DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Roses in May and three other American-based horses are the ones to beat in the US$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 US horses taking the other four. But today, Godolphin will not be represented for the first time.

The favourite 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 yesterday. "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 US-based horse is Lundy's Liability, who is trained by Bobby Frankel and could do well in the 12-horse field in this beachfront sheikdom.

Two horses owned by the Maktoum family, Ruler's Court and Elmustanser, are long shots. Top local hope Grand Hombre was withdrawn after bruising a foot Tuesday. Godolphin Racing manager Simon Crisford said yesterday the foot has improved, but the five-year-old gelding will not go.

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

The five winners by the Maktoums and Godolphin at the Dubai World Cup were: Singspiel (1997), Almutawakel (1999), Dubai Millennium (2000), Street Cry (2002) and Moon Ballad (2003).

The American winners were: Cigar, in the inaugural race in 1995; Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm in 1998; Captain Steve in 2001; and Pleasantly Perfect last year with a victory over Frankel's Medaglia d'Oro.

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

"He's not put a foot wrong so far," Romans said. "Obviously, the pressure keeps mounting that something can always go awfully wrong within the two-odd minutes in the race, but he's been bang on target for me."

Roses In May's only defeat last year came in the Breeders' Cup Classic against Ghostzapper, the Horse-of-the-Year. Owner Ken Ramsey has suggested he might buy a lavish home in Dubai if Roses In May takes the US$3.6 million first prize.

This champagne-soaked day of racing is immensely popular with Emiratis and expatriates. Newspapers and magazines are awash with fashion guides to the races at which betting is prohibited and dress codes are strictly enforced: men in lounge suits or national dress - white cloaks and tribal headscarves - and women in modest dress, with hats encouraged.

Clothes designers have flocked to Dubai. There will be fashion awards on race day for the best-dressed woman and couple, and the best hat. Organisers have set up a "grooming stable" and "fragrance stall" for patrons.

The undercard features five races worth US$9.25 million. Among them is the US$2 million UAE Derby, which boasts Shamardal, who is unbeaten in three starts and will be making his three-year-old debut with his first start on dirt.
Shamardal, Godolphin's two-year-old European champion, also is a Kentucky Derby prospect. Godolphin has run five horses in the Derby, with a sixth-place finish by China Visit in 2000 its best result.

Crisford says if the horse runs "with distinction, he'd be a credible contender for the Kentucky Derby." If not, Shamardal will aim toward Newmarket for the 2,000 Guineas.

The US$2 million Dubai Sheema Classic has 11 horses in a the 1 1/2-mile test on grass. The US$2 million Dubai Duty Free on the turf drew a field of 14. Twelve horses are set for the US$1 million Godolphin Mile on the main track.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'