During a Gulf sojourn, Saudi Cup hero Mishriff will answer a Dubai call, after he was declared favorite at Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.

The 2,410m turf race is one of nine races on the Dubai World Cup. John Gosden's stable star will return to the track after winning the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh in February.

Mishriff made everyone upset when he beat his American opponents at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack. David Egan and Gosden are preparing him for August’s 2,000m Group 1 Juddmonte International at York, which is also a return to the turf for a bid to Sheema Classic at Meydan, on March 27.

Mishriff won the $20 million jackpot by beating American star Charlatan in the race. It was assumed that he would be sent to showcase the $12 million Dubai World Cup. However, with the British summer in mind, the Sheema Classic seemed to be the best choice. It could be his last race before freshening up for Royal Ascot and the other major meetings later this year.

Winning a race of The Saudi Cup's caliber was a dream come true for everyone. Gosden's son Thady, who supervised the arrangements in Saudi, confirms that the horse is owned by a local owner, Prince Faisal. Seeing it win, the crowd was delighted. Mishriff had a tough time racing in the Saudi Cup but handled himself well. It was difficult to bring down Charlatan because he is a top-notch horse. He's been doing a decent job and was hardly exhausted by the tedious journey.

Thady is optimistic that Mishriff will manage the increased gap. His pedigree has endurance based on what he does at home. We'll find out what to expect after the Sheema Classic. The turf horses seem to do it better in Saudi Arabia, as the dirt tracks in Saudi and Dubai are different.

The Juddmonte International is the UK's most prestigious 2000m race and York should suit him well, as it has a nice galloping 2000m track.

With the Juddmonte link to Prince Faisal and Saudi Arabia, Thady was sure this is another race he'd like to join. It's been won by a lot of good horses, and it has proved to be a good stallion-maker race over the years.

Mishriff is a lively horse. He thoroughly enjoys his racing; never seems to worry about it at all.