A Cold Shower for the Saudi Cup: Laurel River Withdrawn, El Kodigo Arrives in Riyadh in Perfect Condition

The Argentine horse arrived at the airport almost simultaneously with the sad announcement from Dubai

Laurel River will now focus on securing the 10 points needed for the Dubai World Cup / DRC

DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Special for Turf Diario).- In the morning hours in Argentina, the news that Laurel River would not run in next week’s Saudi Cup (G1, 1800m, dirt), the world’s richest race, at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, came as a cold shower. This announcement was made almost simultaneously with the arrival of Argentine horse El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) in Riyadh, who landed in perfect condition following his trip from Buenos Aires, despite a slight delay.

On the other hand, Bhupat Seemar, trainer for Juddmonte Farm's horse, explained to the Dubai Racing Club that Laurel River had suffered a minor physical setback, which caused him to miss his preparatory workout. As a result, he would not be able to earn the 10 points required for the race. "He’ll take two weeks of rest and should return in top form after that," Seemar added.

Named the best horse in the world in 2024 alongside City of Troy (Justify) by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Into Mischief-sired colt had resumed racing a few weeks ago, finishing second in the Firebreak Stakes (G3) at Meydan over a mile after a 10-month absence following his dominant victory in the Dubai World Cup (G1) in late March 2024.

The withdrawal of Laurel River changes the landscape, notably giving a place to the last of the four reserves originally selected. This is Wootton's Sun (Wootton Bassett), a French runner based locally, who had already been assigned and confirmed for the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap (G3, 3000m, turf). Now, Scotland Yard (Quality Road), another horse based in Riyadh with a solid campaign there, has taken his spot on the waiting list.

With Laurel River out, the path is now clearer for Walk of Stars (Dubawi), also trained by Bhupat Seemar, who comes into the race with two important consecutive victories at Meydan, Dubai, as his credentials. He was expected to be a tough contender for Laurel River, with an anticipated scorching pace up front. The absence of the star horse undoubtedly changes the tactical dynamic of the race.