Events / Joe Dyer / 17 February 2009 /

Big Godolphin improver has been nibbled at as high as [42.0] on Betfair for glory on March 28.

The best horses don't normally tend to slip under the radar when it comes to the world's most valuable and prestigious races - but that is exactly what Kirklees appears to have done when beating Hattan by three-and-a-quarter lengths in a turf 1m2f handicap at Nad Al Sheba last week, with smart Australian performer Barbaricus and the rest beaten off by a further 3 lengths and more.

Until now, that is.

Because Timeform have given Kirklees a rating of 125 for that tremendously impressive effort, which makes him their current top-rated horse for the Dubai World Cup on March 28th, at least 2lb clear of the opposition.

Kirklees hasn't raced on dirt before, but his pedigree certainly gives some cause for optimism on that front. And Godolphin are thinking of either running him in the Maktoum Challenge on dirt or the Jebel Hatta on turf, with possible preference for the former.

And, with no superstar of the calibre of Cigar, Dubai Millennium or Curlin on the horizon, this certainly doesn't look like a vintage World Cup (see Timeform ratings of previous World Cup winners in table below).

So can Kirklees, beaten in a Thirsk maiden on his debut, fill that world-class void?

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin said: "The Betfair punters who have backed the horse, for admittedly small sums, as high as [42.0] for the race certainly hope that connections flirt with the dirt, as Kirklees looked a potential star last week."

And Timeform spokesman Kieran Packman summarised: "Kirklees pulverised his field off a handicap mark of 111 last week and is certainly value for extra over his bare rating given the manner in which he won.

"His pedigree gives plenty of encouragement that he will act on a dirt surface. At this stage it looks a below-average renewal and Kirklees looks a leading contender if he proves as adept on the different surface."


Timeform Ratings for Dubai World Cup Contenders

Kirklees, 125
Albertus Maximus, 123
Well Armed, 123
Casino Drive, 122
My Indy, 122
Colonel John, 121
Daiwa Scarlet, 121
Asiatic Boy, 120
Honour Devil, 120
Kane Hekili, 120

Timeform Ratings of Previous Dubai World Cup Winners

2008 - Curlin, 134
2007 - Invasor, 132
2006 - Electrocutionist, 127
2005 - Roses In May, 128
2004 - Pleasantly Perfect, 130
2003 - Moon Ballad, 131
2002 - Street Cry, 127+
2001 - Captain Steve, 127+
2000 - Dubai Millenium, 140
1999 - Almutawakel, 126
1998 - Silver Charm, 129+
1997 - Singspiel, 132
1996 - Cigar, 133

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