Final Fields Set for Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racetrack
Por Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent of Turf Diario in Riyadh, Arabia Saudita)
RIYADH, Arabia Saudita.- The final fields are set for Saturday’s highly anticipated Saudi Cup (G1) meeting, with El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) and Intense for Me (Fortify) facing a field of 12 rivals in the $20 million feature event. Meanwhile, Giustino (Full Mast) is set to take on 10 competitors in the Saudi Derby (G3).
With local contender Scotland Yard (Quality Road) listed as a reserve, El Kodigo will carry saddlecloth 3, while Intense for Me has been assigned 6. The confirmed runners have been listed alphabetically, with post positions set to be drawn later on Wednesday afternoon.
In contrast, the Saudi Derby draw is already complete—Giustino will break from post 7, sporting saddlecloth 1, and will have the services of top jockey Mickael Barzalona. Carrying 59.5 kg—giving 4.5 kg to Northern Hemisphere colts and 6.5 kg to fillies—he will take on the likes of Golden Vekoma (Vekoma), the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) winner from Meydan.
The Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2, 1200m, dirt) will feature a 12-runner lineup, with Japanese speedster Remake (Lani) attempting to defend his title from last year. However, the challenge will be fierce, particularly from Straight No Chaser (Speightster), the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner from the United States.
In the Neom Turf Cup (G2, 2100m, turf), another defending champion returns as Spirit Dancer (Frankel) seeks to repeat, racing for an ownership group that includes Sir Alex Ferguson. He will face a strong field, including A Shin Emperor (Siyouni) from Japan and Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett), a two-time G1 winner.
The 1351 Turf Sprint (G3, 1351m, turf) also sees a titleholder looking to retain his crown—Annaf (Muhaarar). Among his main challengers is Howard Wolowitz (Munnings), the Venezuelan-bred runner trained by José D'Angelo.
Finally, the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2, 3000m, turf) promises an elite staying contest, headlined by Deira Mile (Camelot) and Al Nayyir (Dubawi).
The program will also feature two handicaps and the Obaiyah Arabian Classic (G1, 2000m, dirt), the premier event for Purebred Arabians.
Comments