Godolphin Racing's China Visit put forth solid credentials to be labeled a leading Dubai World Cup contender following his brilliant return to racing in the Listed opening round of the Maktoum Challenge at Nad Al Sheba Thursday night.China Visit looked as though the run would bring him on a great deal; however, he did show his class in his defeat of stablemates Pacino and Zoning. The other Al Quoz representative Broche finished fourth.China Visit hadn't raced since his unplaced effort behind Giant's Causeway in the St James' Place Stakes at Royal Ascot, a month after his sixth to Fusaichi Pegasus in the Kentucky Derby.
Prior to those efforts he was a runway winner of the UAE Derby, one of the form races of last season with Bachir, Crimplene, Pacino, Broche and Compton Bolter all subsequent winners.It is clear that China Visit relishes the surface at Nad Al Sheba and he must now be a serious option for the US$6million Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba on March 24.The victory was the third in five starts for China Visit, a Kentucky-bred son of Red Ransom.