De Kock buoyed by Asiatic form
Mike De Kock is confident Asiatic Boy is back to his best ahead of the Dubai World Cup on March 29.
The talented five-year-old has already collected Group Three honours in Nad Al Sheba this year but will has it all to prove against the mighty Curlin.
Asiatic Boy suffered a shock reverse on his last start in Dubai, but De Kock insists his charge has the potential to cause an upset in the Emirates-sponsored showpiece.
“I have won six races at Dubai World Cup meetings, but I would trade them all to see Asiatic Boy win the big one,” said the South African handler.
“We didn’t do enough with him going into (his last) race and he wasn’t quite fit enough. We have had some good work-outs since then and he has improved no end from his last run.
“I think the ratings are pretty accurate going into the race, with Curlin in a league of his own, but I certainly wouldn’t rule our horse out. A race can go any way and we will be there to win if Curlin doesn’t.”
Also lining up for the World Cup will be Maktoum Challenge Round Two winner Lucky Find, a stablemate of Asiatic Boy who was third to Jalil on his last outing.
De Kock added: “He can definitely run second and will be a better horse on the big night than those that beat him last time out.”
