Dubai: South African trainer Mike de Kock would prefer to have a double opportunity than a single hope for the big race night at the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
"As a trainer, I'd rather have two chances than one, and it rather be me than someone else," de Kock told Gulf News after his two rides - Asiatic Boy and Lucky Find were drawn at No 9 and 10, respectively.
Given a chance, De Kock feels he can pin his hopes on Asiatic Boy rather than on Lucky Find for the big race.
"If you ask me to compare the two, I think Asiatic Boy has a much better and bigger chance than Lucky Find. I am convinced he will be in the first three," de Kock told Gulf News after Asiatic Boy was drawn to run from number 9.
Memorable Derby win
After a memorable UAE Derby win last year, de Kock always wanted to get Asiatic Boy in the $6 million race on World Cup night. "What he did last year was against horses from the same age group. But this time we are against the best horses in the world," De Kock said.
"If he's fit enough he will be right there."
The South African trainer also bared his strategy for the big race. "I think it would be better to run him closer to the right as he's got good gate speed," de Kock said.
Lucky Find, De Kock's second runner for the night cannot be discounted, according to the big race trainer. "He is a very honest horse. And though he gives off his best, the distance is not his best," De Kock lamented.
However, the trainer has seen the horse improving over the past few months despite showing perennial signs of tiring over the last 200 metres or so. "Yes the last 200 can be a problem, but that does not discount the fact that he is a good horse with a big heart," De Kock said.
