Forever Unbridled Out For History In Dubai World Cup

By Margaret Ransom

For a race in the middle of the Arabian desert, the Dubai World Cup (GI) has always managed to draw fairly full fields of the world’s top handicap stars. And this year is no different, as 10 are set to race under the lights of Meydan Racecourse for the winner’s share of the $10 million purse. What’s different this year is that the runner to beat is actually the 6-year-old mare Forever Unbridled, who is making her first start against the boys and the first since her dominant win in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI).

It’s been typically hot in Dubai all week with the daytime temperatures reaching into the upper 90s, but nights have been cooler and it’s a good bet that by the time the field breaks from the gate at post time, which is set for 12:50 p.m. ET, temperatures will have dipped to a more comfortable level of low to mid-80s.

Much has been made recently about trainer Dallas Stewart’s experience with some female legends of the turf, like Winning Colors and Lady’s Secret while serving as assistant for Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, being his reference for knowing a good mare like Forever Unbridled. All true. I mean, we as fans and handicappers all know good mares and have been fortunate to see them run, but Stewart has had the privilege of guiding her career and bringing her to the level where she’s wearing the target on her back in the world’s second-richest race.

Chuck Fipke’s homebred daughter of Unbridled’s Song had a… (more)