Acknowledgemeplz Crosses the Globe in Pursuit of Derby Points

The Doug O'Neill trainee will start in this Saturday's Saudi Derby (G3); the trainer will also send out Zio Jo in the 1351 Turf Sprint

The flashy chestnut caught everyone's eye during the morning sessions in Riyadh / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).— When it comes to chasing major purses, Doug O’Neill knows exactly how to play his hand. The American trainer, a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner with Nyquist (Uncle Mo) and a legendary figure through the feats of Lava Man (Slew City Slew), returns to Saudi Arabia with a new hope: Acknowledgemeplz. This Saturday, he will take his place in the Saudi Derby (G3), contested over 1,600 meters with a $1.5 million purse at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.

A son of Bucchero, the flashy chestnut arrives with an intriguing profile and solid credentials. “He’s always been a horse with natural talent, and receiving the invitation was incredible,” said O’Neill. “He has speed, some stamina, and a beautiful stride. He’s a bit tricky around the turns, which is why I think two turns might be too much for him right now. But a one-turn mile like this fits him perfectly.”

His campaign, though brief, has sent clear signals. He won in his second start, defeating the well-regarded Blacksmith (Liam's Map)—trained by Bob Baffert—who later finished second in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). Most recently, in the San Vicente Stakes (G2) over seven furlongs, he set blistering fractions—including a second quarter-mile in :21.53—and finished third, just over two lengths back.

The mount will be in the hands of Flavien Prat, the reigning champion jockey in the United States, who will need to navigate what promises to be an intense pace. Among the rivals are the speedy Obliteration (Violence), trained by Steve Asmussen, and a strong Japanese delegation led by Satono Voyage (Into Mischief), all possessing marked early speed.

“I’m excited to have Flavien aboard,” O’Neill noted. “He has something magical with horses, and I hope he can bring out the best in him. He doesn't necessarily need the lead; he can sit off it.”

The trainer confessed that he has worked specifically on getting his trainee to relax. “We’ve done everything to help him find a calmer rhythm. We’ve exercised him to relax and finish better. We haven't seen him go around two turns again yet, but he’s improving. He’s not a 'one-gear' horse; he has several gears, and this one-turn mile is ideal.”

Owned by Purple Rein Racing and Mark Davis, Acknowledgemeplz will be O’Neill’s second representative in the history of the Saudi meeting. In 2020, during the inaugural edition, he sent out Legends of War (Scat Daddy), who finished sixth in the 1351 Turf Sprint.

There are heavy-hitting names behind the project. Jeanie Buss, current Governor and former majority owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, is part of Purple Rein Racing along with Davis, president of Precision Electric Group.

“Jeanie and Mark are fantastic owners; they love the horses and the racing,” O’Neill concluded. “It would be wonderful to win for them. Unfortunately, they won't be able to travel, but they are proud to have been invited and hope we can put up a fight.”

Additionally, O’Neill has also entered Zio Jo (Nyquist), owned by Quattro Navarro Farms, in the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2), expanding his presence on the richest night in global turf.

With experience on the big stages and a fast colt that seems to have found his ideal distance, Doug O’Neill returns to Riyadh determined to show that when big money is on the line, he knows how to make his horses perform.