Dettori: The heat is on

Frankie Dettori is struggling to keep a lid on his excitement as Jalil’s bid for greatness in the Dubai World Cup comes within touching distance.

Saturday’s 10-furlong event sees the improving 9.7million Storm Cat colt take on 12 rivals including red-hot favourite and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Curlin.

Godolphin have an impressive recent record in Nad Al Sheba’s feature event and Dettori is hoping Jalil can continue his progress on the grandest stage of all.

Dettori said: “I’m waiting for the big day. If anything it gets more exciting every year, this event just grows and grows.

“There’s a lot of pressure and I’ll feel nervous – this is a big day for Godolphin, it’s our back-yard so to speak, so of course you feel it.

“OK, I finally won the Derby last year, but that was then, and Saturday is more important right now.”

Of Jalil, who has been transformed by the switch to dirt, Dettori said: “He’s three for three at Nad Al Sheba and he loves the track.

“He’s on an upward curve, but this is the biggest challenge of his life.

“Curlin has to be the one to beat, obviously, but you should never be scared of one horse.”