The count down for the showdown at sundown at the Meydan on Saturday has begun and amidst all the hype and hoopla the global racing spectacle, the Dubai World Cup, has again attracted all the star performers on the International racing circuit including Japan's pride and joy, Forever Young, the winner of the Saudi Cup and the runner-up Romantic Warrior, the galloping goldmine from Hong Kong. While Forever Young is the favourite in the marquee event, Romantic Warrior will be seen in action in the G1 Dubai Turf to be run over a distance of nine furlongs and arguably the world's best jockey, James McDonald is bullish of his chances in the event.
 
Famed Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi who proudly led in Forever Young after the champion beat Romantic Warrior in a humdinger in Saudi, believes that the frontline contender who tops the betting board offered at (8/13) has taken a step forward after his Saudi Cup success in Riyadh last month and is raring to go in the $12 million Dubai World Cup. "The Dubai World Cup is one race that all Japan wants you to win. In 2011 Victoria Pisa and two years earlier Ushba Tesoro provided a shot in-the-arm and made all Japan proud and hopefully Forever Young will provide Japan a big reason to smile again on Saturday, said Yahagi.
 
Apart from pinning their hopes on Forever Young to land the Dubai World Cup riches, the Japanese contingent is aiming to win the six million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic through another bred in the purple star performer, Shin Emperor, stablemate of Forever Young. Top `Knight' Ryusei Sakai who partnered Forever Young in the Saudi Cup disclosed that both colts were fine-tuned to produce their best on the big night.
 
"Last year Sakai revealed that they failed to win a Group 1 overseas with these two horses and this year they are better prepared, fit and fine to hit the high road and corner glory on Saturday. Yahagi endorsing his jockey's view made it clear that the 200 metres extended trip at Meydan with four turns will suit Forever Young best. 

The Hong Kong brigade are gung-ho of Romantic Warrior's chances in the Dubai Turf. McDonald unperturbed by the closse loss in the Saudi Cup is looking to join the elite list of riders who have successfully booted home winners in this top Dubai meeting. McDonald is listed to guide the fortunes of two horses, Howdeepisyourlove from John Size's yard in the G1Al Quoz sprint and the Frankie Lor schooled Sword Point in the G2 Godolphin Mile apart from Romantic Warrior. 

McDonald revealed that Romantic Warrior is looking fit and fine. "He looks in good shape and he is the one they all have to beat disclosed McDonald to the international pressmen down here after Romantic Warrior's impressive morning trial breeze-up on Tuesday. 

Yahagi, Sakai, Danny and McDonald apart, top lady jockey Saffie Osborne is all geared up to make the big splash on the big night at Meydan. Listed to partner Heart Of Honour in the G2 UAE Derby, Saffie, the daughter of Jamie Osborne, who won this race in 2014 with Toast Of New York, is looking to emulate her father and the lady is pretty confident that she will enter the Hall Of Fame and make her father proud. Saffie who to her credit has already booted home a winner at Meydan in February is satisfied with the preparations and the form of Heart Of Honour. "I came here last week to gallop him and he impressed me with his work. He looks in good shape and I'm excited signed off Saffie hoping to emerge the big queen of the night amidst all the pomp and gaiety associated with this racing global spectacle.