Dubai World Cup Outright Odds: Ushba Tesoro favourite to defend Meydan crown

Having struck gold in the 2023 Dubai World Cup, Japanese star Ushba Tesoro is aiming to etch his name into the history books when defending his crown at Meydan on 30th March.

He would become just the second horse – after Thunder Snow in 2018 and 2019 – to successfully defend the crown if he can achieve it.

Dubai World Cup Odds

Ushba Tesoro	9/4
Derma Sotogake	9/2
Kabirkhan	6/1
Senor Buscador	6/1
Arabian Knight	8/1
Mick Fire	12/1
Crown Pride	20/1
Wilson Tesoro	20/1
Emblem Road	25/1
Military Law	25/1
T O Keynes	33/1
Clapton	50/1
Bendog	66/1

Dubai World Cup contenders

Ushba Tesoro

Japanese raider swept through the field to win this prize 12 months ago and trainer Noboru Takagi has his eyes fixed on a repeat attempt. Well held in the Breeders' Cup Classic in November but back on song in his homeland over Christmas and only headed in the final stride by Senor Buscador in the Saudi Cup last month over shorter trip.

Derma Sotogake

Winner of the UAE Derby on this card last March and a potent threat in this race now. He was second-best in the Breeders' Cup Classic in November but has something to find after posting only fifth in the Saudi Cup last time.

Kabirkhan

Excellent credentials following two 3YO wins on synthetic surfaces in the US and the Doug Watson-trained inmate is now 2-2 at Meydan, including the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge in January. This next assignment will be asking more of him but clearly thriving in Dubai and has more to give.

Senor Buscador

Todd Fincher's 6YO produced a career-best when getting up oh-so late to deny Ushba Tesoro in the Saudi Cup. He was second in the Pegasus before that and is clearly improving after that Group 1 breakthrough. Will be hoping for a strong gallop once more and some luck in running.

Arabian Knight

Very lightly-raced colt for Bob Baffert, won a Grade 1 at Del Mar in September and ran well for a long way in front when fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic afterwards. He had to work to earn the lead there, which might have compromised his chance. Still capable of better.

Mick Fire

Successful on first start in Japan back in July and was coming back from 221 days off when held at Tokyo in the Grade 1 February Stakes last time. Should come on for that run but a significant step up is going to be needed.

Crown Pride

Honourable fifth in this race last year as a 50/1 chance. Won the Grade 2 Korea Cup at Seoul in September but was back in ninth in the Saudi Cup on most recent start and a repeat of last year's effort might be the ceiling.

Wilson Tesoro

Sent off 29/10 for last month's February Stakes in Tokyo but only eighth for trainer Hitoshi Kotegawa and much to ponder now a 5YO that has twice come up just short in top-tier races in his homeland.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.