Racing: US hero gets the best of Dubai draw

THE AMERICAN star Silver Charm was tipped to become one of his country's greatest racehorses as he secured pole position in the Dubai World Cup yesterday. His big-race jockey Gary Stevens predicted he would develop into "one of the greatest we've seen" as he forecast victory for the Kentucky Derby winner in Saturday's $4m showpiece.

His trainer, Bob Baffert, drew stall 10 for the grey Silver Charm, on the wide outside of the field, when the post positions were announced in Dubai. But starting position becomes less of a factor when aboard a horse of the class of Silver Charm, the first Kentucky Derby winner to race overseas for 63 years.

"It's scary to think about it but we've not got to the bottom of Silver Charm yet," Stevens said, "and I don't know what he is capable of. He's very genuine, full of heart and determination.

"You will see the best of him later this year. But I hope he will go down in the States as one of the greatest we've seen. I anticipate winning on Saturday and am looking forward to it."

Frankie Dettori, who will partner the 5-1 chance Predappio in preference to Swain (Mick Kinane), arrived hot from a success in the United States at the weekend. He has yet to figure in this event following defeats on Halling and Kammtarra. "Silver Charm has got the best draw," Dettori said. "He can control the race and we will all have to do what he wants to do," he said.

DUBAI WORLD CUP DRAW: 1 Malek, 2 Predappio, 3 Luso, 4 Behrens, 5 Kyoto City, 6 Swain, 7 Oxalagu, 8 Borgia, 9 Loup Sauvage, 10 Silver Charm.