Meydan Race 9 - Race 9 - Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (Group 1) - Dirt (G1)
FOREVER YOUNG (1) is often touted as the best dirt horse in the world, and he resumed with a strong one-length victory in the G1 Saudi Cup over 1800m at Riyadh 6 weeks ago. He was surprisingly beaten in this race last year, and he is here to set the record straight this time. On top. MEYDAAN (4) impressed when winning by 5 lengths over this course and distance in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic at his first attempt on dirt 4 weeks ago. He has come into his own this year, and he will give his all again. MAGNITUDE (2) has been kept fresh since his all-the-way win in the G3 Razorback Handicap over 1710m at Oaklawn Park 4 weeks ago. He is a very progressive entire, and he will give them all something to peg back again. Stick with him. IMPERIAL EMPEROR (5) resumes after 9 weeks, and he was a comfortable winner over 1600m here fresh, and then won the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge over 1900m, before being put aside to get ready for this race. Don't risk him, and include in all top 4 combos.

Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. Comes off a 42-day let-up. First-up after three months favourite; won by 1.0 len at Riyadh Dirt SAUG1 SAUG1 SAUDI CUP February 14 over 1800m defeating Nysos with 57kg at $1.33. Previously second-up favourite; won by 0.5 len at Del Mar G1 Breeders' Cup Classic November 1 over 2012m defeating Sierra Leone with 57kg at $4.50. Improver with winning prospects.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/13 | 14/02/2026 | 105 | SAUG1 CUP 4U | $7,604,563.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1800m | Fast | Ryusei Sakai | 57kg | 1:51.03 | - | 6 |
| 1.0L | $1.33 |
| 1/9 | 01/11/2025 | 31 | G1 OPEN 3U | $10,687,023.00 | Del Mar | 2012m | Fast | Ryusei Sakai | 57kg | 2:00.19 | 2-1-1 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $4.50 |
| 1/10 | 01/10/2025 | 179 | COND 3U | $686,856.00 | Funabashi | 1800m | Good | Ryusei Sakai | 58kg | 1:52.20 | 5-3-1 | 7 |
| 2.5L | $1.10 |
| 3/11 | 05/04/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 4U | $5,217,391.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Ryusei Sakai | 57kg | 2:03.50 | 2-4-3 | 5 |
| 2.0L | $1.30 |
| 1/14 | 22/02/2025 | 55 | SAUG1 CUP 4U | $8,583,691.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1800m | Fast | Ryusei Sakai | 57kg | 1:49.10 | - | 14 |
| 0.3L | $2.37 |
| 1/10 | 29/12/2024 | 57 | G1 COND 3U | $1,693,871.00 | Tokyo City Keiba | 2000m | Fast | Ryusei Sakai | 56kg | 2:04.90 | 2-2-1 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $1.30 |

Jockey: J Ortiz
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Last start favourite; scored a big 4 len win at Oaklawn Park G3 Razorback Handicap February 28 over 1710m defeating Nu What's New with 56kg at $1.80. At only start last preparation favourite; won by 0.5 len at Churchill Downs G2 Clark Handicap November 28 over 1811m defeating Hit Show with 53.5kg at $3.18. Among the leading chances.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 28/02/2026 | 92 | G3 OPEN 4U | $702,247.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:42.10 | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 3.8L | $1.80 |
| 1/8 | 28/11/2025 | 69 | G2 OPEN 3U | $916,031.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:48.69 | 1-1-1 | 8 |
| 0.5L | $3.18 |
| 2/10 | 20/09/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN 3 | $1,529,052.00 | Parx | 1811m | Fast | Ben Curtis | 56kg | 1:48.03 | 5-3-2 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $11.70 |
| 3/5 | 23/08/2025 | 49 | G1 OPEN 3 | $1,937,984.00 | Saratoga | 2012m | Fast | Ben Curtis | 57kg | 2:00.84 | 1-3-3 | 1 |
| 20.8L | $4.60 |
| 1/6 | 05/07/2025 | 140 | LR OPEN 3 | $382,263.00 | Prairie Meadows | 1710m | Good | Ben Curtis | 55.5kg | 1:42.26 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 9.3L | $1.70 |
| 1/12 | 15/02/2025 | 28 | G2 OPEN 3 | $805,153.00 | Fairgrounds | 1811m | Fast | Ben Curtis | 55.5kg | 1:48.85 | 8-1-1 | 12 |
| 9.8L | $44.20 |

