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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Defending champion Gazwan, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani, and this year's Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon topper Yazeed, owned by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al Thani, are the notable runners among initial 26 for the prestigious 2,000m Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA).
The 1-million euro race is the second leg of the Doha Triple Crown, which carries a $1 million bonus for any horse that will win all the three of the world's biggest Group 1 Purebred Arabian races -- Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, Qatar Arabian World Cup on the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Day at ParisLongchamp and His Highness the Amir's Sword in Doha.
Francois Rohaut-trained Muraaqib won the leg in Goodwood this year and features among the entries for the October 7 race at the revamped ParisLongchamp.
Alban de Mieulle-trained Yazeed won the Prix Dragon on the Qatar Arc Trials Day on September 16 over the C&D, leaving behind Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte-schooled Shahm by a short neck. Shahm has also been entered for the big one next month. The victory was also Yazeed's first in a Group 1 fixture.
Another De Mieulle charge, Tayf, winner of last year's Qatar International Stakes, finished fourth in the Dragon.
Apart from Gazwan, winner of the Amir's Sword this year, trainer Julian Smart has Ebraz, Aaley Al Magam and Reda in the list.
Ebraz, who had won the Dragon last year, was rested for this year's edition, but should go for the Qatar Arabian World Cup.
There are five entries from Thomas Fourcy's stables, all owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Zikreet had a run over C&D in the Dragon and finished fifth. Khataab, who finished fifth in last year's World Cup, and Rijm, third in the Gr1 President of the UAE Cup on Saturday, have been entered too. The other two are Al Mouwaffak and Al Walid.
Khalifa bin Hamad al Attiyah's Rodess Du Loup is fresh off a Gr1 win in the President of the UAE Cup at Doncaster and had been tipped by the owner to have a go on the Arc day.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed al Thani's Rajeh, second at Doncaster, has also been entered by Rohaut.
