Two runners dominate $20 million Saudi Cup
American dirt superstars Charlatan and Knicks Go can dominate the second running of the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
Twelve months ago the race, worth a staggering $20m, was won by Maximum Security, leading home a 1-2-4-5 for Americantrained horses.
Knicks Go has thrived since switched to Brad Cox early last year, reeling off four wins including the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile when lowering the track record with a devastating front-running performance. Four weeks ago, he won the $2.9m Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, making all, once again, under Joel Rosario.
Nicely drawn in stall No 5, Knicks Go could be hard to catch and will take plenty of stopping. He seeks to join the mighty Arrogate and reel off consecutive wins at the Breeders’ Cup, Pegasus World Cup and Saudi Cup.
Bob Baffert forays to the Middle East have historically been very successful, winning the Dubai World Cup three times. Lightly raced Charlatan, trained by Baffert, arrives in Saudi Arabia in top form, coming off an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita in late December following a near eightmonth layoff.
The four-year-old was returning from a spell on the sidelines following surgery after sustaining an injury when winning a division of the Arkansas Derby, a race he subsequently lost after testing positive for a banned substance. He’s very unexposed, having just his fifth race.
Locally owned Mishriff, trained by John Gosden, looks the pick of the international contingent. He has form over the course when a staying on second to Flat Out in the Saudi Derby 12 months ago, a very decent effort on his dirt debut.
The Make Believe colt progressed back in Europe, winning the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) and returns to the Middle East an improved horse. He has each-way claims.
Space Blues, regarded as the banker on the card, spearheads Godolphin’s three-pronged assault on the 1351 Turf Sprint, Race 2. Winner of the Prix Maurice de Gheest (Group 1), he is well clear on ratings and is the class act of the race.
However, he will start a shortpriced favourite and doesn’t represent value. He lacks a recent run and I have fears the ground could be too fast.
Glorious Journey, a fast-finishing third behind Dark Power in last year’s renewal, caught the eye on his recent comeback at Meydan, staying on nicely to run third behind Land Of Legends. With the benefit of the run, he can reverse the form with the winner, who renews rivalry and has the services of in-form rider Adrie de Vries for trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
Dark Power caused a massive surprise 12 months ago, getting up close home under an inspired ride from Frankie Dettori. The Bahrain raider, trained by Allan Smith, demands obvious respect as the Italian rider has remained loyal, having partnered Land Of Legends to victory in the recent Al Fahidi Fort.
TAB will be betting on the entire meeting and it will be shown live on Tellytrack.
All races will be commingled for Win, Place, Exacta, Swinger, Trifecta, Quartet, Double (Races 2-3; 6-7; 7-8), Pick 3 (Races 1-3; 6-8).
SA POOLS: Place Accumulator (RACES 2-8), Jackpot (RACES 5-8).