Who's who of big names flock to Dubai

CURLIN: Would be red-hot favourite for the Dubai World Cup on March 29 if he travels from America.

Proved few can live with him on dirt when an enormously impressive winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic last year but ownership wrangles could prevent him running.

LITERATO: Last season's French-trained Champion Stakes winner has joined Godolphin and looks their likely World Cup horse as they try to win the big prize for the sixth time.

At the start of a season packed full of expectation, trainer Saeed bin

Suroor will be determined to make a good start at his home meeting. Also expect to see RAMONTI, a four-time Group One winner last year, plus two other new recruits, Arc third SAGARA and Royal Ascot winner BOSCOBEL.

YOUMZAIN: The Arc runner-up heads a team for Mick Channon.

The Sheema Classic is his target with stablemate SIBERIAN TIGER an interesting hope for the UAE 2,000 Guineas.

ASIATIC BOY: Unplaced in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and the International at York but not disgraced. Back at the scene of his UAE 2,000 Guineas and Derby victories, he'll be busy again and South African Mike de Kock, the Carnival's most successful trainer, is eyeing the World Cup.

De Kock also has big plans for EAGLE MOUNTAIN, runner-up in the Derby and Champion Stakes and bought out of the Aidan O'Brien stable.

STRIKE THE DEAL: After his fourth in the Breeders' Cup juvenile, Jeremy Noseda has the Group Three UAE 2,000 Guineas as a target for his Richmond Stakes winner.

YELLOWSTONE: Trainer Stan Moore paid 520,000gn for Aidan O'Brien's Gordon Stakes winner who was also second in the Great Voltigeur Stakes.

The Sheema Classic is his target while Moore will be hoping for pay days from TRAFFIC GUARD, runner-up in the 2007 UAE 2,000 Guineas.

WHERE TO WATCH AND BET

All the Dubai Carnival, culminating in the World Cup meeting on March 29 are being televised by At The Races, Sky Sports and Racing UK.

Bookies will produce industry SPs while the Tote's placepot will be a UK pool only.