Byron King’s Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.

Multiple grade 1 winner Life Is Good drew the rail and leads a field of 11 for the $12 million Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) March 26 at Meydan Racecourse.

Barring a court ruling that grants trainer Bob Baffert a stay of a 90-day suspension, Messier would need to start for another trainer if he runs in the April 9 Santa Anita Derby (G1). He could then earn points and qualify for the Derby.

With the Burj Khalifa as their backdrop, 69 blue-blooded 2-year-olds galloped the morning of March 22 as trackwork for the inaugural Dubai Breeze-up Sale got underway.

Multiple grade 1 winner Life Is Good drew the rail and leads a field of 11 for the $12 million Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) March 26 at Meydan Racecourse.

Assistant trainer Leandro Mora talks about Hot Rod Charlie’s upcoming start in the Dubai World Cup. Courtesy Dubai Racing Club

McCarthy bowed out from the saddle last July to continue to establish his pre-training and breaking business. He will consign two juveniles at the 2022 Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale.

Todd Pletcher talks about Life Is Good’s upcoming start in the Dubai World Cup. Courtesy Dubai Racing Club

Dr. Schivel, a multiple grade 1 winner, leads the U.S. contenders in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen March 26 at Meydan Racecourse. The son of Violence will face 13 other contenders including U.S. grade 1 winner Drain the Clock.

In what has already been a lucrative international trip, the connections of the speedy 3-year-old, Pinehurst will target more riches March 26 at Meydan in the $1 million UAE Derby Sponsored by Mubadala (G2).