Twelve Projected To Start in U.A.E. Derby

In Saturday's $2 million U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2), MASSIVE DRAMA (Kafwain) will be making his first start since switching to the Dale Romans barn, while bidding to become the first American-based horse to land the about nine-furlong event at Nad al Sheba. The winner of the Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) and a gallant third in the CashCall Futurity (G1) last season, the sophomore has finished third in the San Rafael S. (G3) and San Vicente S. (G2) this campaign for former conditioner Bob Baffert. The dark bay colt will be stepping up considerably in trip here. Moreover, Massive Drama will have to be at the top of his game to deal with the Southern Hemisphere-bred entrants, who are several months older and therefore have a developmental edge.

The top threats in the U.A.E. Derby are the Mike de Kock-trained pair of ROYAL VINTAGE (Rich Man's Gold) and HONOUR DEVIL (Honour and Glory), who have traded decisions in the first two Dubai classics. The Argentinean-bred Honour Devil drew first blood in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3), but the South African-bred Royal Vintage turned the tables with a hard-fought score in the Al Bastakiya last time out. De Kock rates Royal Vintage the better of the two in terms of raw ability, yet gives Honour Devil immense credit for being a tough customer who never goes down without a struggle. Both promise to put on another thrilling show on Saturday.

Godolphin is responsible for three of the 12 forecast runners, but Etched (Forestry) is not among them. Instead, the royal blue battalion relies on Argentinean Group 2 hero MY INDY (Indygo Shiner), third to the de Kock duo in the Guineas; NUMAANY (A.P. Indy), an American Triple Crown nominee who was fifth in the Guineas and third in the Al Bastakiya; and the filly COCOA BEACH (Doneraile Court), a multiple Group 3 star in her native Chile who has romped in the U.A.E. One Thousand Guineas and U.A.E. Oaks.

Also notable in the early list are English Group 2 hero and American Triple Crown nominee STRIKE THE DEAL (Van Nistelrooy), who was fourth in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, and multiple Brazilian Group 1 queen LIGHT GREEN (Blush Rambler).