Horse Racing: Dubai World Cup

Trainers, owners and jockeys are queuing up to get red-hot Dubai World Cup favourite Curlin beaten, but a bombastic show by his connections on Tuesday made punters realize why the American horse of the Year is as short as 1/3 to scoop Saturday's $6m showpiece. Curlin breezed through his workout in impressive style, and having won the Jaguar Trophy last month, the son of Smart Strike will be primed to win this weekend's massive purse. Last week Betfred saw a monster £105,000 bet on Curlin at 1/2, which illustrates the confidence behind the American raider. Godolphin rely on Happy Boy and Jalil to keep the silverware at home and the duo trade at 8/1, although Happy Boy is as big as 10/1 with Skybet. Both horses come into Saturday's contest having won their latest starts, although four-year-old Jalil will have the benefit of jockey Frankie Dettori on his back as he won the first round of the Maktoum Challenge very well. It is no secret that Godolphin fully expect Jalil to out-perform his stablemate. Last year's winner Premium Tap looks a big-price at Bet365's 16/1, especially as his second to Invasor last year looks a very strong piece of form. Although he didn't win his prep race in Saudi Arabia last month, he should be spot on for this event and should reward each-way backers. Asiatic Boy would have a chance as he is trained by South African Mike de Kock. De Kock is the most successful trainer at the Dubai World Cup having won six races, but Asiatic Boy's preparation has been far from smooth and although the horse has ability, he should be found wanting in the world's richest race. Verdict: 1pt each-way on Premium Tap @ 16/1 Bet365