Jockey: Florent Geroux
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 42-day let-up. First-up after three months favourite; won by a nose at Fairgrounds G3 Mineshaft Stakes February 14 over 1710m defeating Accelerize with 55.5kg at $2.10. Previously second-up favourite; came from midfield and won by a nose at Mountaineer Park LR August 3 over 1710m defeating Not This Boy carrying 56kg at $2.40. One of the top chances.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 14/02/2026 | 78 | G3 OPEN 4U | $356,633.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 55.5kg | 1:42.49 | 6-2-1 | 5 |
| 0.1L | $2.10 |
| 2/8 | 28/11/2025 | 34 | G2 OPEN 3U | $916,031.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 56.5kg | 1:48.69 | 4-3-2 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $6.21 |
| 1/11 | 25/10/2025 | 28 | G3 OPEN 3U | $532,725.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 57kg | 1:50.39 | 7-3-1 | 11 |
| 1.0L | $4.57 |
| 4/7 | 27/09/2025 | 55 | G2 OPEN 3U | $764,526.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 56.5kg | 1:49.25 | 6-5-4 | 2 |
| 6.5L | $4.54 |
| 1/7 | 03/08/2025 | 36 | LR OPEN 3U | $310,078.00 | Mountaineer Park | 1710m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 56kg | 1:43.63 | 4-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $2.40 |
| 5/6 | 28/06/2025 | 84 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,555,210.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 56kg | 1:47.48 | 5-5-5 | 5 |
| 8.3L | $12.27 |

Jockey: W Buick
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. At the latest run scored a big 5 len win at this track G2 Al Maktoum Classic February 28 over 2000m defeating Walk Of Stars carrying 57kg at $7. The race before that 3rd of 8 at Meydan in the G3 AL KHAIL TROPHY on January 23 over 2810m, 2 len behind Sunway carrying 59kg at $2.15. Can get the job done again.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 28/02/2026 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $651,341.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | William Buick | 57kg | 2:04.53 | - | 4 |
| 5.2L | $7.00 |
| 2/7 | 18/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Meydan | 1000m | Mickael Barzalona | - | - | 4 |
| 0.72L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/8 | 23/01/2026 | 21 | G3 OPEN 4U | $284,553.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | James Doyle | 59kg | 2:55.48 | 5-3-3 | 4 |
| 1.9L | $2.15 |
| 1/12 | 02/01/2026 | 59 | COND 4U | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 2810m | Good | James Doyle | 59kg | 2:59.12 | 4-4-1 | 4 |
| 1.9L | $3.10 |
| 10/24 | 04/11/2025 | 17 | G1 OPEN 3U | $10,000,000.00 | Flemington | 3200m | Soft 5 | James McDonald | 54kg | 3:22.46 | 8-11-10 | 22 |
| 10.2L | $26.00 |
| 9/18 | 18/10/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 3U | $5,330,000.00 | Caulfield | 2400m | Good 4 | Andrea Atzeni | 56kg | 2:29.05 | 8-15-9 | 5 |
| 4.7L | $15.00 |
| 3/6 | 06/09/2025 | 35 | G3 OPEN 3U | $166,050.00 | Kempton Park | 2412m | Neutral | Jack Mitchell | 60.5kg | 2:31.13 | 4-3-3 | 4 |
| 2.3L | $17.00 |

Jockey: T P O'Shea
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by 1.4 len this track G1 Al Maktoum Challenge January 23 over 1900m defeating Tumbarumba with 57kg at $3.90. Previous preparation first-up won by 1.4 len this track G2 Al Maktoum Mile December 19 over 1600m defeating Commissioner King with 58.5kg at $2.70. Must be included.
Last Starts 63 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 23/01/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,495,935.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Richard Mullen | 57kg | 1:58.82 | 2-1-1 | 8 |
| 1.4L | $3.90 |
| 1/13 | 19/12/2025 | 258 | G2 OPEN 3U | $416,667.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 58.5kg | 1:37.55 | 2-1-1 | 5 |
| 1.4L | $2.70 |
| 11/11 | 05/04/2025 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $5,217,391.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 57kg | 2:03.50 | 5-9-11 | 10 |
| 30.6L | $6.50 |
| 1/15 | 01/03/2025 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $742,358.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 57kg | 2:03.76 | - | 14 |
| 8.5L | $2.30 |
| 2/12 | 24/01/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,614,035.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Richard Mullen | 57.5kg | 1:56.21 | 3-2-2 | 7 |
| 2.9L | $5.00 |
| 1/7 | 13/12/2024 | 35 | HCP80-100 3U | $105,042.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 62kg | 1:35.97 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 7.5L | $1.28 |

