Curlin preps for Dubai World Cup

Dubai: American Horse of the Year Curlin puts his Dubai World Cup (Gr 1) credentials on the line at Nad Al Sheba today when he runs in a prep for next month's $6million race.

The four-year-old is the 11/8 favourite with English bookmakers to give America a seventh success in race since Cigar won the inaugural running in 1996.

A convincing win over his five rival in today's Jaguar Handicap over 2,000 metres on dirt, would confirm Curlin's pole position at the head of the betting markets.

Considering he has to shoulder top weight of 60kg and concede as much as 7kg to his rivals, today's race will offer a reasonable assessment of his form and ability.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi told the Dubai Racing Club website: "We completed the majority of his preparation at home and just worked four furlongs (800m) last week under Carlos (Carmen Rosas). He has settled in well and we took him to the gates on Tuesday. Everything has gone to plan so far.

"Obviously the big race is four weeks away and that is the real target. This is a prep race but looks an ideal opportunity and he is ready to do himself justice."

Winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic and Preakness for trainer Steve Asmussen last year, Curlin bids to emulate Cigar, the only other horse to have competed in Dubai off a handicap rating higher than 129.

Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr said Curlin's participation in Dubai was 'a great feather in the cap for the Carnival.'

To have the world's best horse running here today, and shows how much the event has grown over the years," he said in a press release.

"We're thrilled that his connections have chosen this route to the Dubai World Cup, and it gives UAE racefans a fantastic chance to see up close a truly world-class horse."

Gabriel Jr also thanked sponsors Al Tayer Motors for their extended support of racing, saying: "I am delighted that this meeting, which they so generously sponsor, will get such worldwide attention."

Commenting on Al Tayer Motors' association with the event, Ashok Khanna, General Manager of the UAE's premier automobile dealership said: "The Dubai International Racing Carnival gives Al Tayer Motors and our customers an excellent opportunity to be a part of the UAE's horse racing traditions.

"Racefans have the chance to enjoy an exciting evening at the Nad Al Sheba racecourse sponsored by Al Tayer Motors together with our brands Ferrari, Maserati, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover and Jaguar."