Master Fencer the latest to accept a Dubai World Cup invitation

Master Fencer, the Japanese-bred colt that competed in the 2019 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, is the latest name familiar to American racing fans confirmed to be targeting the 2020 Dubai World Cup.

Kate Hunter, a liaison for the horse's connections during their time in the United States, confirmed the news Tuesday on Twitter, adding that it's a "great prep" should Master Fencer also emerge as a contender for Keeneland's Breeders' Cup Classic toward the end of the year.

A 4-year-old trained by Koichi Tsunoda, Master Fencer joins the likes of Benbatl, Tacitus, Sir Winston and Mucho Gusto in going under consideration for the World Cup, a $12 million race run Saturday, March 28, at Meydan.

The first horse bred in Japan to run in the Kentucky Derby, Master Fencer placed sixth on the first Saturday in May before rallying for fifth in the Belmont. In one more domestic start over the turf in the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1), Master Fencer ran 13th before heading home.

Upon return in Japan, he has won two of three races, becoming a stakes winner in his 4-year-old debut when taking down Tokyo's Kintei on Feb. 22 in his most-recent effort.