Having already lost favourite Hunter’s Light over the weekend from the Group 1 Dubai Turf, Godolphin were dealt another blow yesterday when Sky Hunter’s name did not appear among the nine declarations for the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic.

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Both winners on Super Saturday just over a fortnight ago, their absence leaves a depleted Godolphin team this year but headed by African Story who will bid to become the first dual winner of the Dubai World Cup.

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, he won the world’s richest race 12 months ago on the previous Tapeta surface, but did manage a course and distance victory on the new dirt conditions in Al Maktoum Challenge III on Super Saturday.

He was chased home on that occasion by stable companion, Prince Bishop, winner of the same race 12 months earlier and again in opposition.

“African Story bounced back last time having not enjoyed the dirt kickback first time this season,” said African Story’s jockey, James Doyle. “Hopefully he is now accustomed to the surface and will run a big race.”

Bin Suroor is seeking a seventh win in the race, whereas America as a country are trying to win the race for a 10th time. They are very well represented this year, with reigning Kentucky Derby champion, California Chome, a strong favourite.

He will be a first runner in the UAE for trainer Art Sherman and is joined in the nine strong field by compatriot Lea, second in the international markets and trained by Bill Mott whose Cigar won the inaugural World Cup in 1996.

Speaking from America, Sherman said: “He has taken the trip well and seems to enjoy the surface. I am told he has been gliding over the dirt which has to be a positive. We are looking forward to it.”

The Bin Suroor-trained Sky Hunter may miss the Sheema Classic, but stable companion True Story has made the final nine. However, he would appear to face a stiff task against the likes of Hongkong Superstar, Main Sequence from America and Japan’s Harp Star.

The last name looks a huge danger to all trying to emulate Gentildonna who won the race for Japan last year under Ryan Moore, aboard Harp Star this time.

Moore also looks to hold serious claims in the Dubai Turf, seemingly greater weakened as a contest after the retirement of Hunter’s Light.

He rides last year’s French Derby winner, The Great Gatsby, trained in England by Kevin Ryan and winner of the Irish Champion Stakes in September. Moore has ridden the colt on four occasions and the pair have only suffered one defeat as a combination.