3 minute read
The ultimate machine. Speed, size and imposing presence.
North America has become as big as his name implies in 2019 in just two starts and is now the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) favourite.
The son of stellar stallion Dubawi has made a procession of things so far, winning both the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 (G2) and Round 2 (G2) with ease. Going directly to the front, he has shown no mercy to his foes, winning by open lengths under a confident Richard Mullen.
Trainer Satish Seemar was kind enough to allow the Meydan media relations team a morning to watch the classy charge execute his final major breeze (workout) for his Mar. 30, $12 million test. The setting was Seemar's yard, gorgeous Zabeel Stables near downtown Dubai.
Last year, North America was one of the favourites before the gates opened for the world's richest race, but unfortunately did not break and was unable to utilise his front-running tactics. He goes back this year for a bit of revenge on his arch rival Thunder Snow, a foe he has faced four times, including an epic battle in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 of 2018.
On Tuesday, he breezed 1400m (seven furlongs) in company. Mullen was aboard. Trainer Seemar was following intently behind on the way to the track.
After taking in the scenery for a bit, including being very interested in what we were up to, the bay 7-year-old took to a canter around the 1800m course before breaking into his 1400m work with enthusiasm. The track is situated in the peaceful Zabeel area, which is adjacent to the DIFC region of Dubai, with the famous Dubai Frame overlooking the action.
As tall as the famously laid-back charge stands, he actually covers just as much ground; striding massively and appearing as agile and push-button as horses much more compact than he is.
He finished up his seven panels in 1:27 flat, with his final three furlongs (200m each) in 11.9, 11.8 and 11.6 seconds. In the final three furlongs, he went from two lengths ahead of his workmate to easily a dozen at the line.
North America now heads to the 2000m Dubai World Cup as the proverbial horse-to-beat, carrying many local racing fans' hopes, as he has created quite the fan-base. A brilliant pace-setter, he will also have to take on swift types from America, as well as up-and-coming Capezzano. Still, his work on Tuesday had to give his connections confidence that he is squarely ready for the challenge.
And it is easy to see that he, in no small part because of his sweet demeanor, is absolutely adored by the yard.
While at Zabeel Stables, we also were able to see another yard star who is competing on Dubai World Cup day, Secret Ambition (below), who takes part in the $1.5 million Godolphin Mile sponsored by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City-District One (Group 2).
Anything can happen in horseracing, especially in the Dubai World Cup--but one thing is certain: if North America runs his race, we are in for quite a show from this gorgeous animal!