Seemar's stars set for $12m Dubai World Cup showdown from opposite gates

Khaleej Times

02-04-2025

Dubai's two leading contenders for Saturday's $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1), Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars, will break from opposite ends of the 11-horse starting gate.
But their handler, Bhupat Seemar, the reigning UAE Champion, remains confident that the draw will not compromise their chances.
Imperial Emperor, widely considered the main challenger to Forever Young, the strong Japanese favourite, will start from Gate 10. Meanwhile, his stablemate and equally formidable contender, Walk of Stars, landed the inside post in Gate 1 following Wednesday morning's highly anticipated 'Post Position' draw at Meydan Racecourse.
Seemar dismissed any concerns about the draw, emphasising his gallopers' adaptability saying, "It suits both horses, so we're not worried.'
However, the draw has set up an intriguing scenario for the Dubai-based challengers who have demonstrated their class on Meydan's dirt track.
Imperial Emperor, ridden by 12-time UAE champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea, has proven his ability to overcome wide draws, having won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic, a key prep race for the Dubai World Cup. from Gate 11. His stablemate, Walk of Stars, will be guided by former Dubai World Cup-winning rider Mickael Barzalona, whose inside position could provide early tactical advantages in the 2,000-metre contest.
Seemar expressed confidence in their starting spots: "Walk of Stars has a lot of gate speed and will likely use the inside gate to his advantage, while Imperial Emperor is an uncomplicated push-button horse - he's won from wide draws before, so his position is not a concern. You can put him anywhere in the gate.'
While acknowledging the challenge of facing Forever Young, the 2023 UAE Derby (G2) winner and this year's $20 million Saudi Cup hero, Seemar remains optimistic.
"We know he's one of the best horses in the world, but you've got to be in the race to win it. Both our horses will give their best- let's see what happens. This is horse racing, some of the biggest favourites have been beaten in the past,' he added tongue-in-cheek.
O'Shea, who guided Laurel River to a sensational 8 ½ length victory over 2023 Dubai World Cup sensation Ushba Tesoro, who has returned for a third crack at the $12 million prize, in last year's Dubai World Cup, is looking to make history with consecutive wins.
"Imperial Emperor has drawn wide every time he's run on dirt, so this is nothing new for him. Laurel River won from Gate 12 last year, so I'm not too concerned. If he gets a clean break we can give him some space and help him find a good position."
The significance of the draw
Meydan's dirt track has historically favoured middle-to-high draws, as they allow horses to avoid early congestion. However, Walk of Stars' gate speed and Imperial Emperor's adaptability give Seemar and O'Shea confidence in their chances.
"It all comes down to race tactics and how it will play out. You also have to factor in tack conditions on the day, and, of course, a little bit of racing luck," Seemar said
Meanwhile, Yoshito Yahagi, Japan's multiple-time JRA champion trainer, was delighted with Forever Young's prime Gate 5 draw. The son of superstar sire Real Steel — who won the 2016 Dubai Turf at Meydan — has already made his mark on the international stage and is known for his sharp racing mind and tenacity.
"He's a horse with a winning mentality and a fantastic attitude," Yahagi told Khaleej Times. "He's in peak condition and is very healthy heading into Saturday's race. We are very pleased with him and hope he runs another big race."
Yahagi, who has trained some of Japan's most formidable horses- including Real Steel, and the now-retired Panthalassa, winner of the 2022 Dubai Turf and Saudi Cup—believes Forever Young may be the best horse he has ever trained.
Other notable draws were handed to 2023 Dubai World Cup champion Ushba Tesoro (Gate 4) Wilson Tesoro (3), Rattle N Roll (2), Ramjet (9), Mixto (9), Hit Show (7), Katonah (11) and Il Miracolo (6).
Trends and insights from the draw
Historically, four-year-olds have performed well in the Dubai World Cup, with eight victories and 17 placings from 80 entrants. In contrast, horses older than six have managed only five wins, suggesting an advantage for younger contenders like Forever Young. The Japanese runner was a close third in last year's Kentucky Derby behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone, reinforcing his status as a major threat.
With a high-class field and an intriguing spread of post positions, Saturday's Dubai World Cup is shaping up to be another thrilling spectacle. Whether the draw will be a decisive factor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Dubai's finest take on the world.