Richard Hughes has said that he believes Paco Boy represents the best hope of an English-trained success at Saturday's Dubai World Cup meeting.

The Irishman, who rides the seven-furlong specialist in the $5million Dubai Duty Free for father-in-law Richard Hannon, thinks the four-year-old has a "helluva chance" and that the 1m 1f trip will prove "no problem at all".

"When Goldikova beat us over a mile in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp in September she squeezed us up badly and I had a lot of horse left. He ran on right to the line in third," said Hughes.

"I accept Paco Boy has never won over further than seven furlongs, but there isn't a man in Europe who saw his win in the Prix de la Foret last October that could argue against him getting further. Saturday's trip will be no problem at all."

He added: "I know this is a mile and 195yds, but there are three bends in the race which will help our cause."

Hannon shares his jockey's optimism saying: "Both Ryan [Moore] and Richard think he will be okay over a mile and they should know." Moore, who has partnered Paco Boy to three wins, will be in opposition aboard course winner Presvis for Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani.

Hannon was delighted at how the son of Desert Style has settled in following the journey to Dubai.

"Paco Boy flew out on Saturday and took it all well. I couldn't be happier with his preparation and I'm not worried about it being his first run of the season as he goes well fresh."

Twelve months ago, Hughes was aboard Youmzain in the mile-and-a-half Dubai Sheema Classic but, having subsequently lost the ride to Richard Hills after finishing third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, he will have to watch from the stands this weekend.

However, Hughes feels that Mick Channon's six-year-old, who runs in the race for a third time, isn't favoured by conditions. He said: "The quick ground won't help as he definitely acts better when there is give underfoot."

DUBAI DUTY FREE ODDS (William Hill): 9-2 Paco Boy, 11-2 Archipenko, 7 Vodka, 8 Lady Marian, Presvis, 10 Gladiatorus, Kip Deville, 11 Jay Peg, 14 Balius, 16 others.