Flotilla can cruise to victory in Godolphin Mile

Dubai World Cup night kicks off on Saturday with the Godolphin Mile. The race has attracted a high quality field of 16 with the betting headed by Soft Falling Rain.

Mick de Kock’s five-year-old arrived in Britain last summer unbeaten after seven races but was beaten by Gregorian in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. He returned to winning ways at Newmarket in the Group 2 Nayef Joel Stakes but floundered in the soft ground at Ascot in October.

The son of National Assembly was never in the race won by Rich Tapestry at Meydan earlier this month but should strip fitter this weekend. His main market rival is Godolphin’s Shuruq, a good winner of a Group 3 over this trip two weeks ago.

He started at 14-1 that day after trailing home last of six on his previous start behind Certify. A line through that winner highlights the chance of the French filly Flotilla.

She ran very flat in that race but still finished ahead of Shuruq in fourth place. A Breeders’ Cup winner at two and French 1000 Guineas winner last year, she looked much more like her old self on her most recent outing.

Certify was expected to confirm placings with Flotilla in the Balanchine Stakes but both were beaten by L’Amour De Ma Vie. Even so, it was an encouraging effort by Flotilla who ran on well to take second and looks over-priced at 12-1.

Variety Club was odds-on favourite when beaten a length and three-quarters by Shuruq. He holds Capital Attraction (third), Forjatt (fourth) and Gold City (fifth) on that form.

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mull Of Killough has been travelling the globe in the past 12 months. The 2012 Lincoln runner-up was only beaten half a length in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes at Flemington in November.

He was second to the smart Aljamaaheer at Ascot last season but cut no ice in the Arlington Million in August. Ryan Moore takes the ride on the eight-year-old on Saturday.