Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Tacitus eyeing a ‘home win’
V ICTORY for Tacit us in the inaugural Saudi Cup would be of huge personal satisfaction to owner Khalid Abdullah.
A member of the Saudi royal family, Abdullah is recognised globally as one of the most prominent owner/breeders in the sport through his Juddmonte Farms operation.
Thoroughbred greats such as Dancing Brave, Enable and Frankel have all worn his famous colours – but, for obvious reasons, winning the world’s most valuable race in his home country tomorrow would be a special success.
Trained by Bill Mott, Tacitus is without a win since April but was placed in many of America’s major three-year-old races last season, such as the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
“I think, basically, from as soon as this race was devised, Prince Khalid had his eye on it – from day one!” said Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe.
“It clearly would mean a lot to him but it is a seriously important race in its own right.”
Tacitus has credentials.
Grimthorpe added: “We’ve always thought a good deal of him, and the way he set off last year in the Tampa Bay Derby and the Wood (Memorial) he looked booked for a good season.
“He ran very consistently in the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont and the Travers.
“Obviously, he’s had six months off, he’s apparently travelled very well there but it will be a big ask for him.
“His regular rider Jose Ortiz has an injury, so Jose Lezcano will ride.”
TOP Power is far from one of Andrew Balding’s leading lights but he has been found his best
encouraging opportunity yet to open his account in the Betway Novice Stakes at Newcastle this evening.
While he has not won in seven outings to date, he has shown enough ability to suggest winning a race such as this should be a formality.
He has a BHA rating of 79 and the drop in trip looks beneficial.
Perhaps crucially, this is his first run since he has been gelded.
Lexington Force was a very impressive winner on debut and is taken to follow up in the Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Novice Stakes.
Richard Hannon’s charge is taking on older horses here but was so impressive first time up that it is not expected to be a problem.
He was a 25-1 winner at Kempton, which suggests he had not been showing too much at home but, unfortunately, he will not be anything like that price this time round.