Petrushka, the filly with a seven-figure prize tag, is ready to try to conquer the best the world has to offer in the Breeders` Cup on Saturday week.
She will spearhead the European challenge in racing`s equivalent of the World Cup in America.
The filly, owned by a syndicate of 20, is among a galaxy of stars making the trip across the Atlantic to take part in the showpiece meeting at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Sir Michael Stoute`s charge is rated the best prospect of all the European challengers by British bookmakers and quoted as short as 13-8 for victory in the Fillies` and Mares` Turf race.
Her stablemate Kalanisi is one of the front-runners for the Turf race while Ireland`s Giant`s Causeway is rated second best for the US4m-plus Classic.
Other big European names set to be pitted against the talented Americans include Montjeu, Crimplene and Arkadian Hero.
Petrushka, the winner of three Group One races this year, has already arrived safely at Kentucky.
'She`s only been on a plane twice before but she seems to have recovered well from the journey,' said Highclere Thorougbred syndciate manager Harry Herbert.
'She`s blood-tested fine and is eating and drinking well. They certainly dehydrate a lot on a flight and the drinking is as important as anything.
'We`re ready now to pay the 90,000 fee on Saturday to enter her for the race on Saturday.'
Herbert admitted that it was 'always a worry' that this would be one race too many for Petrushka.
'We thought long and hard about running her but she has the most fantastic temperament, loves her racing and seems to be taking it well.'
The official handicappers rate the American horse Perfect Sting the biggest threat to Petrushka.
'Perfect Sting does seem the obvious danger but to me they`re all dangerous,' said Herbert.
'But I did get the impression speaking to an American friend that this might not be the strongest race at the meeting.'
Whatever happens, Petrushka, reportedly the subject of a #2m offer earlier in the year, will enjoy a winter`s holiday in the sun in Dubai.
'The intention is that she will be sold privately or go to public auction next year,' said Herbert.
'There`s been a lot of interest in her since she won the Nell Gwyn Stakes in April though some of the figures mentioned of her worth were not quite right.'
Europe`s only success at last year`s Breeders` Cup, staged in Florida, came when Daylami won the Turf.
They once again have a solid chance of keeping the US2m contest out of American hands.
Kalanisi and Montjeu are backed up by the likes of Fruits of Love, Mutamam, Fantastic Light and Ciro.
Montjeu, last year`s winner of the Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe, is seeking to recapture his sparkle after two defeats.
But John Hammond`s charge is apparently better with some cut in the ground and his prospects have hardly been brightened by today`s report from Churchill Downs.
Jerry Botts, the racing secretary at the track, said: 'The turf`s in great shape and we`ve been blessed with a nice summer.
'It`s firm ground at the moment and it`s mild but you`ve got to be prepared for anything from a weather point of view.'
Giant`s Causeway and Pine Dance will be trying to give Europe only their second win in the feature event, the Classic, which is run over one and a quarter miles on the dirt.
But British bookmakers rate the Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus the favourite for this event.
The colt, a recent winner at Belmont, has recovered from a foot injury that troubled him during the summer.
'The foot has healed well and he worked well yesterday,' said trainer Neil Drysdale.
Some have questioned the temperament of Fusaichi Pegasus, labelling him something of an equine enigma.
But Drysdale said: 'He`s matured now, although he still plays around. He`s full of energy _ I wish I felt as good as he does.'
Opinions are divided over the market leader for the Mile but William Hill have the Luca Cumani-trained Arkadian Hero at the head of their market.
Other European runners include Dansili, Distant Music, Indian Lodge and Muhtathir.
With Pat Eddery banned for an aberration at Redcar it emerged that should he fail in his appeal bid next week, his ride on Indian Lodge could go to Michael Kinane.
The meeting kicks off with Crimplene bidding for the Breeders` Cup Distaff.
She will be partnered by Frankie Dettori who will be in action at the track for the first time since Swain was beaten into third in the Breeders` Cup Classic two years ago.
Dettori has plenty to prove, having been heavily criticised in some quarters that day for allowing Swain to wander badly in the closing stages.
British racefans have been given a boost with the news that all eight races will be televised live on the Racing Channel.
The meeting begins with the Distaff at 6.12pm and concludes with the Classic at 10.10pm.
For the pessimists, the Tote are offering even-money that there will be no British-trained (excluding Godolphin) winners.
