De Kock satisfied with Asiatic Boy despite defeat
TRAINER Mike De Kock was far from despondent over Asiatic Boy's Nad Al Sheba reappearance on Thursday, when the Dubai World Cup runner-up could manage only third.
The five-year-old was beaten just under a length by My Indy and Happy Boy in the Maktoum Challenge Round 2 at the fourth meeting of the Dubai Carnival.
It was the 2007 UAE Derby winner's first run since chasing home Curlin in the world's richest race in March, and an effort which satisfied his trainer.
Mike De Kock
"We have to be pleased with that," said De Kock.
"We knew he would come on a lot for the run and he has put up a really good effort. The World Cup is a long way off and that is his main target."
De Kock also said that Front House, second to Deem in the Cape Verdi over 1m at the same meeting, will be a different filly next up over a longer trip.
"We know Front House is better over further and she just found one too good on this occasion. It was a good run."
The trainer did hit the mark with Diana's Choice on Friday, when she took the 6f handicap on turf.
"She's shown us top work since arriving in Dubai and on this run she will go even further," he said.
The stable had five seconds and a third over the weekend, which also included a cracking run from Imbongi.
"My horses are turning the corner," he added
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