Frankie Dettori is struggling to keep a lid on his excitement as Jalil's bid for greatness in the Dubai World Cup comes within touching distance.
Saturday's 10-furlong event sees the improving $9.7million Storm Cat colt take on 12 rivals including red-hot favourite and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Curlin.
Godolphin have an impressive recent record in Nad Al Sheba's feature event and Dettori is hoping Jalil can continue his progress on the grandest stage of all.
Dettori said: "I'm waiting for the big day. If anything it gets more exciting every year, this event just grows and grows.
"There's a lot of pressure and I'll feel nervous - this is a big day for Godolphin, it's our back-yard so to speak, so of course you feel it.
"OK, I finally won the Derby last year, but that was then, and Saturday is more important right now."
Of Jalil, who has been transformed by the switch to dirt, Dettori said: "He's three for three at Nad Al Sheba and he loves the track.
"He's on an upward curve, but this is the biggest challenge of his life.
"Curlin has to be the one to beat, obviously, but you should never be scared of one horse."
Saeed bin Suroor is slightly more apprehensive about the chances of Jalil's stablemate Happy Boy.
The talented five-year-old was purchased by the Godolphin operation following his excellent victory in round one of the Maktoum Challenge in January.
Bin Suroor said: "He has not had the ideal preparation as he picked up a leg infection and missed some work.
"Though he has been back in exercise for a while, the race may come too soon."
Leading Dubai Carnival trainer Mike de Kock insists Asiatic Boy remains a contender, despite suffering a surprise defeat in the Group Three Burj Nahaar earlier this month.
"He'll be a lot fitter, a lot tighter and a lot sharper," said De Kock, who also saddles Lucky Find in the race.
"He was carrying some condition and was lethargic when beaten last time.
"He's in better shape now and definitely readier, but the question is whether he's good enough.
"If the old Asiatic Boy turns up then you know he'll run a good race but I guess the reality is that Curlin will have to run below his best if anybody else is going to win."
Dubai World Cup William Hill bet: 2-5 Curlin, 7-1 Jalil, 12-1 Asiatic Boy, Vermilion, 20-1 Premium Tap, Happy Boy, 25-1 A P Arrow, 40-1 bar.
More news from SportingLife.com
Full racecards from SportingLife.com
Fast and full results from SportingLife.com
