One week after dirt-turned-turf performer Vela Azul captured the Japan Cup (G1), Jun Light Bolt illustrated the benefit of a surface switch in the opposite direction in Sunday’s Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.

UAE Derby (G2) star Crown Pride, who wound up 13th in the Kentucky Derby (G1), takes on reigning champion T O Keynes at Chukyo.

Elite campaigners from the world over descended upon Riyadh for the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), but the trophy stayed home thanks to 113-1 longshot Emblem Road.

Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) field includes defending champion Mishriff; Mandaloun and familiar foe Midnight Bourbon; fellow U.S. shippers Art Collector and Country Grammer; the Japanese duo of Breeders’ Cup shocker Marche Lorraine and champion T O Keynes; and the outstanding European turfistes Sealiway and Real World.

The progressive T O Keynes vaulted to the top of Japan’s dirt division with a dominant performance in Sunday’s $2 million Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.

Japan’s celebrated white filly Sodashi, who sports a win over Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) winner Loves Only You, will test her dirt aptitude in Sunday’s $2 million Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.