As a late addition to the field for Saturday’s $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), Dark Saffron was an unlikely candidate to crash the Straight No Chaser versus Tuz party for several reasons.

The Dubai World Cup (G1) anchors a quartet of Breeders' Cup Challenge races at Meydan Saturday, and earlier on the card, the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby concludes with the UAE Derby (G2).

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.

Defending champion Ushba Tesoro will meet 11 challengers in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan.

American speedster Sibelius dethroned locally-based Switzerland in a whirlwind finish to Saturday’s $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at Meydan.

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.

The Dubai World Cup (G1) may be the showpiece of dirt racing on Saturday at Meydan, but there’s also a Kentucky Derby qualifier, a Group 1 sprint and a Group 2 mile.