John Moore didn't get his wish for Xtension to gain a run in the world's richest race, with the five-year-old remaining in the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free, a race Hong Kong seemingly has a stranglehold on with three star runners.
Probable fields have been released for Saturday week's desert showpiece, where Xtension will square off against domestic rivals Ambitious Dragon and California Memory over 1,800m on the turf.
All three have their final serious hit-out before departing in a 1,000m turf trial this morning at Sha Tin.
The trio are likely to head betting for the Duty Free against a relatively modest field, which includes last year's winner Presvis, Musir and Hong Kong Mile runner-up Cityscape.
The US$10 million Dubai World Cup, which Moore was hoping to have Xtension compete in, was rocked by the withdrawal of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom last week.
The main event features Game On Dude, So You Think and champion filly Royal Delta, plus a pair of horses coming off strong performances on International Day at Sha Tin - Silver Pond and Zazou.