ASIATIC BOY DISAPPOINTS.

Would think that Curlin cannot be opposed?






JALIL was on Thursday night promoted to second favourite for the Dubai World Cup, behind Curlin, after chalking up his hat-trick in the concluding round of the Maktoum Challenge, the stepping-stone to the$6 million showpiece three weeks on Saturday.

Saeed Bin Suroor, who has used this prep race in the past with such stars as Dubai Millennium, Electrocutionist and Street Cry, relied on Jalil this time and the $9.78 million purchase didn't disappoint for Frankie Dettori.

The colt, second favourite for the Dubai World Cup at 6-1 with Stan James, has proved a revelation since racing on the dirt, and underlined his rapid improvement with a commanding victory.

Godolphin spokesman Simon Crisford said: "The transition to a dirt surface is working out really well for Jalil. He definitely has a chance in the World Cup."

Crisford also had news of Happy Boy, Sky Bet's 15-2 second favourite for the World Cup, adding: "He had a slight infection in his leg,which is why he was not here tonight, but he'll be fine for World Cup night."

Dettori is the leading rider at the carnival but his decision to partner Godolphin's Afrashad in the Mahab Al Shimaal sprint backfired as stable companion Diabolical romped home in the hands of Kerrin McEvoy.

In the presence of Sheikh Mohammad, his first visit to the track this year, McEvoy's mount slammed Star Crowned and Mick Kinane in good style, with New Freedom third under Tadhg O'Shea.

Bin Suroor said: "This horse has improved from his race here in January. We'll see how he is in a few weeks as he's entered on World Cup night."

Crisford spoke to Dettori after dismounting from the disappointing Afrashad, who trailed home 15 of 16 on his first outing since last September, and he said: "Frankie just said he was far too fresh for his first start back for such a long time but the winner did it well, which was very pleasing, and hopefully you might see him again on the 29th."

David Elsworth saddled his first Dubai carnival winner when Gower Song denied the late burst of Irish challenger Mouriliyan in the City Of Gold.

Elsworth sported a beaming smile after his charge won the Sheema Classic trial under Richard Hills.

Elsworth admitted to helping himself to some of the 50-1 available at home beforehand, and intends coming back later this month if the door is open. He said: "She is due to go home next Tuesday but if she is invited we'll stay. In hindsight, she was running over trips way too short and one little hiccup aside, she stayed on very well here."
The 'Super Thursday' victory proved a memorable one too for owner Kevin Mercer, owner of Usk Valley Stud, who said: "This has been a dream come true for everybody. I can hardly believe it."

As expected, it was a Mike De Kock one-two in the Listed Al Bastakiya, with Kevin Shea and Royal Vintage reversing UAE 2,000 Guineas form with Honour Devil and Johnny Murtagh in a driving finish.

It was a first defeat for Honour Devil, but De Kock was pleased enough, saying: "They have both run big races and I knew it would be close between them. Honour Devil has answered any stamina queries and will have learned an awful lot tonight as it is the first time has had to really race and face the kickback.

"We knew Royal Vintage had come out of the Guineas in good form and he perhaps has idled close home, as it was only his fourth run. Both will be heading for the UAE Derby."

Elusive Warning completed a double for Bin Suroor and McEvoy, denying stable companion Blackat Blackitten and Dettori in the Group 3 Burj Nahaar over 1m. Dubai World Cup second favourite """Asiatic Boy was a disappointing third"""".

Bin Suroor said: "That was only Elusive Warning's fourth run. He's a horse we like. He was a good third on his first UAE start and we thought he would go well. The second has progressed very well throughout the carnival. It is a pleasing result."

Kinane may have enjoyed no luck on Mourilyan in the night's first turf race but was able to come from virtually last to first in the final 3f to win the Group 2 Jebel Hatta on Lord Admiral, racing in the colours of the legendary Vincent O'Brien. Trained by Charles O'Brien, it was the seven-year-old's second carnival win of 2007.

Kinane said: "We think he is improving, even at seven, and he just found a mile too sharp last time. When I needed him to quicken he has responded in great fashion, and it was a good effort."