Asmussen set on world domination

Steve Asmussen is hoping American Horse of the Year Curlin will gain recognition as the best animal on the planet after he tackles the Dubai World Cup on March 29.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic winner is set to arrive in the Middle East on February 16 before a possible prep race at Nad Al Sheba on February 28.

And Asmussen is keen to follow a tried and tested routine that suited Curlin so well last year.

“I love the month between the races, à la the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Classic,” Asmussen said, referring to Curlin’s final two victories of 2007.

“The quarantine stuff will be out of the way and he’ll have a month to get ready for the big race. The horse likes to know where he’s at. His second race at Belmont was better than his first, and his second race at Monmouth was better than his first.

“If it’s there in black and white like that, I believe it’s true. We want exactly what the race stands for. That’s how I hope that others will feel about him – that he’s the best horse in the world. I want others to feel about him the same way I do.”