Connections of hot 4-9 favourite Curlin, the US 'horse of the year' for 2007, have shrugged off an outside draw of 12 of 13 in Saturday's $6 million Dubai World Cup, the sport's richest race.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi said: "I think the draw is okay because of the configuration of the racetrack and he will put himself in a good position."

Curlin won last year's Breeders' Cup Classic in great style after an earlier triumph in the Preakness Stakes. He has been in Dubai for several weeks and won a warm-up race at the Nad Al Sheba track at the end of February.

Barring mishaps, the colt should collect with jockey Robby Albarado on board for trainer Steve Asmussen, Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin stable, on home territory, is represented by second favourite Jalil (7-1) and ex-Brazilian Happy Boy (20-1), drawn eight and three respectively.

Jalil boasts an unbeaten three-from-three record in Dubai this season and will have three-times World Cup-winning rider Frankie Dettori in the saddle.

Despite costing $9.7 million as a yearling, Jalil failed to impress on the turf in Britain but on the dirt in Dubai the son of Storm Cat is gradually living up to his massive price-tag.

Asiatic Boy (12-1), the United Arab Emirates Derby winner in 2007, and Japanese raider Vermilion, fourth in last year's World Cup to Invasor, look to have place prospects.

Michael Paulson, son of Allen Paulson whose colours were carried to victory in the first Dubai World Cup in 1996 by Cigar, is represented by 33-1 outsider AP Arrow.

He said: "We have drawn 13 in the 13th year but I hope I can be number one like Cigar."

The World Cup is the highlight of a glittering day's sport with over $21 million up for grabs on a seven-race card.

Reuters