Curlin rules the word - American star storms to glory in desert heat

Racecourse commentator Terry Spargo called it a TKO and certainly Curlin's 12 opponents seemed punch drunk by the time Robby Alborado was pulling up the tank of a horse who would not look out of place at Cheltenham.

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On a night when American horses shared the glory with South African-trained runners (three wins apiece), the local team of Godolphin had to endure a blank night for the second year running while European raiders were blown away in the desert dust.

Sheik Mohammed, the Ruler of Dubai and dominant force in the thoroughbred world, put on a spectacular show of fireworks, circus acts and classical music (in the shapely form of violinist Vanessa Mae) following the Golden Shaheen sprint.

But nothing could have prepared him for the stellar performance by Curlin who had Jalil, his $9.7m purchase, trailing back in seventh place.

From his outside draw (12) Alborado was content to travel three horses wide as Well Armed and Asiatic Boy took him on for the lead.

For a moment as they entered the straight it seemed as if Curlin, sweating profusely in the 80 degree heat and humidity, was going to face the biggest battle of his life.

Then Alborado engaged the turbo and the four-year-old steadily pulled clear from the game Asiatic Boy with Well Armed a close third and AP Arrow fourth.

The only minor disappointment was that Curlin failed to beat Dubai Millennium's 2000 course record by 0.65 of a second.

Curlin's trainer Steve Asmussen, brother of former jockey Cash, said: "It's very exciting — he's a very good horse. We had a great amount of faith in our animal even though we had a lot of concern about the draw."

Alborado, who has ridden Curlin in 10 of his 11 races, said: "He is such an amazing horse I am proud to be around him. He went as well as I expected — I was just a passenger. This is an unbelievable experience."

Dettori, who suffered a night to forget, blamed Jalil's inexperience for his consummate defeat. He said: "Jalil was too young. It was a year too early for him and we will have to wait for next year."

Curlin could meet Jalil, who will stick to the dirt, in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita in October. Curlin is 6-4 favourite with Hills to repeat his Monmouth Park victory of last year.