Oasis Boy and Mufasa, the South Americans among Forever Young and Romantic Warrior.

The Argentine and the Chilean are set to line up in the Godolphin Mile (G2) on Dubai World Cup (G1) night at Meydan, with the Japanese star and the Hong Kong champion as the standout names on what promises to be a spectacular evening

Oasis Boy faces a formidable challenge in the Godolphin Mile / DRC

With contenders from 13 countries and 35 Group 1 winners set to take the stage, a pair of South American hopefuls will attempt to make their mark in the upcoming Dubai World Cup (G1, 2000m, dirt, $12,000,000), one of the richest and most prestigious races in the world.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, the event will take place outside its traditional last Saturday of March slot for the first time, shifting due to Ramadan. Representing South America, Oasis Boy (Asiatic Boy) of Argentina and Mufasa (Practical Joke) of Chile are guaranteed spots in the Godolphin Mile (G2, dirt, $1,000,000), where the winner will take home $580,000.

The biggest names on the early entry lists include Forever Young (Real Steel) of Japan and Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) of Hong Kong, who gained even more attention following the withdrawal of Laurel River (G1) due to a points shortfall. Both recently battled in the Saudi Cup (G1), emerging as top contenders for the World Cup and the Dubai Turf (G1, 1800m, turf, $5,000,000), respectively.

Trained by Doug Watson, Oasis Boy kicked off his Carnival campaign with a victory before finishing second to Fort Payne (Río de la Plata) in the Burj Nahaar (G3). He will get a rematch with the French raider in the Godolphin Mile. Meanwhile, Mufasa, now under the care of Bhupat Seemar, recently arrived from the U.S., where he defeated none other than White Abarrio (Race Day) in the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park under the guidance of Ignacio Correas (h.).

Their challenge will be daunting, as they face elite competition, including Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), winner of the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita; King Gold (Anodin), who handed Laurel River a defeat in the Firebreak Stakes (G3); Meshtri (Medaglia d’Oro), a winner of both the Al Maktoum Mile (G2) and the Dubai Creek Mile (L); and Steal Sunshine (Constitution), a U.S.-based G2 winner.

A third South American contender will also be in action, as the team of Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga sends out Drew’s Gold (Violence) in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), where he will take on Tuz (Oxbow) and Straight No Chaser (Speightster) in a high-stakes sprint.

In the Dubai World Cup, the current list of 10 nominees is headlined by Ushba Tesoro (Orfevre), the 2023 championand recent third-place finisher in the Saudi Cup. Other top challengers include Walk of Stars (Dubawi) and Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) representing the home team, while the U.S. contingent consists of Hot Show (Candy Ride), Mixto (Good Magic), and Katonah (Klimt).

The Dubai Turf will see Romantic Warrior, a 10-time G1 winner, square off against the experienced Facteur Cheval (Ribchester), last year’s winner, and Nations Pride (Teofilo), representing the powerful Godolphin operation.

Meanwhile, the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, 2410m, turf, $6,000,000) will feature Rebel’s Romance(Dubawi), who aims to become the first two-time winner of the race. His opposition includes six other Group 1 winners, led by the formidable Japanese trio of Danon Decile (Epiphaneia), Durezza (Duramente), and Cervinia(Harbinger).

“The quality and depth of horses targeting this year’s Dubai World Cup meeting is extraordinary,” said Ali Al Ali, CEO and board member of the Dubai Racing Club. “We are delighted to welcome representatives from 13 racing jurisdictions, including several returning champions.

“We wish everyone safe travels and look forward to hosting them in Dubai for the most exciting day on our calendar.”