Intense for Me couldn't turn things around on the turf either, in Saudi Arabia

The 2024 Pellegrini winner faltered in the Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup (L), finishing 17 1/2 lengths behind Bolide Porto, who won for the second consecutive season and qualified for the Neom Turf Cup (G1)

Bolide Porto won a beautiful race along the inside, with Camilo Ospina / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).— It was not the dream afternoon for the Argentine Intense for Me (Fortify), winner of the 2024 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), who finished seventh this Friday in the Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup (L). This marked his first effort on the turf in Saudi Arabia. The chestnut had already raced three times in the country, always on dirt without being a factor, and now tried the surface where he performs best, though without finding the expected result at King Abdulaziz Racetrack.

In contrast, the race once again featured Bolide Porto (Le Havre) as the star. He repeated his victory in this traditional commitment, securing his spot for the second consecutive year in the Neom Turf Cup (G1), one of the marquee events of the Saudi Cup (G1) weekend on February 14.

Representing the White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons, the 5-year-old was masterfully handled by Colombian jockey Camilo Ospina, who kept him tucked along the rails throughout the 2,100-meter trip, saving ground to launch his attack just in time. In a thrilling finish, Bolide Porto denied Direct Security (Sioux Nation), ridden by Joel Rosario, by a head, once again proving his affinity for the Saudi turf.

“I love these colors; they always bring me luck. On this track, it often pays to stay inside and save ground, and today it worked out perfectly,” explained Ospina, delighted after sealing a victory that puts his mount back among the elite of the Kingdom's turf ranks.

The day also saw other names heading toward the big date in February. The White Stable secured a second qualifier when Sayyah (Karakontie) delivered a dominant performance in the Red Sea Turf Qualifier, presented by Baden Group. With Naif Alanazi in the irons, the 4-year-old handled the 3,000 meters for the first time without issue, settled near a strong pace, and drew away with authority in the stretch, marking his third consecutive win following his previous success in the Crown Prince Cup (L).

Now a winner in 7 of 14 starts, Sayyah has earned his place in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2), one of the festival's richest prizes with $2.5 million in total purse.

Another story of redemption was written by Zefzaf (Mo Town), confirming the favorable outlook once shared by Jimmy Jerkins when he trained him in the United States. Now under new connections, the six-year-old won the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier, sponsored by Saudia, sealing his ticket for the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2) on the big night.

With Joel Rosario back in stellar form—coming off a triple on Thursday—Zefzaf capitalized on a demanding pace and closed strongly from the back to claim victory. “The race developed very well, there was plenty of pace and he responded fantastically. He’s a very nice horse,” summarized the Dominican rider, one of the standout figures of the meeting.

Also set for a top-tier appointment is the promising Adeeb Al Shahania (Jalnar Al Jhalidiah), who shone in the Al-Mneefah Qualifier, presented by SHG. With Muhammad Aldaham in the irons, the 5-year-old Purebred Arabian showed grit from the front, bouncing back from a fourth-place finish last week in the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup (G1), where he had faced the rising Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah (Laith Al Kaladiah).

Owned by Khalid Saeed A. Alsayed, Adeeb Al Shahania notched his fourth win in six starts and secured a spot in the Al-Mneefah Cup (G1) on February 13, another highlight for Purebred Arabians.

In a day filled with emotion and tickets to the Saudi Cup festival, Saudi racing once again showcased its growth and draw. For Argentine racing, there remains the bitter taste of Intense for Me’s performance, failing to stand out in his first local turf experience, but gaining experience in a highly demanding environment. Meanwhile, figures like Bolide Porto, Sayyah, and Zefzaf are already dreaming of shining again in February, when Riyadh will once more be the center of the racing world.