Bodog Beat

Jockey Frankie Dettori and trainer Saeed bin Suroor have Jalil ready to win the Dubai World Cup. (AP Images)

Jalil may finally be living up to his high-priced expectations in the lead-up to the Dubai World Cup.

After being acquired for $9.7 million in 2005 by the Godolphin stable, Jalil gave owner Sheikh Mohammed a severe case of buyer’s remorse in his debut race at Newmarket, finishing a paltry sixth in a field of 13.

The Storm Cat-sired colt, whose bloodline includes that of 1973 Triple Crown-winning Secretariat, then managed just one win in three starts after his debut.

However, 2008 is turning into Jalil’s breakout year – he’s won his last three races, all at Nad Al Sheba racetrack where he caught the eye of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The deputy ruler of Dubai and minister of finance thinks Jalil could have a shot at an upset.

“Curlin is a top class horse and the one to beat. But Jalil is a vastly improved horse this year and could be the one that will chase Curlin,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Aboard for Jalil’s last two wins, jockey Frankie Dettori is pleased with Jalil’s development. “He’s taken to the dirt really well, and keeps improving and maturing… [He] fits into the Dubai World Cup field without any problems.” Added trainer Saeed bin Suroor: “Jalil proved he’s not a $9.7 million purchase for nothing.”

Is this 4-year-old Kentucky-bred colt peaking at the right time to have a chance against highly favored Curlin? On March 29 at the Dubai World Cup, we’ll finally see how Jalil answers that multimillion dollar question.

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