California Chrome is among the favourites for Saturday's Dubai World Cup, and trainer Art Sherman believes the American Horse of the Year has what it takes to add to his impressive list of victories.
The colt comes into the world's most lucrative race following a hugely successful 2014 in which he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Triple Crown - thanks to a fourth-place finish in June's Belmont Stakes - Sherman fully understands why California Chrome has captured the public's attention.
With €6 million available to the winner of this weekend's race, Sherman told a news conference that California Chrome - who impressed in a run on Tuesday - will not have a problem coping with the longer course distance.
"If he can get to where he can set his own pace and be within striking distance I don't think the horse will have a problem going a mile and a quarter," he told reporters.
"He likes to hear his feet rattle, he likes the dirt and a little firmer going.
"I thought this might well be the best spot for him.
"I rode for 23 years and I watch him run and he's got natural speed if you want to use it, you can put him any place in the race.
"If somebody wants to lead, he can stalk them, he's not a one-dimensional type of runner.
"That means a lot, just keep him in the clear and have a place to go."
Chrome was narrowly beaten to second by Shared Belief in the San Antonio Stakes last month and will likely need to cope with the challenge of African Story this year.
The 2014 Dubai World Cup winner is tipped to threaten again, as is Japan Cup holder Epiphaneia - whose trainer Katsuhiko Sumii won the famous race with Victoire Pisa in 2011.
With the race reverting to dirt from an all-weather Tapeta surface this year, Sumii told a news conference: "There are many unknowns this year but in the Japan Cup he [Epiphaneia] rode a tough race.
"With the advice from jockey Christophe Soumillon we decided to challenge this race and we're very much looking forward to it.
"He's used to getting used to new environments. He'll be ready on race day."