Dubai: Bhupat Seemar's Dubai World Cup record is an enviable one. The dual UAE Champion Trainer only took out his licence in 2022, but since then has celebrated two Dubai Golden Shaheen wins, with Switzerland and Tuz, as well as winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup itself with Laurel River two years ago. This year, Seemar has a whopping 15 runners on the card - comfortably more than any other trainer. Two go in the Dubai World Cup itself, Group 1 winners Imperial Emperor and Walk Of Stars, both have second tries at the race, having finished fourth and 11th, respectively, last year.
According to Emirates News Agency, Seemar expressed confidence in his horses' form and readiness for the event. 'Imperial Emperor is definitely doing a lot better than last year, when I think he was a little bit of a tired horse, so we've freshened him up,' said Seemar. 'Walk of Stars actually improved with every run this year, so they're both in good shape.'
Seemar isn't fazed by the competition, particularly from dual Saudi Cup and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Forever Young, whom he acknowledges as the best horse in the world. 'He's danced every dance. It's good to have the best horse in the world here and to run against him,' he added.
In the sprint category, Seemar's entrant Tuz is set to reclaim his Dubai Golden Shaheen title. 'He's a nine-year-old now, so we didn't want to run him as often as we did last year,' said the trainer. 'He is probably in the form of his life. He wasn't that fit last time, but he's where we want him to be now.'
Seemar also presents Drew's Gold, unbeaten since joining him at the start of the season, and G3 winner Mufasa in the 1,200 metre contest. 'Drew's Gold is two for two this season, and he's freshened up,' he said. 'Mufasa is a tricky horse, and we're trying to figure him out. Ryan [Moore, jockey] said last time he should have won, he got hampered a little bit. Right after the race, he said, 'I'd like to ride him next time'. If Ryan Moore says that, it must be a good thing.'
In the G2 UAE Derby, Seemar fields four horses, including course winners Rammaas and Lino Padrino, along with G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Six Speed and the promising yet unpredictable Salloom. 'Salloom is just so quirky,' stated Seemar. 'He should have had three runs by now, but for his gate antics. Shane [Ryan, Starter] has done a good job with him. He's had plenty of gate schooling - in fact, he goes to the gate every day. So it's just one of those things. If he behaves himself, he's got a world of talent.'
Six Speed, with new American part-owners, already has 20 Kentucky Derby points for his Guineas win, but his owners are eying the 100 on offer on Saturday. 'He's brilliant - he's got tons of speed,' said Seemar. 'I hope he stays, but you can only find that out once you're in the race. If he does stay, he's a very, very serious horse.'
Seemar concluded, 'You do the best you can. After that, it's up to the jockeys and the horses.'
