Probable fields for the two-day Saudi Cup meeting have been released – with Pegasus World Cup winner National Treasure confirmed as an intended runner in the world’s richest race in Riyadh on Feb 24.
The Preakness Stakes hero joins a five-strong US contingent for the $20m Saudi Cup, which is also set to feature five runners who competed in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic headed by the winner White Abarrio and Japanese-trained runner-up Derma Sotogake.
A surprise entry is Aidan O’Brien-trained Luxembourg, who would be making his debut on dirt.
Likely fields for Saudi Cup card
White Abarrio will be under new silks at King Abdulaziz racecourse after a part purchase by Saudi owner Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose red and white colours he will be carrying in the 14-runner affair.
Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro and Godolphin’s Japanese dirt star Lemon Pop are also confirmed in what looks a red-hot renewal. Compatriots Crown Pride and dual Teio Sho winner Meisho Hario have also been confirmed.
The participation of Bob Baffert-trained National Treasure was confirmed by Tom Ryan, racing manager of co-owner SF Racing. “We wanted to see how he came out of the race,” Ryan said on Thursday, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. “The horse is always going to tell you. All the indicators are right.”
Pegasus runner-up Senor Buscador is also Saudi Cup-bound; another leading fancy will be Saudi Crown, who last month made a winning return to action as a four-year-old in G3 company at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Pegasus fourth Hoist The Gold has also made the cut.
Bathrat Leon and Casa Creed, separated by a head in last year’s 1351 Turf Sprint, will renew rivalry in the $2m contest, sponsored by the Saudi National Bank and now upgraded to G2 level.
Six-time Group winner Art Power, last seen recording a shock 40-1 win in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot, heads the European team here alongside Ireland’s Matilda Picotte.
Also elevated to G2 status is the Howden-sponsored Neom Turf Cup over 2,100 metres, which has attracted entries from Qatar, the UK, Japan, Bahrain and the UAE taking on the domestic runners. Bahrain International Trophy winner Spirit Dancer and Jack Darcy, who has joined the Gosdens, feature here.
Yorkshire Cup winner Giavellotto is set to reappear in the $2.5m Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, while an eyecatching runner in the Saudi Derby is Forever Young.
Trained by global pioneer Yoshito Yahagi, he is unbeaten in three an currently leads the way in the ‘Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series. Yahagi won last year’s Saudi Cup with Panthalassa, who has been retired.
• Visit the Saudi Cup website
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