Bodog Beat

Trainer Mike De Kock is confident that Asiatic Boy will bounce back by race day. (AP Images)

Despite Asiatic Boy’s latest setback, last year’s UAE Triple Crown winner still aims to threaten at the 2008 Dubai World Cup.

Asiatic Boy’s recent third-place finish at the one-mile $200,000 Burj Nahaar on March 6 was a surprising disappointment, considering his previous five victories at the Nad Al Sheba racetrack. However, his owners and trainers aren’t worried.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Asiatic Boy first showed star qualities in 2007 with wins in the UAE 2000 Guineas and the Al Bastakiya. Then, with his resounding nine-furlong win in the UAE Derby, Asiatic Boy became the first UAE Triple Crown winner in its 12 year history.

Trainer Mike De Kock cited insufficient preparation for the Burj Nahaar loss but didn’t seem too concerned with the 5-year-old Argentinean-bred colt’s overall readiness.

“On reflection, we had probably left more to work on than we thought,” he said. “The World Cup has always been his target and was three weeks away so we were keen he did not peak too early.”

Armed with deadly cruising speed and a fondness for racing on dirt, Asiatic Boy will be looking to bounce back come race day.

“[Asiatic Boy] is showing all his old zest in his work,” De Kock said. “He'll be a different proposition on the last Saturday in March… We’re expecting massive improvement in the Dubai World Cup.”

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