Leading Saudi Arabian stable has key chances through the meeting
RIYADH, Arabia Saudita (Special for Turf Diario).- Thamer Aldaihani believes his new acquisition, Al Musmak (Ire), has the potential to pose the biggest threat to global sensation Romantic Warrior (Ire) in Saturday’s $20 million G1 Saudi Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s soon-to-be champion trainer, who holds a commanding lead in the national standings, will saddle two contenders in the main event at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Aldaihani has the utmost respect for Romantic Warrior but recognizes the challenge Hong Kong’s turf superstar faces in his first attempt on dirt.
Al Musmak, a two-time Listed winner in Britain for Roger Varian and owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, made an eye-catching Saudi debut on January 4.
“We wanted to give him a run to get him fit, but he needed to stay fresh for this,” Aldaihani said. “He raced on turf in England and won easily, but this is a much tougher race. We have the best horses in the world here.”
He added: “I’ve watched Romantic Warrior’s races—he’s the best in the world, an outstanding horse. If he handles the dirt, nobody can beat him.
“After two furlongs, you’ll know if Romantic Warrior can win or not. He has to break well and secure a good position early. Forever Young (Jpn) is a serious horse too.”
Aldaihani also sends out Wait To Excel (GB), a consistent performer who was runner-up in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, and remains optimistic about his chances.
“He’s training well, and I have confidence in him,” he said. “He loves the distance, loves the track, and has a big heart.
“He ran a strong race last time but was caught wide and lost too much ground. He can’t afford that in a race like this.”
Jockey Mohammad Aldaham takes the reins on Al Musmak, while Adel Alfouraidi will partner Wait To Excel.
Assessing his chances, Aldaihani stated: “Al Musmak is new to me, but if he runs like he did in England and adapts to the dirt—like Romantic Warrior—then it will be between Romantic Warrior and Al Musmak, I’m sure.”
Beyond the Saudi Cup, Aldaihani is especially eager for the $1.5 million Saudi Derby presented by ZOOD Realty, where he saddles the exciting Mhalhal (USA).
Fifth behind stablemate Mhally (GB) in the 2000 Guineas (Saudi Derby Qualifier) Sponsored by Saudi National Bank, Mhalhal rebounded with a dominant victory earlier this month.
“This horse reminds me of Forever Young last year,” Aldaihani said. “He will win here, then go to Dubai, and I hope, eventually, to America. He’s a top-class horse.
“When he ran in the trial, he had been in the quarantine box for two weeks and had only trained for eight or nine days. Then he ran 1600 meters easily, and if the jockey had really pushed him, he might have broken the track record.”
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