Jockey: James Doyle
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Comes off a 42 day let-up. Last start 3rd of 13 at Riyadh Dirt in the SAUG1 SAUG1 SAUDI CUP on February 14 over 1800m, 5 len behind Forever Young carrying 57kg at $41. The race before that 2nd of 9 at this track in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge on January 23 over 1900m, 1.4 len behind Imperial Emperor carrying 57kg at $26. Going well. Leading chance.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/13 | 14/02/2026 | 22 | SAUG1 CUP 4U | $7,604,563.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1800m | Fast | James Doyle | 57kg | 1:51.03 | - | 8 |
| 4.8L | $41.00 |
| 2/9 | 23/01/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,495,935.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | James Doyle | 57kg | 1:58.82 | 6-4-2 | 7 |
| 1.4L | $26.00 |
| 8/13 | 19/12/2025 | 48 | G2 OPEN 3U | $416,667.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Fast | James Doyle | 57.5kg | 1:37.55 | 8-10-8 | 10 |
| 15.0L | $4.80 |
| 4/8 | 01/11/2025 | 35 | G1 OPEN 3U | $1,526,718.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 57kg | 1:34.71 | 7-6-4 | 4 |
| 3.6L | $31.60 |
| 1/7 | 27/09/2025 | 48 | G3 OPEN 3U | $611,621.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 56kg | 1:35.44 | 1-2-1 | 4 |
| 0.8L | $8.39 |
| 1/5 | 10/08/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN 3U | $310,078.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:35.38 | 4-3-1 | 1 |
| 0.3L | $2.12 |

Jockey: M Barzalona
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run 2nd of 9 at this track in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on February 28 over 2000m, 5 len behind Meydaan with 57kg at $6.50. The race before that 5th of 9 at this track in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge on January 23 over 1900m, 8 len behind Imperial Emperor carrying 57kg at $3.30. Cannot entertain.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 28/02/2026 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $651,341.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Mickael Barzalona | 57kg | 2:04.53 | - | 2 |
| 5.2L | $6.50 |
| 5/9 | 23/01/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,495,935.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 57kg | 1:58.82 | 1-2-5 | 3 |
| 8.9L | $3.30 |
| 3/9 | 19/12/2025 | 258 | LR OPEN 3U | $208,333.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 60.5kg | 2:00.10 | 1-1-3 | 4 |
| 3.7L | $2.50 |
| 4/11 | 05/04/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 4U | $5,217,391.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Mickael Barzalona | 57kg | 2:03.50 | 1-2-4 | 1 |
| 4.5L | $9.00 |
| 12/14 | 22/02/2025 | 29 | SAUG1 CUP 4U | $8,583,691.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1800m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 57kg | 1:49.10 | - | 6 |
| 29.4L | $8.00 |
| 1/12 | 24/01/2025 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,614,035.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 57.5kg | 1:56.21 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 2.9L | $4.60 |

Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th of 9 at this track in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on February 28 over 2000m, 13 len behind Meydaan with 57kg at $3.80. The start before that 3rd of 9 at this track in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge on January 23 over 1900m, 5 len behind Imperial Emperor carrying 57kg at $3. Fully tested on his recent run.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/9 | 28/02/2026 | 36 | G2 OPEN 4U | $651,341.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Adrie De Vries | 57kg | 2:04.53 | - | 1 |
| 13.9L | $3.80 |
| 3/9 | 23/01/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN 4U | $1,495,935.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Saffie Osborne | 57kg | 1:58.82 | 7-6-3 | 2 |
| 5.2L | $3.00 |
| 1/9 | 19/12/2025 | 28 | LR OPEN 3U | $208,333.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Saffie Osborne | 57kg | 2:00.10 | 9-3-1 | 5 |
| 1.5L | $2.70 |
| 1/6 | 21/11/2025 | 167 | COND 3 | $87,137.00 | Meydan | 1600m | Fast | Saffie Osborne | 59kg | 1:39.14 | 5-3-1 | 2 |
| 7.3L | $1.50 |
| 6/8 | 07/06/2025 | 21 | G1 OPEN 3 | $3,110,420.00 | Saratoga | 2012m | Good | Saffie Osborne | 57kg | 2:00.69 | 8-8-6 | 8 |
| 15.5L | $21.50 |
| 5/9 | 17/05/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 3 | $3,125,000.00 | Pimlico | 1911m | Fast | Saffie Osborne | 57kg | 1:55.47 | 9-9-5 | 4 |
| 8.8L | $20.70 |

Jockey: P J Dobbs
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start today. When well in the market at debut, won by a 0.4 len at this track January 30 over 2000m defeating Generous Tipper with 58.5kg at $3.80. Second-up 3rd of 9 at this track in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on February 28 over 2000m, 6 len behind Meydaan with 57kg at $6.50. Likely to find this a bit tough.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 28/02/2026 | 29 | G2 OPEN 4U | $651,341.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Pat Dobbs | 57kg | 2:04.53 | - | 6 |
| 6.0L | $6.50 |
| 1/16 | 30/01/2026 | - | HCP85-105 4U | $121,951.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Pat Dobbs | 58.5kg | 2:06.49 | 13-3-1 | 12 |
| 0.4L | $3.80 |