The chestnut continues to improve, and his Tuesday gallop was solid; the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez winner remains in top form, fueling high expectations; Gustavo Calvente was unable to travel earlier but will make the trip tonight
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent for Turf Diario a Arabia Saudita)
RIYADH, Arabia Saudita.- "Are we in winter?" jokes the reporter to Sarah Tregoning, Head of Media for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, during their first exchange after the long journey. "Yes, it's cold," the Irishwoman replies with a friendly smile, holding a cup of coffee in her hands.
The climate here is surprising—humidity is usually non-existent, and heat reigns supreme. Yet, as the hours pass, the temperature remains unseasonably low. But beyond the weather, everything in Riyadh is already in full Saudi Cup (G1) mode. The world’s richest horse race will hold its sixth edition this Saturday, marking the first time with Argentine representation. As already known, El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) and Intense for Me (Fortify) will carry the hopes of Argentina and South America in the 1,800-meter G1 event, facing some of the most elite dirt runners globally, including Forever Young (Real Steel), the high-profile Japanese contender. Completing a formidable Argentine trio, Giustino (Full Mast)—last year’s G1 Polla de Potrillos winner at Palermo—will compete in the Saudi Derby (G3).
With no time to rest, the first stop early Tuesday morning was the King Abdulaziz Racetrack, where El Kodigo looked in pristine condition, showing no signs of fatigue from the long journey. His presence alone fuels optimism for a strong performance. The same can’t be said for Intense for Me, who, now out of quarantine after arriving well ahead of his countryman, has been training in the early hours—between 2 and 3 a.m.. The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) winner, who edged out El Kodigo in that December showdown, is steadily regaining his sharpness. His gallop on Tuesday suggested clear improvement.
As for the Argentine contingent, Gustavo Calvente was initially scheduled to arrive in Riyadh early Wednesday morning. However, a bureaucratic issue prevented him from boarding his Turkish Airlines flight Monday night. With the matter now resolved, he is expected to fly out today, land Thursday, and head straight to the track to reunite with El Kodigo.
The countdown to the Saudi Cup continues. The anticipation builds. The dreams grow stronger. And while the team keeps both feet on the ground, dreaming—just maybe—might not be out of reach.
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