Connections of Sole Power are confident that the nine-year-old will warm up for World Cup night with a win in the Meydan Sprint.
Sole Power’s regular rider Chris Hayes is out due to suspension but Ryan Moore has been drafted in and the duo will work together for the first time since 2014.
He will face a number of old rivals in the five-furlong Group Three contest and will need to improve after a disappointing run at Sha Tin in December.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s race, Paddy Power, son of owners David and Sabena Power, said: “Sole Power arrived in great nick – he’s well used to travelling and has been coming here for six years, so knows exactly where he is. Like us all, he loves a bit of sun on his back.
“This is his first run since Hong Kong in December so, while he’s ready to go and doing his best on Saturday, he’ll come on plenty for it and will be even better for his big night when he defends the Al Quoz.
“I have been accused of being overly optimistic in the past, but I think he’ll win on Saturday and then win by further on World Cup night!”
