RACING:Connections of Pure Excellence admit they are "living in a dream world" ahead of the filly's bid for Dubai glory in today's UAE 1,000 Guineas at Meydan.

The Mark Johnston-trained three-year-old enjoyed a superb juvenile campaign and signed off with a Listed triumph at Newmarket in November.

The daughter of Exceed And Excel carries the colours of Excellence Racing, whose spokesman Andrew Bell said: "Deirdre [Johnston, trainer's wife] is very happy with her and Kieren Fallon has done all the work with her since she arrived and he's very pleased.

"She's got a lot of ability and is a really tough and genuine filly."

Pure Excellence features in a field of 10 runners in the one-mile Listed contest, with Ireland represented by David Marnane's More Than Sotka and the Pat Shanahan-trained My Special J'S.

That pair were third and fifth in the 1,000 Guineas trial three weeks ago.