Dubai Gold Cup 2017 looks like a particularly strong renewal

Saturday's longest race on the card and one of four turf features, the 3200m Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors looks a particularly strong renewal this year with the 14 runners headed by the first two home from 12 months ago.

Victory then went to France and Vazirabad (FR), trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and, on that occasion, as a four-year-old, in receipt of weight from runner-up Big Orange (GB), representing Britain and Michael Bell.

They meet at level weights this year when Vazirabad, who landed this on seasonal debut 12 months ago, has also had a prep race when second, four weeks ago, in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy over 2810m.

“He is the same horse as last year, just that bit older,” said Royer-Dupre. “He did his final piece of serious work last week but was pretty fit anyway after his race last month. I was very happy with him.”

Big Orange, part of a strong challenge from Britain and Ireland, won the Goodwood Cup for a second time last year and has been pleasing his work rider, Jill Dolman, who said: “He is a bigger, stronger, horse this year who is really growing into his frame which should help him use his massive stride.”

His penultimate start of 2016 was in Australia when a close third in the Group 2 Zipping Stakes at Sandown, a 2400m contest won by Godolphin’s Beautiful Romance (GB) who lowered the colours of Vazirabad in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

Oisin Murphy, in the saddle on that occasion, retains the partnership for Saeed bin Suroor who said: “She worked very well on Sunday and was very pleasing when landing the Nad Al Sheba Trophy.

“She was a good seventh over this trip in the Melbourne Cup so the distance should be fine but this is a stronger field than for her last win.”

Runner-up in that Melbourne Cup was Heartbreak City (FR), trained in Ireland by Tony Martin and reunited with Joao Moreira who was in the saddle for that race at Flemington.

Perennial Irish champion trainer, Aidan O’Brien, saddles Kingfisher (IRE), not seen since finishing well beaten in the 2015 Melbourne Cup.

A fascinating clash has also attracted Quest For More (IRE), Sheikhzayedroad (GB) and Trip To Paris (IRE), a trio of Group 1 winners all trained in Britain.