Muhaideb Abdullah Almuhaideb’s representative optimistic about argentine contenders ahead of Saudi Cup (G1)
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent for Turf Diario a Riyadh, Arabia Saudita)
RIYADH, Arabia Saudita.- With just days remaining until Saturday’s G1 Saudi Cup, the team behind El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) and Intense for Me (Fortify) remains optimistic about the chances of their Argentine contenders in the world’s richest race.
Khalid bin Mishrif, representing Muhaideb Abdullah Almuhaideb, has been a driving force behind the local operation managing both South American runners as they approach the defining challenge of their careers.
“El Kodigo looks fantastic, traveled exceptionally well, and we are thrilled to see these Argentine horses take on such strong competition in a race that will be watched across the globe. Never before has this race assembled so many superstars, which only elevates its prestige,” Bin Mishrif said.
“With a bit of luck, they will perform well. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked with them back home before they shipped out because they arrived here in outstanding condition. It truly feels like we are all one team, both in Argentina and here in Riyadh,” he added.
Intense for Me had his final piece of work in Riyadh, which left connections pleased, while El Kodigo completed his last serious drill in Buenos Aires before traveling. The team now awaits jockey Gustavo Calvente, who will arrive shortly to provide critical input ahead of race day. Camilo Ospina, a longtime fixture in Saudi racing, will take the reins on Intense for Me.
“The distance will be shorter than what they’ve been running, but they are versatile horses who can adjust well. They’ll be facing global superstars, but they are stars themselves. We believe in them and expect the best,” Bin Mishrif said.
When asked why they targeted two of Argentina’s top performers for this opportunity, he explained:
“They have always shown class—just like Full Serrano (Full Mast), who won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, or Subsanador (Fortify), who took the G1 California Crown at Santa Anita. That’s why we chose Intense for Me and El Kodigo. After this race, where Argentina and Saudi Arabia come together, everyone will be talking about them.”
As for the possibility of both horses continuing on to the Dubai World Cup (G1), Bin Mishrif remains measured:
“It will depend on how they come out of the race. The priority is keeping them sound and in top form. If they are well, we will definitely consider Dubai. If not, we’ll save them for another opportunity. But we’ll take things one step at a time.”
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