Connections of the two leading contenders for the Dubai World Cup expressed delight at the form of their representatives ahead of the world's richest race.

Invasor and Discreet Cat are primed to meet for only the second time in the £6 million contest and go into today's contest as officially the two highest-rated horses in the world.

The pair met a year ago in the UAE Derby when Discreet Cat blew his rivals away for a six-length win, with Invasor trailing home in fourth.

Godolphin's Discreet Cat was in receipt of 7lb that day, however, and Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Invasor is since unbeaten - including when taking the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, the five-year-old was put through his final paces yesterday morning and Rick Nichols, general manager of Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Farm stud, could not be happier.

"Kiaran's got him perfect," said Nichols. "Invasor does everything so easily. He loves training. To win one of the world's greatest races with the Horse of the Year - it would be awesome."

Discreet Cat is unbeaten in a six-race career and connections have high hopes the four-year-old can join the list of greats to have won the trophy.

"Discreet Cat has improved mentally and physically since last year when he was a bit keen in the mornings," said trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

"It will be a new distance for him and I want to see him relax in the race. Frankie (Dettori) knows the horse very well. We are looking to see a big result from him - indeed I think he will win."

Dettori added: "Discreet Cat is a smashing horse and a true champion. He has matured and strengthened up since last year. We will find out on the night about whether he stays the trip but we go into the race very positively and will give it our best shot. His preparation has gone very well.

"I would say this year's World Cup is a better race than last year. There are some great champions in the race and I am very excited - it will be a great race to watch."

Dubai World Cup (Coral bet): 11-8 Invasor, Discreet Cat, 7-1 Premium Tap, 16-1 Forty Licks, 20-1 Kandidate, 28-1 Bullish Luck, 33-1 Vermilion.