Bodog Beat

Jockey Aaron Gryder is Well Armed for the Dubai World Cup. (AP Images)

It’s been two years since Well Armed’s last visit to the Nad Al Sheba racetrack in Dubai.

In 2006, the then-3-year-old was trained by Clive Brittain and was considered a contender in the UAE Derby after winning an allowance race. But he left Dubai with a disappointing 11^th place finish and a fractured pelvis which forced him into an 18-month layoff at WinStar Farm.

Since his return to racing in October 2007, Well Armed has looked like a different horse – stronger, faster and better-conditioned. Now under the care of trainer Eoin Harty, Well Armed showed off his improved form at Santa Anita Park earlier this year, placing second in the San Pasqual Handicap and then winning the San Antonio Handicap, which earned him a ticket to Dubai.

" Curlin is obviously the horse to beat,” Harty says of the American Horse of the Year. But he has confidence in Well Armed’s preparations: “I am pleased with the way he has been working… He's very fit and he's sound.”

Jockey Aaron Gryder agrees, noting that Well Armed could challenge Curlin with his speed. “Nobody can out-quick this horse. This is the kind of horse who can out-gallop them to the lead.”

On March 29, we’ll see if Well Armed’s return to Nad Al Sheba results in redemption at the Dubai World Cup.

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