of the evening could be the showdown between American sprinter Straight No Chaser, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) champion, and Dubai-based speedster Tuz, who has won five straight races, including last year’s edition of the Golden Shaheen. If Straight No Chaser wins, he will be the first horse to win both the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Golden Shaheen in the same season.

Rebel’s Romance Eyes History in Sheema Classic

Another horse chasing history is Rebel’s Romance, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner and last year’s Sheema Classic champion. No horse has ever repeated in the Sheema, but Rebel’s Romance could be the fourth to win three different races on Dubai World Cup night. His previous wins include the UAE Derby and last year’s Sheema, making him a formidable force.

Dubai Turf: Romantic Warrior Returns to His Strength

After a failed dirt experiment in the Saudi Cup, Romantic Warrior returns to the Dubai Turf (G1) turf and looks difficult to beat. He set a course record in the Jebel Hatta and has beaten rivals like Liberty Island, who was only 1 1/2 lengths behind him in the Hong Kong Cup. Even defending champion Facteur Cheval looks up against it here, unless Romantic Warrior falters.

Al Quoz Sprint and Godolphin Mile Feature Rising Stars

The Al Quoz Sprint (G1) has plenty of intrigue, with young speedster West Acre taking on veterans like Howdeepisyourlove, who brings strong Hong Kong sprint form. In the Godolphin Mile (G2), Raging Toreng represents trainer Doug O’Neill and arrives with stronger credentials than his past winners, including a Grade 1 Malibu victory.

For odds, insights, and betting opportunities on every race from Meydan to Churchill Downs, visit our racebook today.