Asiatic Boy 8/1 for World Cup.

Albertus cements place as World Cup favourite

ALBERTUS MAXIMUS cemented his place at the head of the Dubai World Cup market with a hard-fought half-length victory over a game and determined Finallymadeit in Saturday's $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

Finallymadeit jumped out to make all and was tracked by Albertus Maximus who moved into the lead with two furlongs to run.

However, the 30-1 outsider Finallymadeit battled back strongly but was unable to pass Albetus Maximus. Einstien was third.

Winning trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said: "Speed was so good today I told Alan not to let Finallymadeit get away. I think Alan felt he had the leader measured coming into the stretch but that horse ran a very game race."

Albertus Maximus was making his first start for McLaughlin since being purchased privately by Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stable after his Breeders' Cup Mile win at Santa Anita.

He will attempt to duplicate the Donn-Dubai World Cup double he pulled off two years ago with the same connection's Invasor.

Dubai World Cup betting

Blue Square: 4-1 Albertus Maximus, 9-2 Colonel John, 5-1 Daiwa Scarlet, 6-1 Kane Hekili, 8-1 Asiatic Boy, 10-1 Well Armed, 12-1 Honour Devil, My Indy

Field not looking particularly strong, at first glance. At least, there's no stand out horse like Curlin or Invasor. Good chance for someone like Asiatic Boy or Honour Devil to grab it, maybe.

For sure Sabre, when you consider the money on offer, this is the place to try your luck.