Electrocutionist favored for Dubai World Cup

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Dubai, UAE (Sports Network) - Saturday's $6 million Dubai World Cup, the world's richest race, has attracted a field of 11 of the best older thoroughbreds on the planet.

Starting from the inside post will be local runner and probable favorite Electrocutionist. He is owned by Godolphin Racing and trained by Saeed bin Suroor. Electrocutionist will be ridden by Frankie Dettori in the 2,000 meter race. Dettori was the winning rider on Moon Ballad in the 2003 World Cup.

The top American-trained runner is Brass Hat, who won the New Orleans and Donn Handicaps to begin the year. Brass Hat will be ridden by Willie Martinez and will break from post seven. The five-year-old gelding is owned by Fred Bradley and trained by Bailey's son Buff.

The top returning finisher from the 2005 World Cup is Choctaw Nation, who was third last year. Choctaw Nation will break from post four with Victor Espinoza again in the saddle. The six-year-old has won the last two San Diego Handicaps and is now owned by Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum.

Completing the field for the Grade I race are Shakis, Kane Hekili, Chiquitin, Maraahel, Magna Graduate, Wilko, Star King Man and Super Frolic.

Magna Graduate is trained by two-time champion trainer Todd Pletcher and will be ridden by Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velazquez.

Wilko will attempt to win his first race since capturing the 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He will have the services of Garrett Gomez in the saddle.

This is the 11th running of the Dubai World Cup at Nad al Sheba Racecourse. Last year's winner was Roses in May, who became the fifth American-trained horse to capture the event.

The Dubai World Cup has a post-time of 12:20 p.m. (et) in the United States.