The Aidan-O’Brien trained Ruler Of The World will have to overcome a wide draw in stall 12 if he is to justify favouritism in the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, but stablemate Magician will start from a far more favourable post as he bids to land the Sheema Classic at Meydan.
Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World will race in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing after Sheikh Joaan Al Thani purchased a 50% stake in last season's Epsom hero.
The four-year-old Galileo colt will remain in training with O'Brien and will continue to be ridden by the Ballydoyle handler's son, Joseph.
Al Shaqab's racing advisor Harry Herbert said: "Al Shaqab is delighted to be in partnership with John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and we are extremely excited to be participating in Saturday's World Cup.”
Last year's winner Animal Kingdom broke from stall 12 so the berth is no insurmountable barrier to success.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux, second 12 months ago, fared even worse and will race from stall 14 in the 16-runner field, with William Haggas' Mukhadram next door in 13.
Michael Stoute's Hillstar fared better in seven, with Andrew Balding's Side Glance in nine.
Vancouverite, African Story and Cat O'Mountain are respectively berthed in stalls three, six and 15 for the Godolphin team.
African Story's trainer Saeed bin Suroor is also responsible for the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum-owned Prince Bishop, who is drawn in gate one.
Hong Kong raiders Akeed Mofeed (four) and Military Attack (eight) are unlikely to have too many complaints.
Magician drew stall four in the feature turf race on the card, with O'Brien's apparent second-string Festive Cheer in the ninth berth.
Former winner Cirrus Des Aigles will have to contend with exiting from stall 15 when the gates open, Marco Botti's Mount Athos is in five and top Japanese mare Gentildonna is in stall 12.