Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, believes Godolphin's Jalil can pose a threat to American Horse of the Year Curlin in the Dubai World Cup (Gr 1), which takes place on March 29.
"Curlin is a top class horse and the one to beat. But Jalil is a vastly-improved horse this year and could be the one that will chase Curlin," Shaikh Hamdan told reporters on the sideline of yesterday's 100-km National endurance ride at the Dubai International Endurance City.
Commenting on Asiatic $6 million race, Shaikh Hamdan was of the opinion that the Mike de Kock-trained runner could be short of confidence.
"They have played with his preparations. First they switched him to turf when taking him to Britain. Then Asiatic Boy was raced in a sprint and then over a mile. It may be difficult for him on current form. I still think Curlin is the horse to beat," he said.
"If any other horse wins the race it will have to be due to sheer luck."
Shaikh Hamdan said that he has a few good horses which he acquired in Argentina, but they will only be ready only for the next season.
"There are a few good ones among them and we have to wait for next year. I have one [Zaham] running in the Lingfield Derby today. If he does well he could be aimed at the Sheema Classic," said Shaikh Hamdan.
'Prospective runners'
"As for the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, we have to wait for April 16 after which we will know the prospective runners. There are some very good horses from Godolphin who will figure there," Shaikh Hamdan said.
Shaikh Hamdan's Madjani will be bidding to win his fourth consecutive Kahayla Classic (Gr 1), the only race for Purebred Arabians at the $21 million Dubai World Cup meeting on March 29.
Commenting on the horse's chances following his defeat in the President's Cup (Gr 1 race) earlier in the season, Shaikh Hamdan said it was not the horse's fault.
'Well-judged race'
"It was not a well-judged race and sometimes overconfidence can also prove costly," he said.
One of the leading owners of Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabian horses in the world, Shaikh Hamdan said his Shadwell Stables would be supporting three races in Uruguay this year.
"One for colts, one for fillies and one over a longer distance will be the races which we will be connected with in Uruguay this year," Shaikh Hamdan said.
Curlin is a top class horse and the one to beat. But Jalil is a vastly-improved horse this year and could be the one that will chase Curlin."
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance
