The Pellegrini winner was the second name drawn, while the Ramírez hero was the last to be selected
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent of Turf Diario in Riyadh, Arabia Saudita)
RIYADH, Arabia Saudita.- The post-position draw for the Saudi Cup (G1) on Wednesday night produced mixed results, though only a few of the connections of the 14 participants left with unfavorable feelings.
For Intense for Me and El Kodigo, the two Argentine and South American horses set to compete next Saturday in the world’s richest horse race, the outcomes of the draw were quite different.
The winner of the Carlos Pellegrini was the second name drawn and landed post 2, while the hero of the Ramírez (G1) in Uruguay was the last to appear in the draw, securing post 13.
The Hong Kong champion, Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), will break from post 3 in the Saudi Cup, which has a purse of $20 million.
The world’s highest-earning horse generated enormous interest upon his arrival in the country, and he even became the center of attention during a brief paddock walk at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon.
After the post-position draw, held at the Cultural Village, trainer Danny Shum and jockey James McDonald analyzed their position on the track, as Romantic Warrior prepares to transfer his outstanding turf performance to the Saudi dirt.
“We’re happy with the draw,” McDonald said after his wife Katelyn picked the number on stage. “We didn’t have any particular expectations regarding the draw. He’s shown great form on the dirt, the whole team is happy with his condition, and my horse has great early speed.”
One of the main challengers will be the Japanese Forever Young (Real Steel), returning to Riyadh a year after his victory in the Saudi Derby (G3). However, he didn’t have the same luck in the draw, as he will start from the uncomfortable post 14.
His trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, was not overly concerned: “I don’t pay much attention to the draw, but I prefer an outside post over an inside one.”
The American Rattle N Roll (Connect), winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G1) last month, will break from post 7.
“We like post 7, it’s great,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “He has a strong late kick, we’re excited to be here, and we feel we have an advantage because he’s already won at this track.”
“The calendar has favored us this year. He’s come back bigger, stronger, and better, and we believe this race is perfect for him,” he added.
Meanwhile, in great form, Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) will break from post 6, while the French Facteur Cheval(Ribchester), coming off a third-place finish in the Al Maktoum Challenge (G2) in Dubai, will start from post 12.
“He’s improved with each race, and I believe he still has more to give,” said trainer Bhupat Seemar about Walk Of Stars. “I just hope he adapts well to the environment, but he’s in very good form.”
The Japanese Ushba Tesoro (Orfevre) will break from post 1, a position that trainer Noboru Takagi considered favorable: “I think he will handle it well, he’s a horse that comes from behind.”
Regarding Wilson Tesoro (Kitasan Black), who will start from post 4, he added: “His physical condition has improved a lot, so I have high expectations. I think it’s a good draw for him.”
The other Japanese representative, Ramjet (Majestic Warrior), will break from post 9. His trainer, Shozo Sasaki, commented: “I’m happy with the draw. He traveled well, and we’re looking forward to the race.”
Rounding out the field: Al Musmak (Night of Thunder) (10), Defunded (Dialed In) (11), Wait To Excel (Postponed) (8), and Wootton’sun (Wootton Bassett) (5).
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