Magnitude and Hit Show Set for Dubai Flight Ahead of World Cup

Two of America's most prominent dirt horses are packing their tack for the Middle East. Magnitude and Hit Show are scheduled to depart Miami for Dubai on Saturday, with their connections confirming travel plans ahead of the March 28 Dubai World Cup.

Magnitude, trained by Steve Asmussen for Winchell Thoroughbreds, and Hit Show, conditioned by Brad Cox for Wathnan Racing, represent a compelling pair of American contenders making the transatlantic journey to Meydan. The Daily Racing Form first reported the departure plans, with the Paulick Report relaying the news on March 13.

The pairing brings together two of the sport's more respected operations. Asmussen has long been among the most prolific trainers in North American racing, while Cox has established himself as one of the premier conditioners of his generation, and Wathnan Racing has emerged as one of the most ambitious ownership groups in the global game. The Miami departure point suggests the horses have been based in Florida, a common winter staging ground for elite American dirt horses.

The Dubai World Cup, run at Meydan Racecourse on the all-weather track, draws the top thoroughbreds from across the globe each spring and carries weight as one of the richest races in the world. For American connections, it represents a rare opportunity to test their horses on an international stage against European, Japanese, and Middle Eastern rivals.

The calendar leaves little margin. With the race set for March 28, the horses will have roughly two weeks to clear any required protocols, acclimate to Dubai's conditions, and prepare for race day. How Magnitude and Hit Show handle the journey and the acclimatization period will be among the key variables when the gates open at Meydan.