Fifteen years ago there was one, now they are too numerous to count. The shimmering skyscraper backdrop to Al Quoz Stables serves to remind of the restless development in an emirate whose ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, does not embrace the concept of regression. It was fitting, therefore, that a wave of optimism governed Godolphin's annual unveiling of its equine talent here yesterday.

Gone was the restraint of the previous two years, when the stable's frontmen had little about which to enthuse. In its place were an upbeat Simon Crisford and a relaxed Frankie Dettori, who loitered long after official business to oblige his inquisitors.

Dettori's willingness was in itself significant. In recent reunions the jockey had made himself scarce as soon as he could. Now he was happily conceding that Godolphin's myriad runners at the World Cup meeting on Saturday could render even him speechless.

“I faced a difficult choice in many of the races,” he said. “I could end up with plenty of egg on my face.” Indeed he could - and not just on Saturday. As 30 horses breezed individually down the training track, the feeling lingered that this pioneering stable could soon reclaim its former pomp. To the homegrown cast has been added some choice winter additions. Crucially, Godolphin has three-year-olds to flaunt, which has not been true of late.

“We are a lot more hopeful,” Crisford said. “Last year we were hoping our maiden winners would be our classic horses. This year we have proper three-year-olds who performed at the top level at two. That's how the wheel turns. It's impossible to maintain championship form every season.”

It is testament to Sheikh Mohammed's ambition that the 2007 campaign was perceived as disappointing, even though Godolphin was Britain's leading owner. This time, however, the shots will come thick and fast. Ibn Khaldun will probably be joined by Fast Company in the 2,000 Guineas, with Rio De La Plata earmarked for the French equivalent.

Ibn Khaldun was certainly the buzz horse yesterday. “He has had an excellent winter,” Crisford said of the Racing Post Trophy winner. “He has been working well and we have very strong hopes for him in the Guineas.”

By contrast, Fast Company, the Dewhurst Stakes runner-up, has shown next to nothing. “He has done the same work as the others but we are not worried,” Crisford said. “I don't think he showed much in his homework when he was [trained by Brian Meehan] at Manton. We know he is a good horse; hopefully, he is keeping it up his sleeve.”

Although Ibn Khaldun's Guineas odds will doubtless tumble in the ensuing days, Crisford alluded to the son of Dubai Destination's high-energy take on life. Because Fast Company inclines the other way, he should be judged only after he embarks on fast work on turf in three weeks.

What Godolphin do not appear to have is a Derby horse. Dettori's understudy, Kerrin McEvoy, feels that Ibn Khaldun is worth trying over 12 furlongs and, should he win the Guineas, Epsom will beckon. However, Crisford noted succinctly that he is not bred for the test and neither is McCartney, who will start off in the Dante Stakes.While the stable houses plenty of unexposed colts - Alexandros, Calming Influence, Gothenberg and Omnicat drew favourable mention - none has sufficient stamina in his pedigree.

The fillies radiate promise but lack an obvious totem. Laureldean Gale, the early pick, is bound for the 1,000 Guineas while Screen Star has designs on Royal Ascot.

Godolphin posted 24 winners at the recent winter carnival and events on Saturday will further define the stable's prospects in Europe. In the drive to reclaim past glories, the two-year-old intake has been streamlined and the 180-strong string destined for Newmarket next month will be numerically inferior to at least one local resident.