Gulfstream Park took the rare step Wednesday of waiving nomination fees for Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird and Quality Road to next year’s Donn Handicap.

            “Regardless of whether or not these four superstars meet in the Travers, we want them to have the opportunity of meeting in the biggest race for older horses this winter,” said Racing Operations Manager Bernie Hettel.

            Much as the Florida Derby has become the leading barometer for success in the Triple Crown races – with Big Brown (2008) and Barbaro (2006) doubling in the Florida and Kentucky Derbys in recent years – the Donn has become the traditional springboard toward success in the Dubai World Cup.

            Past Dubai World Cup winners who competed in the Donn include Cigar (1996), Silver Charm (1998), Captain Steve (2001), Roses in May (2005) and Invasor (2007).

            Harlan’s Holiday, the Donn winner of 2003, was second in the 2004 World Cup. The World Cup’s $6 million pot makes it the world’s richest  horse race.

             Since 2007 the Dubai World Cup has been run the same day as the Florida Derby, which is set for March 27, 2010.