All eyes on Benbatl in Saudi Cup
riyadh — Godolphin’s tri-continental Group 1 winner Benbatl is rated 125, the highest of any horse competing on the Saudi Cup card.
A win for the 10-time Group 1 performer would be another highlight in the storied career of the Saeed bin Suroor-trained son of Dubawi, who has won Group 1 races in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Singapore, USA and UAE.
“It would mean a lot for us to win,” Bin Suroor said. “It is the first ever Saudi Cup and the first big international race in Saudi. It is a very important race and would be important for us to see him run well and win. He has been a very good Group 1 horse for us and very versatile. I’m very happy with him and I think he will give a good run.”
Benbatl exits a victory in the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 at Meydan Racecourse. A winner of half his 20 starts, he has earned more than $5.7 million, while winning top-level affairs in UAE, Australia and Germany. Additionally, he owns a Royal Ascot victory when landing the Group 3 Hampton Court in 2017.
Chrysoberyl (JPN) cantered steadily for half a lap on the dirt track on Wednesday morning. “He lost about 20kg during his journey to Saudi Arabia, which was an initial concern, but he was very relaxed today. He has been eating very well for the couple of days, so his condition is getting better. Christophe Soumillon will breeze him tomorrow,” trainer Hidetaka Otonashi said.
Meanwhile, Gold Dream (JPN) underwent some light exercise in the quarantine stable area. “He is getting familiarised with the new surroundings. I think all has gone well so far as he has never experienced running over the surface,” trainer Osamu Hirata said.