Dubai World Cup: Albertus Maximus on track to emulate Invasor for Sheikh Hamdan

The five-year-old American star pleased his trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and encouraged him to believe that he could deliver a second Dubai World Cup for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's American Shadwell Farm operation following that of superstar Invasor two years ago, who he also trained.

"He was a little keen," commented the 48-year-old, who won the Belmont Stakes in 2006 with Jazil.

"But we like to see him aggressive.

"He's training great. He's a real professional racehorse; he does everything right," added McLaughlin, who did not train him for the Breeders Cup triumph when he was under different ownership.

McLaughlin, who enjoyed a highly successful stint training out in Dubai for Sheikh Hamdan and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accepted that his main dangers could come from another American raider Well Armed, third in the race last year, and UAE runner Asiatic Boy but remained bullish about his chances.

"There are five or six horses in here who could win, but I think they have him to beat," McLaughlin said.

"We like our chances. We wouldn't trade places with anybody right now."

Certainly he appeared to impress other trainers watching the gallops such as American handler Doug O'Neill.

"Is that Albertus Maximus? Wow!" gasped O'Neill.

Compared to Albertus Maximus - not the most imaginatively named horse as his sire was called Albert the Great - Well Armed had an easier day.

However his Irish-born trainer Eoin Harty, who is the fourth generation of his family to train horses, professed himself to be happy with his runner.

"All is good," said the 46-year-old Harty, whose father Eddie won as a jockey the 1969 Grand National on Highland Wedding.

The Japanese contender Casino Drive worked on the dirt and his work rider Naruhito Kasai was very optimistic about his chances in Saturday's feature event especially as there is no star horse in this year's renewal such as last year's winner Curlin nor Invasor.

"Our horse is an experienced traveller, so he's not had any problems with this trip at all," said Kasai.

"Since he arrived he has been in good shape, and eaten up very well. I think we have had a good preparation going into this race.

"There is no 'Curlin' type of horse in this year's field, so if he does not have any problem with his hoof like last year when he had to scratch from the Belmont Stakes, we have a big chance."

Another American runner Anak Nakal had a slight scare as he got slightly put off by a bird at the end of his gallop but assistant trainer Tim Poole, who will represent two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito here, said there was nothing to worry about.

"We will school him at the (starting) gate on Thursday, and then we are good to go," said Poole.

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