Bhupat Seemar is going all in with Imperial Emperor and Walk of Stars in the Dubai World Cup

The trainer won't have Laurel River, but he remains hopeful of repeating his success from 12 months ago at Meydan

Imperial Emperor has improved significantly in recent months / DRC / LESLIE KING

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario) (DWC Media Team).— Without Laurel River (Into Mischief), the defending champion, in his team for the Dubai World Cup (G1, US$ 12,000,000), Bhupat Seemarisn’t left behind and arrives with two strong contenders: Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) and Walk Of Stars (Dubawi), who returned to Meydan’s main track early Monday morning to fine-tune their preparations for Saturday’s big challenge.

The horse that has attracted the most attention is Imperial Emperor, who, after winning two handicaps, raised his level by finishing second behind his stablemate in the Al Maktoum Challenge (G1), before dazzling with a dominating victory in the Al Maktoum Classic.

“He’s been a fantastic horse this year,” said Seemar. “He’s raced four times, won three, and finished second in the other, which is every owner’s dream. For my team and me, it’s a pleasure to train him.”

“He worked very well last Monday, so we hope to arrive fit, healthy, and happy for the World Cup.”

Part of Imperial Emperor’s appeal lies in his enthusiastic group of British owners from Deva Racing, who purchased him from Godolphin last March for AED 300,000.

While the organization has already had runners on Dubai World Cup night, this will be the first time their blue and red colors will appear in the prestigious race.

“Deva Racing has been having great results in Great Britain and Ireland, but I think they’ve done even better in Dubai,” added Seemar. “They had Royal Mews (Siyouni) in the Godolphin Mile, and now they have Imperial Emperor, who’s the second favorite for the World Cup. It’s great when a good group of owners comes together and enjoys success at the highest level.”

Tadhg O’Shea, the stable’s regular jockey, has been in charge of Imperial Emperor’s exercise and will ride him on Saturday, while Chantal Sutherland worked Walk Of Stars on the track, with Mickael Barzalona set to ride him in the big race.

Jockey News

The French Florent Geroux will be back aboard Hit Show (Candy Ride), representing Wathnan Racing, while the legendary Frankie Dettori, a four-time winner of the Dubai World Cup, has been called up by Doug O’Neill to ride Mixto (Good Magic). Meanwhile, William Buick will be tasked with guiding Rattle N Roll (Connect), the trainee of Kenny McPeek.