Despite regional war and torrential rain this week, Meydan will stage the 30th Dubai World Cup extravaganza on Saturday.

Hitherto campaigned as a sprinter/miler, Juddmonte Farms’ homebred Laurel River vindicated trainer Bhupat Seemar’s bold decision to try about 1 1/4 miles in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1).

Tuz is capable of a big effort on his day, and the Bhupat Seemar trainee picked a good time to deliver an explosive display in Saturday’s $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan.

On another banner night on the world stage for Japan, Triple Crown-nominated Crown Pride rolled in Saturday’s $1 million UAE Derby (G2) and staked claims to represent his homeland in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Unplaced in his two previous attempts in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), eight-year-old Switzerland finally reached a new career high in Saturday’s renewal at Meydan.

Grade 1 star Hot Rod Charlie takes his game on the road to Meydan for Friday’s $350,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (G2), his prep for the Mar. 26 Dubai World Cup (G1).