TVG to Televise, Take Wagers on Dubai World Cup

TVG announced on Friday that it would feature exclusive live U.S. television coverage and in-home wagering on the sixth running of the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) from Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai, U.A.E. on Saturday, March 24, 2001. The world's richest horserace has attracted top U.S. horses Captain Steve and Aptitude to an all-star field running one and a quarter miles on the dirt.

TVG's special program begins Saturday morning at 9:30 AM (EST) and concludes at 12:30 PM (EST). Hosts Chris Harrison, Todd Schrupp, and Frank Lyons will provide in-depth analysis, interviews from Dubai and complete coverage of the World Cup, the $2-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-II), the $2-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-II), the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-III) and the U.A.E. Derby (tape delay). The program can also be seen on FOX Sports World at the same time. Account wagering through Arlington Park will be available to TVG subscribers for the World Cup, Duty Free, Sheema Classic and Golden Shaheen.

"The Dubai World Cup has quickly gained in reputation and importance as one of the world's most distinguished international races," said Tony Allevato, TVG Vice President and Executive Producer. "It continues to be a unique showcase for the best horses in the world such as past winners Cigar, Silver Charm and the brilliant Dubai Millenium. TVG is honored to once again be the exclusive U.S. television outlet for this great event."

Trainer Bob Baffert's Captain Steve is expected to be the favorite for the 2001 edition of the World Cup. Owned by Mike Pegram, Captain Steve capped off a stellar three-year-old campaign with a gutsy third place finish to U.S. Horse of the Year Tiznow in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic and began his 2001 campaign with an easy victory in the Donn Handicap (Gr. 1) in January. His challengers may include Aptitude, second to Fusaichi Pegasus in the 2000 Kentucky Derby, and stablemates Best of the Bests, Broche and Ekraar from Dubai's own Godolphin Stable and trainer Saeed Bin Suroor. Godolphin is owned by the Maktoum family, which hosts the World Cup.

Top U.S. turf miler Ladies Din will face a field of international horses such as the globetrotting Jim and Tonic and Sunline, a winner of 25 out of 33 races and over $7 million (the most ever by a filly or mare), in the Dubai Duty Free. In the Sheema Classic, Godolphin's Fantastic Light will be favored to repeat his scintillating performance in winning last year's race. The Golden Shaheen, won last year by top U.S. sprinter Big Jag, will once again have a strong contingent of American sprinters with Men's Exclusive, Morluc and Caller One expected to compete in the six furlong event. American racing fans will also get their first look at Godolphin's Street Cry, an early favorite for the 2001 Kentucky Derby, in the U.A.E.
Derby.