Literato has champion credentials

5.00 KAHAYLA CLASSIC

As always, racing commences with the Purebred Arabian version of the Dubai World Cup and the remarkable Madjani will seal his place in the history books by winning the race for a fourth consecutive year.

He looked in rude health when winning on Super Thursday, breaking the track record and surely only bad luck will rob him of his moment of glory.

If he does get beaten, Mizzna is the one to do it as she bids to emulate and protect her mother's record – Mizzna being a daughter of the legendary Alanudd who also won this race three times.

5.40 Godolphin Mile

This traditionally is one of the weaker races on the card and this year appears no exception.

It would be lovely to see a local trainer celebrate a winner on the big night and Erwan Charpy's Rosberg and Doug Watson's Green Coast are both capable of running big races.

Saeed Bin Surour's duo of Elusive Warning and Blackat Blackitten will be strongly fancied, while Diamond Stripes has been earning rave reviews from the Nad Al Sheba gallop watchers.

Of Blackat Blackitten, Bin Surour said: "He has had a very fruitful Carnival and Frankie [Dettori] is happy to keep the ride on him. There is not much between him and Elusive Warning, but Blackat Blackitten has been going well and is tough and honest."

But definitely a race to take the advice of the Sean Woods-trained runner – Watch What Happens – rather than be excited about.

6.15 UAE DERBY

The action hots up with a fascinating renewal of the UAE Derby in which Bin Suroor saddles three and Mike De Kock two. Only these two trainers have ever won this race and that appears likely to continue with the De Kock duo of Royal Vintage and Honour Devil "impossible to separate" according to the trainer.

They each have a verdict over one another already at the Carnival and this deciding rubber promises to be a cracker.

Cocoa Beach, who carries the colours of Princess Haya, has already won the UAE 1,000 Guineas and Oaks and Ted Durcan maintains the partnership on the Bin Surour filly and the trainer said: "She has really thrived over the past couple of months and she looked very good in winning the UAE Oaks last time out.

"However, the UAE Derby will be a much tougher race for her against the colts, but we think she is up to the challenge."

Brazil's Light Green is one to keep an eye on.

6.55 GoLDEN SHAHEEN

This sprint has been something of an American benefit over the years and it looks likely to be the same this year.

That said, Diabolical represents the best chance Godolphin have had in the one Thoroughbred race on the card they are yet to win and, after his win on Super Thursday, Bin Surour is hopeful. "Diabolical's win at Nad Al Sheba and the top-class form he showed previously in America give him the right credentials for the Golden Shaheen. We were very happy with his run last time and he has done well since." However, the vibes around Benny The Bull have been strong all week and he looks the one to beat.

7.55 DUBAI DUTY FREE

Always one of the highlights, and this year's renewal looks arguably the race of the night.

With Godolphin debutant Literato having won the Champion Stakes on his final start for previous connections, he sets a decent standard for the rest to aim at. Stable companion Creachadoir is a decent animal and will go close.

De Kock clearly likes Archipenko and has won this race twice before. The trainer said: "He is a nice horse but has had problems – that is the only way we can afford these horses. Hopefully he will go well."

Linngari was second last year from an awful draw and has unbelievably drawn the same stall 16 this year, while New Zealand filly Seachange is a quality performer. Darjina and Finsceal Beo won three 1,000 Guineas between them last year but, surely, Japan's Vodka has to take home the Duty Free!

8.40 SHEEMA CLASSIC

This is equally competitive with Mick Channon's Youmzain, third last year, the highest-rated turf horse currently in training.

De Kock's Oracle West was a place in front of him last year and Sun Classique gives the South African trainer two live contenders. He explains: "Oracle West is tough and honest – he always runs his race. The filly has surprised us as I wondered how good her form was. Both should run well."

Doctor Dino, Quijano and Viva Pataca are more proven international performers, while Godolphin's West Wind won the French Oaks last year.

Latency is a superstar in Argentina who cannot be ignored but, despite defeat behind Gower House last time, John Oxx's Mourilyan makes a lot of appeal.

This strapping son of Desert Prince is still learning about the game and is improving at a rate of knots. He will go close on Saturday, but will win the Irish St Leger in September.

WorldCup RoundUp

Curlin has draw to defy

Curlin will become the first horse to win the Dubai World Cup from stall 12 should he triumph on Saturday. The draw was made last night and assistant trainer Scott Blasi said: "I think the draw is OK, because of the configuration of the race track, and he will put himself in a good position."

Godolphin duo well placed

Jalil and Happy Boy drew eight and three for the $6 million showpiece and their trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "It is certainly better than last year when Discreet Cat was drawn one. I am very happy."

Speedster happy on inside

Well Armed drew World Cup stall two and trainer Eoin Harty said: "That's fine. I'll use it to my advantage. I think he's the speed of the race. It's better to be drawn inside."

Asked about Curlin's draw, he said: "If they started him on Nad Al Sheba road, I don't think it would make much difference!"

2

The number of trainers to win the UAE derby - Mike De Kock and Saeed Bin Surour

12

Curlin's stall – from which no horse has ever won the Dubai world cup

21

million dollars – total prize money for saturday's six thoroughbred races