Curlin firing on all cylinders

Curlin, ante-post favourite for the Dubai World Cup, delighted connections in a five-furlong spin today.

The four-year-old is the 1-2 favourite with Ladbrokes and William Hill for the World Cup after winning at a canter on his debut at Nad Al Sheba 11 days ago.

Curlin's trainer Steve Asmussen is based in America, so assistant handler Scott Blasi is overseeing the son of Smart Strike's day-to-day preparations for the March 29 contest.

"He was travelling very well and looked great," Blasi said of Curlin's gallop under regular exercise rider Carmen "Carlos" Rosas.

"You could tell Curlin was very comfortable with where he was at.

"He had good direction toward the wire but was well within himself. It was exactly what we wanted."

Curlin won the Preakness Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic last term and barely came out of first gear on his Dubai debut.

"The prep was exactly what we had in mind and he came out of it in great order," Blasi said.

"He's an exceptional horse - he just does everything so easily.

"I think Curlin will be a lot more focused next time."

Blasi reports Curlin to have had "a great week of training" since his run, including another visit to the stalls and a schooling session in the paddock during racing on Super Thursday's March 6 programme.

"It was a good experience for him," Blasi said. "We gave him several rounds in the walking ring with a lot of people on hand.

"We want him to feel comfortable and relaxed out there."