Argentine Intense For Me, the Weekend’s Headliner at King Abdulaziz

The 2024 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) winner makes his return in Saudi Arabia; he hasn’t raced since competing in the Saudi Cup

Intense For Me Returns in Saudi Arabia After Disappointing Saudi Cup Run / JCSA

RIYADH, Arabia Saudita (Special for Turf Diario).- Several stakes and cups will be contested this week at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, but all eyes will be on the return of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent runners: the Argentine Intense For Me, winner of the 2024 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), who will reappear this Saturday in the eighth race of the card.

The race is an Open over 2000 meters on dirt, with nine entries—a demanding test that marks the second start for the Fortify colt under trainer Abdulaziz Meshref, who took over his preparation earlier this year following his purchase by owner Muhaideb Abdullah Almuhaideb. Rated 114, the Argentine arrived in Saudi Arabia aiming for the Saudi Cup (G1), in which he competed in February without success. This intermediate engagement could serve as a steppingstone on the way back to next February’s richest race in the world.

Since his arrival, Intense For Me has generated excitement among local racing fans, not only due to his South American credentials—including the Pellegrini victory—but also for the hope of seeing him regain international prominence. His previous Saudi campaign was limited to the 2025 Saudi Cup, where he finished well off the pace, struggling with some physical issues. However, recent works indicate a clear recovery. With his preparation sharpened and the distance to his liking, he is expected to be the favorite on Saturday.

His main danger appears to be Wootton’sun, ninth in the last Saudi Cup and representing the successful Abdullah Al Kahtani–Adel Alfouraidi partnership. The Wootton Bassett colt races for Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz, who also has another runner in the race, Derevo (Dansili), to be ridden by Nawaf Almudiani, both representing the Red Stable.

The powerful Red Stable also fields top contenders in the Eastern Governance Region Cup (2400 m), including Jack Red Cloud (Sioux Nations) with Adel Alfouraidi, who competed in the Red Sea Turf Handicap in February, and Motafared (Cloud Computing), fresh off a win over stablemate Taif National Day Open before changing hands.

Saturday’s card opens with an intriguing Arabian Thoroughbred Open over 1600 meters, featuring 19 entries led by Angad Al Khalediah (Laith Al Khalediah) and Anouar (Al Tair), who dead-heated in last month’s King Khaled Racecourse Championship in Taif. Angad Al Khalediah, in the colors of Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sons, will be ridden by Tariq Almansour, while Anouar keeps the French rider Nawaf Almudiani aboard.

Friday highlights include the General Intelligence Presidency Cup (1600 m), where veteran Defunded (Dialed In)seeks to regain his standing after a string of modest performances. The seven-year-old, who arrived from Bob Baffert’s barn with high expectations, has been well beaten in the last two editions of the Saudi Cup and will aim to recapture his form under trainer Abdulaziz Meshref with Fahad Alfouraidi in the irons. Competition is stiff, including Carmel Road (Quality Road), Electability (Quality Road), Ajwadi (Dutch Art), and Uncle (Harry Angel).

The program also features the Africa Cup (1800 m) for locally bred runners, marking the return of the unbeaten Yaroa (Premium Tap), the sensation of last season. The White Stable trainee won all three starts, highlighted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G1) for local runners, ridden by Camilo Ospina. He will face stablemates Mafroodh (Alnajim Althakeb) and Mayhamah (Montiridge), plus Red Stable runners Mashmookh (Dubai Destination) with Luis Morales and Alghadaf (Chief Havoc) ridden by Abdullah Alkredis.

With anticipated returns, international stars, and several of the best local horses in action, the weekend at King Abdulaziz Racecourse promises a preview of what is to come in the 2026 Saudi Cup. At the center of attention will be Intense For Me, an Argentine champion aiming to shine once again on a track that is beginning to feel like home.