DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Trainer Carl O'Callaghan has repeatedly played Saturday's $2 million Golden Shaheen at Meydan racecourse over in his mind in recent days and he always dreams of the same scenario for Kinsale King.

"I'd like to be sitting right off the leaders," he said. "If he turns for home in front, he'll dig in and give it his all."

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The world knows about Presious Passion now.

After the gelding nearly stole the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita last November, losing by a half-length to Conduit, Presious Passion will command ample respect in Saturday's Sheema Classic. The Sheema, along with the Duty Free, is one of two $5 million races on the Dubai World Cup undercard at Meydan Racecourse.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Gio Ponti was the overlooked American champion of 2009.

Four wins in Grade 1 races and a second in the Breeders' Cup Classic were not enough to earn a spot among the Horse of the Year finalists, the domain of the superstar females Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.

Those gals may have grabbed the headlines, but Gio Ponti will be after an astonishing $6 million first prize in Saturday's $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Despite a lack of experience that concerns his team, Mendip could start in the Kentucky Derby on May 1, provided he runs well in his group stakes debut in Saturday's $2 million United Arab Emirates Derby at Meydan Racecourse.

Unbeaten in three starts, one in England and two in Dubai, Mendip was shoved to the fore of Godolphin Racing's candidates for the Group 2 UAE Derby last weekend when Vale of York was withdrawn from consideration because of a bout with colic.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The third-place finish by Twice Over in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita last November altered the 2010 goals for the horse.

While there are no official workouts recorded at Meydan Racecourse, there have been some significant moves clocked by workwatchers this week as horses from around the world prepare for Dubai World Cup Night on Saturday.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Red Desire, a 4-year-old Japanese filly, has earned her way into Saturday's $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan racecourse. She will make history if she wins.

No Japan-based horse, or filly or mare from any country, has won the Dubai World Cup in the race's 14-year history. Six have tried, with a runner-up finish by the Japanese mare To the Victory in 2001 ranking as the best result. Red Desire will be the first female to start since Aquarelliste finished ninth in 2003.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - A small army of construction workers scurried about the massive grandstand of the new Meydan racecourse earlier this week, completing last-minute projects for Saturday's Dubai World Cup program, the focus of the annual racing season in this Persian Gulf country.