The Heat Takes Center Stage as a Few Withdrawals Are Noted

Temperatures Rise in Dubai, Jasper Krone Out of Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1); Caligostro and Meshtri Withdraw from Godolphin Mile (G2)

Forever Young, Pure Class Every Morning / DRC

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario in Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—As the Dubai World Cup 2025 festival gains momentum, the weather is beginning to take center stage. Forecasts for the coming days are anything but favorable, prompting Dubai Racing Club officials to push back Saturday’s blockbuster card by an hour, with temperatures expected to soar to nearly 40°C (see related story in this edition).

Meanwhile, anticipation continues to build with each passing hour. The traditional post-position draw, held in the early hours of Tuesday for South American audiences, delivered an ideal outcome for Forever Young (Real Steel), the overwhelming favorite, who will break from post 5 (see full details in this edition).

A few notable scratches have also emerged. Jasper Krone (Frosted) has been withdrawn from the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), while neither Cagliostro (Upstart) nor Meshtri (Medaglia d’Oro) will contest the Godolphin Mile (G2). Their absence leaves 12 challengers set to face Argentina’s Oasis Boy (Asiatic Boy) and Chile’s Mufasa (Practical Joke) in the mile test.

South American Contenders Keep a Low Profile

Oasis Boy has yet to make an appearance on the Meydan track, as trainer Doug Watson prefers to keep him at his private training facility. Nonetheless, word around the barn suggests the chestnut is in top form following his runner-up effort in the Burj Nahaar (G3). The draw was kind to him this time—he will break from post 7, a much-improved scenario compared to his prior two local outings, where he either hugged the rail or was forced to the far outside.

In contrast, Mufasa has been a regular presence in morning training, looking in impeccable condition. His team has put him through a demanding series of drills, including several sharp gate workouts, as he aims to back up his stunning upset over White Abarrio (Race Day) in the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Silvestre de Sousa and Drew’s Gold Get to Work

On Wednesday morning, Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa reunited with Drew’s Gold (Violence), the hopeful for Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). Tasked with facing the likes of Tuz (Oxbow) and Straight No Chaser (Speightster), the colt focused on gate schooling to iron out the issues from his last outing. The session went flawlessly, as he broke sharply from the barriers after a prolonged warm-up session designed to keep him sharp and engaged.

Giustino Left Without a UAE Derby Invitation

Among other notable updates, Giustino (Full Mast) was seen galloping on Wednesday morning. His team remains puzzled as to why the colt was not invited to the UAE Derby (G2), a race that has drawn only nine runners.

Despite finishing sixth in the Saudi Derby (G3) last month, Giustino’s connections argue that a year ago, Oasis Boyfared even worse at King Abdulaziz Racecourse before earning a spot in Dubai’s marquee sophomore event. Had he been granted an entry, the chestnut would have been the only Grade 1 winner in the lineup—an opportunity lost to what remains an unclear decision.