Saeed Bin Suroor: Benbatl ready for Dubai World Cup after fine showing at Saudi Cup

Godolphin trainer is aiming to win the prestigious race for a 10th time

Christophe Soumillon and Benbatl win the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan. Pawan Singh / The National

Saeed bin Suroor will look to Benbatl to provide him with a 10th Dubai World Cup triumph following the Godolphin horse's fine effort at the Saudi Cup at the weekend.

A Group One winner on turf in Dubai, Germany and Australia, the six-year-old made a successful switch to dirt at Meydan in the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge last month, to earn himself a shot at the inaugural Saudi Cup in Riyadh.

While the son of Dubawi came up a little short in the world's most valuable race, he performed admirably to place third behind the American-trained pair of Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou - and is reported to have taken those exertions in his stride.

"He ran really well to finish third. It was a tough race, but he seems happy since and we are very happy with him," said Bin Suroor.

"We'll give him an easy time now and get him ready for the World Cup.

"He has had two good runs on dirt, so we are looking forward to going for the World Cup with him now."

It is 21 years since Bin Suroor claimed his first World Cup success with Almutawakel, since when he has added to his tally with the likes of Dubai Millennium (2000), Electrocutionist (2006), and Thunder Snow (2018 and 2019), who became the first ever dual winner 12 months ago.