2022 Dubai World Cup Preview & Picks - Country Grammer Tipped For Dubai Glory

Over $30m will be handed out on Dubai World Cup Night, and the card draws to a stunning conclusion with the $12m Dubai World Cup.

It pays to be up with the pace in the Dubai World Cup. Very few horses have been able to make in-roads after being held up, so a fast start is crucial.

Life Is Good is always quickly away and made all the running when winning both the Pegasus World Cup and the Breeders' Cup Mile. Irad Ortiz's mount is clearly the best horse in this race and brings top-level form to the table. Yet, ten furlongs is unknown territory and if something was to go wrong at the start, he could find himself boxed in on the rail down in stall one.

Hot Rod Charlie likes to go forward, but can underperform when not allowed to dominate and he'll have plenty of competition for the lead from Life Is Good and the front-running Midnight Bourbon. COUNTY GRAMMER, on the other hand, is happy to take a lead and I'm going to side with Bob Baffert's runner for the second race in a row.

Country Grammer was my each way selection in the Saudi Cup last month. Baffert's charge travelled beautifully behind a rapid pace, muscling his way to the front as the field turned for home. Country Grammer then engaged in a furious battle with Midnight Bourbon down the long straight at Riyadh. Just when it seemed like Bob Baffert's five-year-old had won that battle, 80/1 shot Emblem Road swooped down the outside to claim a stunning victory for local connections.

Although he was beaten by an outsider, Country Grammer enhanced his reputation in the Saudi Cup. With Flavien Prat opting to ride Hot Rod Charlie, Frankie Dettori has managed to pick up this spare ride and Dettori will be eager to add to his tally, having won the last of his three Dubai World Cups back in 2006.