by K.T. Donovan

The $2-million Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) regularly is a showcase for U.S.-based sprinters, with American horses winning five of the last six editions of the 1,200-meter (5.97-furlong) race, and sweeping four of the top five positions in last year's finish.

The United States is once again well-represented in the Golden Shaheen, with Grade 1 winners Idiot Proof and Benny the Bull, Grade 2 winner Cobalt Blue, and Grade 3 winner Bushwacker among the American contingent.

That streak could be flummoxed by former American campaigner Diabolical.

Now owned by Godolphin and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, Diabolical established his impressive credentials in the United States in training with Steve Klesaris. Entering off a 4 1/2-length win the Green Desert Mahab al Shimaal (UAE-G3) on March 6 at Nad al Sheba, The expatriate Artax horse stands a chance of ending the American streak in the Golden Shaheen.

TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up Idiot Proof will wear blinkers to keep him focused down the straight course of the long Nad al Sheba stretch. Trainer Clifford Sise Jr. said he felt confident after watching Idiot Proof in a light morning work on Friday.

"He looks and acts better here than he does in California," Sise said.

"I feel really good about the race," Sise said. "Coming here, you just don't know what to expect. But after he's gotten here, he's really been feeling good."

Idiot Proof is winless in two starts this season for owners Marty and Pam Wygod, finishing third in the El Conejo Handicap (G3) on January 1 at Santa Anita Park and second in the Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap on February 16 at Turf Paradise.

 Favored in the race is Benny the Bull, who ended the season last year with a win in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) and began this year with a spectacular 4 1/2-length victory in the Sunshine Millions Sprint in 1:08.48.

K.T. Donovan is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer