Mile test for Sullivan

Gerard Butler hopes the decision to drop Jack Sullivan back to a mile can be vindicated at Nad Al Sheba tomorrow.

Fourth in the 10-furlong Dubai World Cup 12 months ago, Butler’s international flag-bearer will tackle the Godolphin Mile this time around.

“When we went for the World Cup he was having his fourth run of the year and I just felt that he was slightly on a downward curve,” said Butler of the five-year-old, who is as short as 5-2 to win the race.

“This year he has had only one prep race and I feel e is just coming to his peak at the right time.

“I don’t think the bookmakers are giving much away at the sort of price he is now but they are probably right in making him favourite – or at least I hope so.

“When Frankie (Dettori) rode him in the Breeders’ Cup Classic he said he felt he was more of a miler and so that’s why we are back at a mile this year.

“But we might try the mile and a quarter of the World Cup again next year when he is another year older and stronger.”