Trainer Bhupat Seemar, based in Dubai, is eager to turn past setbacks in Saudi Arabia into a success as he prepares Walk Of Stars to compete against Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup on Saturday.

Despite previous attempts falling short, Seemar has adjusted his strategy after realizing that fast dirt runners often struggle with the Saudi surface. This year, he brings a more adaptable contender for a shot at the massive US$20 million (AU$35.5 million) prize.

Walk Of Stars, guided by seven-time Group 1 champion Tadgh O’Shea, has drawn barrier five for the 1800m Group 1 contest, just two places outside the Hong Kong star. His natural speed should allow him to be a pace influence early on.

Following his Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1900m) victory at Meydan four weeks ago, the former UK runner is in strong form but must remain focused to be competitive.

“Walk Of Stars has done really well,” Seemar said.

“He won his last two impressively including winning a Grade 1 last start and he deserves his place here.”

Walk Of Stars’ last victory earned a peak Racing and Sports rating of 122, slightly below Romantic Warrior’s top rating of 130. However, Seemar believes the horse’s ability to adjust will be key.

“He was a very high-class horse when he was running in the UK on the turf – he ran in the Epsom Derby – and then we got him and after three races on the dirt, he was thrown in the deep end with the best horses in the country.

“He performed really well and this year he has performed really well and has learned how to race on the dirt.

“He’s a horse who has got tactical speed and he has the stamina to go with it. He is very adaptable.”

One challenge, however, is Walk Of Stars’ tendency to lose focus.

“He is turning out to be a proper dirt horse and the only worry is that he looks at everything and he needs to adapt to the place,” Seemar added.

“I hope that over the next couple of days he will get used to it as today when he went on the track for the first time and he was like a two-year-old looking around at everything.

“I’m hoping he’s going to get used to it.”

Seemar is also fielding Trafalgar Square in the Group 2 Red Sea Handicap (3000m), marking the four-year-old’s first outing under his training.

The former French runner last competed in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay (3000m) at Longchamp in October, finishing second.

“We wanted to give him a run in Dubai but things didn’t work out.

“His blood wasn’t perfect but he’s good now.”