After his second straight success in the Saudi Cup, the Champion of Champions, Forever Young is the piping hot favourite to win the $12 million global racing extravaganza, the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday. And his globetrotting, unassuming trainer Yoshito Yahagi is confident that the superstar will gallop to fame in the iconic global sporting event. 

In a media conference at Meydan on Thursday, Yahagi satisfied with the preparation of the on-money favourite (6/10) disclosed that he worships Forever Young as a God. "I worship him like he's God. A God came to my stables and I cannot show enough appreciation for that," said Yahagi adding that Forever Young, arguably the best race horse in the world has provided a new dimension to the sport in Japan. 

On rating, the galloping goldmine is head and shoulders above his opposition on Saturday. He has 10lb in hand on Magnitude and 11lb over last year's shock winner Hit Show. "After his Saudi Cup success, he is enjoying the conditions in Dubai and to tell you straight, he is at his best," said Yahagi pointing out that the heavy underfoot conditions following the thundershowers In Dubai may pose a different challenge. But Yahagi understands that a champion horse skims over all the hurdles in his effort to scale a new high. 

Yesterday's gallop was no hard work. We assessed the track conditions and chose to go in for a light work. He did it well and me and my staff know that he is in very good condition. A victory in the top global event will push Forever Young past the Hong Kong Superstar Romantic Warrior at the head of the all-time earnings list. More than the dollar deposits in owner Susumu Fujita's bank account, Forever Young will become the proud holder of the three biggest all-aged prizes in dirt racing, adding the Dubai Cup to his success in the Breeders' Cup and the Saudi Cup. It's a small nine-horse field and it is competitive as it always is and all the nine runners will be sent out spot on for the mega global event, said Yahagi. 

Commenting on Forever Young's plans after the big one on Saturday, Yahagi revealed that he wanted to test Forever Young on the turf at least once before the champion calls it quits. "But the US fans are keen to see him return to defend his Breeders' Cup crown. So there is no concrete future plan and it may take shape once we return home and discuss matters with owner Fujita," said Yahagi. 

Top saddle artist Ryusei Sakai, who has struck a perfect bond with the champion will again guide the fortunes of Forever Young and Sakai immensely pleased with his preparations and more importantly the look of the champ, made no secret of his opinion that his mount will be the one to beat in the big purse marquee event. 

Odds:

Forever Young (6/10). 
Magnitude (7/1). 
Meydaan (8/1) 
Imperial Emperor (9/1). 
Hit Show (10/1).
Heart Of Honour (33/1). 
Tumbarumba  (33/1). 
Walk Of Stars (40/1). 
Tap Leader (50/1).