U.S. entries head race

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Roses in May and three other American-based horses are the ones to beat in the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest race that will be without an entry from one of racing’s most powerful stables.

The ruling Maktoum family, owner of Godolphin Racing, has won the World Cup five of the nine times it has been run, with U.S. horses taking the other four. But today, Godolphin will not be represented for the first time

The favorite in the 1 1/4 -mile event is Roses in May, trained by Dale Romans. The main challenger could be Congrats, another American horse trained by Richard Mandella, who won last year with Pleasantly Perfect.

“So far so good,” Mandella said Friday. “Roses In May is definitely the horse to beat, but Congrats is not far behind. He’s done everything he’s been asked for. Who knows?”

Another U.S.-based horse is Lundy’s Liability, who is trained by Bobby Frankel and could do well in the 12-horse field.

The World Cup highlights the seven-race, $15 million card at Nad al Sheba, a horse- and camel-racing complex outside the city.

Roses In May, a 5-year-old ridden by John Velazquez, will try to become the first horse to win from post No. 12.