Favourite Arrogate will start from barrier nine of 14 in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.
The Bob Baffert-trained four -year-old was the highest-rated horse in the world last year and is equal with Australian champion Winx in 2017.
Winx was the the 2016 world’s best on turf.
Arrogate is odds-on to win the $US10 million race on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
His stablemate Hoppertunity will start from gate 12 while the Mike de Kock-trained Mubtaahij, runner-up to California Chrome last year, will have to come from widest alley.
Baffert told Bloodhorse.com Arrogate had settled in well and his preparation had gone smoothly.