O'Brien forecasts World rule

Joseph O'Brien, the man in the hotseat when Ruler Of The World makes his debut for new part-owners Al Shaqab Racing in the Dubai World Cup, believes the colt has the scope to enjoy a long and prosperous season.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien's son reached Meydan ahead of his father specifically to partner the Investec Derby winner in some light work on the Tapeta track. The Coolmore horses went out just before 7am on a beautifully warm morning and Ruler Of The World enjoyed himself in a swinging canter, with no questions asked.

Joseph O'Brien said: "Ruler Of The World has done plenty of work at home and I just gave him a little canter round to let him stretch his legs. He seems to have travelled well and is in good form. He's matured and his work has been pretty good. He just did a hack and a trot. It's very difficult to know whether he will handle the surface which is new to him."

The jockey went on: "A lot of people forget that at this time last year he'd never seen a racecourse. If getting to choose, though, I wouldn't have picked stall 12, but it is what it is and we'll have to make the best of it.

"He seems to have wintered well, and it's encouraging that his brother (Duke Of Marmalade) improved from three to four. There's nothing to suggest he won't do the same.

"He has a great attitude and won the Derby on only his third ever start. I would have liked him to have a prep run but there are plenty of big races ahead in which he can be very competitive. He's ready to get started in what will hopefully be a long and successful season. He's ready to do himself justice."

Harry Herbert, racing adviser to Sheikh Joaan and the man behind negotiations to buy into Ruler Of The World, is thrilled by the purchase.

He said: "Sheikh Joaan said weeks ago that he would love to have a horse competing in Al Shaqab silks in the Dubai World Cup. We had our backs to the wall time-wise and it wasn't easy, but the Coolmore team and John Magnier were amazing.

"The negotiations were conducted very much from the top, between Sheikh Joaan and John Magnier. It was just a question of the finer detail.

"We have made quite clear our intention of going forward with a new team organisation in the game with new stock, but also looking to buy into proven horses if we can, as has been the case with the likes of Treve, Olympic Glory and especially Toronado."