9/ 03/01 -- Vancouver: Dubai is up and running. In spite of the warnings and fears about foot and mouth disease spreading to the UAE, the DubaiWorld Cup is a go for this coming weekend. A card of six major stakes races will be available for local handicappers via satellite at Hastings Park and other Teletheatre outlets across the province. This is the world's richest race day, with $15.25 million up for grabs.

It will not be an easy day for handicappers. The fields are full of experienced runners competing against each other for the top titles. The outcome of these races will determine which are the greatest thoroughbreds in the world. And as I look at the list of contenders, I am completely baffled and frustrated in my attempt to single out the leading horses in each event. So, wearing my heart on my sleeve, here are my horses for the six big events.

First up is the Dubai World Cup, which will be a hotly contested race with some of the world's best lining up to gain the crown. Casting an eye around for the three likely top runners, I see Best of the Bests as a good front-runner for the title. Captain Steve may also have some kick in this race, if he can perform anything close to his last race. Aptitude is a horse I respect very much, and he has been training very well, and may just hang on for a piece of the money. Another horse to watch, as a possible spoiler, is Early Warning, who could overturn the apple cart at the wire.

In the Dubai Duty Free, I must give proper respect to the New Zealand mare, Sunline. She's been running very big races back to back, and shows no sign of slowing down. The fact that she's going against the boys doesn't frighten me a bit, or her. She can handle all they can dish up, with power to spare at the end. One horse to watch in here might be Jim and Tonic, who is very capable at his best. Also to be factored in will be FairyKing Prawn, a horse that's been very consistent in Hong Kong. The possible spoiler in here could be Ladies Din, who has been well prepped for this race. But my top money must go on Sunline, because I can't see anything else to match her.

Next, we move along to the Dubai Golden Shaheen. This is really a tough call. But I will take a chance and spot Bertolini for the win. This horse is very capable, and may just get the job done. Another horse that merits some serious attention is Caller One. This guy may just have a shot in here.Then, just for good measure, I'm going to include Nuclear Debate, who should not be sold too short.

Moving along to the Dubai Sheema Classic, Fantastic Light jumps off the page at me.This horses is very game and has proven himself time and againin Europe. He is one of the best horses anywhere in the world. Mutafaweq also deserves serious attention and respect from the betting public. My third pick has to be Catella, who ran so gamely in last year's Breeder's Cup. If she is ready to roll we might just see one extremely good race from her.
She too can best the boys, hands down. The only possible upset runner I see in here is Caitano, who no one should foolishly overlook.

For the UAE Derby, with one of my favorite horses, Street Cry. This guy has fire in his belly, and probably won't stop until he's forced to. His connections have been aiming him at this race for months, so look out. I don't believe there is another horse in this field that can touch him. When looking for the other two probables in this race, I see Express Tour and No Excuses Needed, as the likeliest contenders. If I had to pick a possible
spoiler it would have to be Lido Palace, trained by Bobby Frankel.

Finally, we have the Godolphin Mile, in which China Visit just might be ready to run the big race we've all been waiting for. This horse ran badly in the USA, but seems to prefer Dubai. Curule is another horse I'll be rooting for. He might have something to say about the outcome of this event. And Festival of Light should be competitive enough to give handicappers a shot at some decent odds. If you're casting an eye around for a spoiler in here,why not consider Regal Thunder, who is game enough to fit the bill.

For those brave enough to want to play Dubai, all hands will have to be on deck by 7:30 AM this coming Saturday morning. And, for those early birds to Hastings Park, all customers turning up for Dubai will get free admission to the park and a complimentary coffee.

Returning to North America for a moment, fans have been jumping on the Monarchos bandwagon lately, after his big win in the Florida Derby two weekends ago. This horse seems unstoppable at the moment, having won five straight. I to am impressed with this guy, but will reserve my judgmenton him until I see more. Two other horses drawing some attention, as we approach the Kentucky Derby, are Congaree and Point Given, both trained by Bob Baffert. I agree that they're two nice horses, but are they Derby material? Only time will tell. The fact is, we all have to play the waiting game over the next month.


Finally, a few choice words about Hong Kong are in order. Handicappers will have noticed the unusual number of long shots stealing the show at the Sha Tin over the past few weeks. One theory as to why so many of the better horses are failing may be that they're getting tired. They tend to run their horses hard in Hong Kong, giving them only a few days off between races.

The South China Morning Post suggested another reason why things over there aren't panning out. Pointing to the final race at the Sha Tim last Saturday, John Philp stated that the jockeys had not been competitive enough, allowing veteran jockey Eric Legrix to bring Ever Glory under the wire first at 72-1. The pace was much slower than usual, and the riders on the live mounts seemed to be holding their horses back longer than necessary, waiting until the last 500 meters to make their moves. As Philp saw the race, Aucash should have won the race easily, but was hindered by a slow pace and traffic trouble, which the rider made no effort to avoid, causing an overall bad ride.

As experience has taught me, the Sha Tin becomes very difficult to handicap towards the meet's end. Still, if you do happen to hook into a winner at this time of year, it usually pays big money.

Until my next column, have fun handicapping Dubai. And do e-mail us your comments, views, and ideas. We're always glad to hear from you.