Frankie Dettori admits it was a tough decision choosing between Literato and Creachadoir in Saturday's Dubai Duty Free.
The Italian ended up siding with Literato, the former Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old, and cited his win at Newmarket last October as the decisive factor.
"It was not easy to separate our two, but in the end I was swayed by Literato's great run in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket," said Dettori.
"That is top-class form, and he has been going well at home this spring."
Kerrin McEvoy rides Creachadoir and also fancies his chances.
"I liked him when I won the Joel Stakes at Newmarket last back-end, and he then went on to run a cracker in the Hong Kong Mile," said McEvoy.
"He has been training well on the run-up to this race and must have a sound chance."
Japanese Derby winner Vodka on Friday morning did some gentle exercise alongside two compatriots.
"She was shying and was not acquainted with the surroundings when she galloped on the turf earlier this week," said trainer Katsuhiko Sumii.
"So I decided to make her work over the dirt course with other two Japanese runners this morning.
"I think she was doing great. She seemed to listen to the rider and answered him very well.
"Actually she lost some weight after she arrived, but she recovered and regained the weight during her stay in Dubai.
"She is in a very good form at this moment."
Trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda aims for back-to-back wins in this race following Admire Moon's victory 12 months ago.
Matsuda saddles Admire Aura this time around and said: "He is in the best condition ever and is very relaxed all the time.
"He went to the parade ring to get familiarised with it and he was so well and settled.
"You will find out tomorrow how great this horse is."
Connections of Australian challenger Niconara believe their charge will be far from disgraced.
"The entire field is a danger," said jockey Craig Williams.
"My horse is in his career-best form.
"He was in form in Australia and I believe he is going to stand up very well.
"He has travelled over very well and eaten up, and that is important."
Mick Channon saddles four-year-old filly Majestic Roi, winner of last season's Sun Chariot Stakes.
"The Duty Free is very competitive. She is in good form but it's always difficult bringing a filly here," said Channon.
"But she looks fantastic in her skin, in the last few weeks she has turned herself inside out.
"I would like a bit of pace in the race for her and I think if she settles into the race she has a really good chance of running a real big race.
"She is going to need a bit of pace to settle. She has drawn two, which is normally a great draw over the mile, but she is a hold-up horse and could get back a bit.
"But the preparation has been fantastic."
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