Several contenders for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), including last year's runner-up Red Cadeaux, took to the track March 24 at Meydan to stretch their legs before the world's richest race March 29.

 

British-based globetrotter Red Cadeaux, who was among 16 horses declared for the World Cup March 24, cantered on the all-weather track ahead of taking a second crack at the race after his fast-closing second to Animal Kingdom   last year.

 

Trainer Ed Dunlop's traveling head man Robin Trevor-Jones said: "He worked on Saturday and then had an easy day yesterday. He had a normal canter this morning and is his usual self. He is very happy in himself and he loves this surface. He has been doing 12 furlongs (200 meters) for fun and does love the ground."

 

Former American star Ron the Greek, who is now based in Saudi Arabia, is likely to get acquainted with Meydan's all-weather surface for the first time March 25 or March 26, trainer Nicholas Bachalard said. The 7-year-old son of Full Mandate, a multiple grade I winner in the United States for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, won his first start in Saudi Arabia Feb. 15 after his sale last fall to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and sons.

 

Among other contenders for the World Cup:

 

Akeed Mofeed—"No problems from what I hear so far. He seems to be very happy in his new environment," trainer Richard Gibson said from Hong Kong. "I'll be there myself (March 25) but he did fast work at Sha Tin last week and we went out there very fit horse."

 

Belshazzar—The 2013 Japan Cup Dirt  (Jpn-I) winner walked and jogged for a lap and then cantered easily for another lap on the all-weather track March 24. Assistant Trainer Takumi Matsuda said: "Everything has gone well so far.  He also looked well in condition."

 

Hokko Tarumae—Winner of five group 1 races, Hokko Tarumae worked for two laps on the all-weather track March 24.  The 5-year-old horse trotted and was then ridden a bit harder in the home stretch. Said assistant Trainer Katsuichi Nishiura: "I am very happy that he could handle the grip on the all-weather track."

 

Military Attack—"We kept him to the quarantine area this morning. The travel from Hong Kong went OK," assistant trainer George Moore said. "My father (trainer John Moore) has just arrived and he will oversee the preparation from here on, but it's so far, so good."

 

Mukhadram—Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum's multiple English group stakes winner arrived at Meydan early March 23 on a flight with other English-based competitors. Elizabeth Budden, an assistant to trainer William Haggas, said the 5-year-old son of Shamardal traveled well and enjoyed "a trot around the ring today" in the quarantine barn area. Mukhadram will be eligible to leave quarantine and resume training March 25.

 

Sanshaawes—Trainer Mike De Kock said: "We always thought he was capable of winning at the Dubai World Cup Carnival and he won well twice, but his Super Saturday run, when second in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (UAE-I), was his best effort. With a better draw he would have finished closer. Hopefully we get a good draw on Saturday, but he needs to improve again to be competitive."

 

Side Glance—The 2013 Dubai World Cup fourth-place finisher ran seventh in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (UAE-I)  earlier in March on his return to Dubai. Andrew Balding's representative was not on the main track the morning of March 24.

 

Surfer—"This was the race we wanted to run in him so we were delighted to get the invitation. The 2,000 meter (about 1 1/4-mile) trip suits him better than the1,600 meters (about one mile) of the Godolphin Mile (UAE-II). Fingers crossed he gets a good draw," trainer Satish Seemar said.