American Stars Clash in $10 million Dubai World Cup

2014 Kentucky Derby winner and Horse of the Year California Chrome is the 3/2 morning line favorite following the five year-old's impressive return to the races in 2016 that has included victories in the Grade 2 San Pasqual at Santa Anita in January and an easy prep win at Meydan in the Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy February 25. The latter victory, and Chrome's runner-up finish in last year's World Cup, are reason enough to believe that the Art Sherman trainee is well-suited for the surface and will face little of the travel and medication issues that have plagued some US-based horses running in Dubai in past years.

Frosted represents main danger

The champ will have to deal with another American horse in Frosted (2/1) who is certainly the main rival after setting a course record at Meydan while winning his prep, the Group 2 Al-Maktoum Challenge February 4. The gray son of Tapit was a notch below the best horses in the United States in 2015, but certainly is eligible to move forward and give California Chrome all he wants.

Mshawish undefeated on dirt

Mshawish (8/1) could represent the best betting value in the race as the Todd Pletcher trainee ships to the desert following three impressive wins on dirt. The converted turf runner has reeled off consecutive victories in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile, Grade 3 Hal's Hope, and Grade 1 Donn Handicap.