Nayef for 2003 Dubai World Cup?

Nayef may well have emerged as an early contender for the 2003 Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba in March following his courageous performance in winning the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York yesterday.

The four-year-old Gulch colt showed substantial improvement and potential as he saw off his King George vanquisher Golan to impress trainer Marcus Tregoning no end.

Nayef, who is bred and owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, was initially being considered as a World Cup probable before being switched to the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which he comfortably won by two lengths from French raider Helene Vitality.

After his victory yesterday, his eighth since winning his maiden at Newbury in September 2000, Tregoning said: "I hope Sheikh Hamdan would let him have a tilt at the Dubai World Cup. I felt (this year) he was training so well in Dubai before he was rerouted to the turf race, that he would have won it possibly."

The $6 million World Cup was won by the Godolphin-trained Street Cry.

Tregoning, who frequently visited Dubai to oversee Nayef's preparation said yesterday: "He's growing up all the time. It's funny, you know when they are spot on and after Ascot (Nayef lost to Golan in the King George) I felt he was at peace with himself and looked perfect. He came out extremely well and had has thrived since.

He's a super horse to have and I'm very lucky to have him."

Following yesterday's performance, there scarcely seemed to be any doubt about his ability. Now, gloriously, the Dubai World Cup is again an issue.

A half-brother to English Derby winner Nashwan, is clearly still developing and possesses a licence to get better now that he has filled his substantial frame, found his right distance, and acquired the experience to express his inherent class.

Local racing fans will be looking forward to seeing him return to Dubai later this year. But until then he still has some work to do, in the Champion Stakes and possibly the Breeders Cup in America.