Red-hot Dubai World Cup favourite Curlin had a last-minute change of plan to his final preparations before the richest race in the world on Saturday evening.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi took the Breeders' Cup Classic winner to the Nad Al Sheba training track in the morning rather than appearing on the main track in the hope of keeping things a bit more low-key.

And Blasi could not be feeling more confident ahead of the $6million showpiece.

"I just decided that we're ready and what's done is done, and that a quiet day would be good for the horse. My job is to get him to the race as best as we can," Blasi said.

"We just took him out to give him a little exercise and keep him happy."

Curlin's big-race pilot Robby Albarado arrived in Dubai on Thursday while trainer Steve Asmussen was due to land in Dubai on Friday evening.

Godolphin have a fine record in the big race but it is something of a surprise that their main contender this year is

9.7million colt Jalil.

Despite his price-tag, the four-year-old struggled to win a Ripon maiden last summer but has improved out of all recognition switched to a dirt surface.

And for Dettori, who finally broke his Derby hoodoo last summer, World Cup Night has quickly developed into a special occasion.

He 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 backyard 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, 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 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."

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