Cracker in store... to the Maximus!

With just over a week to go until the “big one'', the majority of contenders have arrived in Dubai ahead of contesting the world's richest meeting.

The World Cup itself is thankfully – and eventually – shaping up into a real cracker, with Albertus Maximus arriving here having won the most famous trial race when winning the Donn Handicap in January.

The most recent victor of that contest to later claim the Nad Al Sheba spoils was Invasor, who also carried the famous white and blue silks of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The omens clearly look good and according to trainer Kiaran Mclaughlin they all have his charge to catch: “I wouldn't trade places with anybody. I feel like he's the horse to beat. This is a very professional racehorse.'' Asiatic Boy will be a very popular winner for regular racegoers at Nad Al Sheba.

He's listed as an international contender but I think it can be safely assumed, a victory by him – he was second to Curlin last year – will certainly go down as one for the locals. Indeed, if you listen carefully, you will notice Mike De Kock's charge is a personal favourite of course commentator Terry Spargo, whose word-perfect call “the Boy is back!'' in the Maktoum Challenge on Super Thursday sounded a little more appreciative than many before.

The Golden Shaheen is looking a corker and one leading US fancy, Black Seventeen, who arrived here on Tuesday, will be working over the course and distance in two days' time. So for all those interested in getting the word straight from the horse's mouth, come along to Nad Al Sheba in the week leading up to March 28 and catch a glimpse of all of the big-race contenders in the big build-up.

Rate of return

A very well done to work-rider Colin Rate who is currently on loan to Green Stables but was full of the joys of spring following the second victory of the season by Calabash Cove at Jebel Ali last week, of whom “Ratty'' is responsible for riding each day.

The fact that the rider loves his job is clearly rubbing off on to his morning mounts.

Kauto is a real star

A massive crowd turned up at one of the hostelries in Dubai to witness Kauto Star leaving his rivals toiling in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The atmosphere was electric and the manner of the victory left many stunned. I have never seen a horse compete in a race of that nature and look so impressive.

After celebrating his fourth win of the Festival, even trainer Paul Nicholls was looking tired after the long walk to the winner's enclosure. Christophe Pieux failed to silence his critics aboard Kasbah Bliss in the World Hurdle by giving the outside to no one, and in a championship race, the 15-times French champion jump jockey didn't appear to ride with the experience he clearly has.