Invasor Favourite For Another Classic

William Hill make Invasor the 3-1 favourite to land back-to-back Breeders' Cup Classics later in the year after his thrilling success over Premium Tap in the 6million Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba.

The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained five-year-old reeled in his rival down the home straight under the ice-cool Fernando Jara to triumph by a length and three-quarters, finishing just outside the race record set by the ill-fated Dubai Millennium in 2000.

However, the contest proved a huge disappointment for the Godolphin camp, with the previously unbeaten Discreet Cat trailing in last of the seven runners.

'It doesn't get any better than this,' McLaughlin said.

'I was a little concerned when he broke on top but Fernando was in control all the time, even though we let a couple sneak up the inside.

'I was a little worried from the four to the two pole and Premium Tap rode a great race.

'But I never doubted him. Premium Tap dug in but we got on by him and won in the end.

'It was a similar race to the Breeders' Cup in that we drew off a length and a half to beat Bernardini.'

Jara also paid tribute to the resilience of his mount, officially rated the best in the world.

'It was a little tough in the end but I had a good horse that exploded,' he said.

'It's very special for me to win the race. Premium Tap made it difficult for us and I was surprised not to see Discreet Cat out in front.'

Jara added that he had been pretty confident beforehand.

He said: 'I thought I'd won the race before it started because I knew I had such a good horse and it gave me a lot of confidence. He's tough and I owe him a lot.'

McLaughlin was unsure what was next for his charge.

'We've prepared for this race for so long we haven't really looked beyond it but the Suburban at Belmont Park is a possibility on July 4 weekend,' he added.

Premium Tap's jockey Kent Desormeaux was delighted with his mount's display, despite just failing to pull off what would have been the greatest win of his career.

'Invasor just kicked away from me but I really enjoyed the ride,' he said.

'I got a good start and he set sail, and when I'm turning for home and I'm looking behind me, that tells you everything about the race situation.

'He couldn't get past me until the 3/16 pole (about a furlong and a half out) and the guy just ate me up. He's a freak.'

Bullish Luck was a creditable third for Hong Kong.

The eight-year-old finished nearly 10 lengths behind the winner, but jockey Brett Prebble was nevertheless pleased with his night's work.

He said: 'With the way he ran under those circumstances, I have to be pleased. It was his first start on dirt.'

A devastated Frankie Dettori was at a loss to explain the poor performance of Discreet Cat, who had Invasor back in fourth when they met in the UAE Derby 12 months ago.

He said: 'He was beaten by a long way. I don't know if he didn't stay the distance or what, I can't tell you why. I don't know what to say.'

Racing manager Simon Crisford added: 'Discreet Cat has run way below form ? I don't know why.

'He was never going a yard ? it was a big surprise to us but that's racing. We will give him some time out now and then get him back to America. It was very disappointing but all the good champions get beaten at some point and he will be back.'

(C) PA Sport