Speed, Stamina, Marquee Names, and Win and You’re In Berths for the Breeders' Cup

The Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2), the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2), and the 1351 Turf Sprint (G3) round out the massive international meeting.

Imagination, another strong hand for Bob Baffert in Riyadh / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).– Beyond the Saudi Cup (G1), the Neom Turf Cup (G1), and the Saudi Derby (G3), the high-profile card at King Abdulaziz Racecourse is completed by a series of stakes races that, given the depth of the fields, provide a truly world-class festival atmosphere to the meeting.

Boasting a $2.5 million purse, the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2-3,000m, turf) features a distinct European accent this year. Aside from Japanese contenders Struve (King Kamehameha) and Vermicelles (Gold Ship), the field brings together seasoned stayers and horses on a sharp upward trajectory.

Much of the focus is on the last two winners of the Melrose Handicap at York, a traditional source of progressive stayers. Tabletalk, trained by Tom Clover, was gelded following his last start at Chester, and his connections are confident that the firm Riyadh ground will enhance his stride. He faces Tarriance, a Juddmonte-bred son of Frankel conditioned by Andrew Balding. The 2025 Melrose winner’s only blemish came in the St Leger (G1) over heavy going; all signs suggest the dry conditions here will suit him.

The veteran Epic Poet (Lope De Vega), runner-up in this race last year, returns for David O’Meara following a preparation that included a stint in Dubai. Versatile by nature, he can track the pace or wait for a closing run.

Joseph O’Brien holds a strong hand with Tennessee Stud (third in the Derby and winner of the Prix Dollar) and Sons And Lovers (G3 Ballyroan Stakes). Also drawing interest is Burdett Road (Muhaarar), second in the Champion Hurdle and a recent placer in Dubai—an unusual profile for this event but one currently in peak form.

From France come the greys Presage Nocturne and Espoir Avenir, both G3 winners at Longchamp over the distance. The former was even favored in the most recent Melbourne Cup (G1), a testament to his international standing.

In the always thrilling 1351 Turf Sprint (G3-1,351m, turf), Annaf (Muhaarar), a winner here two years ago, returns seeking redemption. He will face Lazzat (Territories), a high-class G1 winner looking to add to the international haul of French trainer Jérôme Reynier.

Donnacha O’Brien saddles Comanche Brave (Wootton Bassett), who cuts back in distance following his recent outing in Abu Dhabi and will be guided by Ryan Moore. The trainer is confident his natural speed will prove the difference.

Japan sends Panja Tower (Tower Of London), winner of the NHK Mile (G1), a versatile individual capable of adapting to the intense tempo of the extended sprint.

Pure dirt speed takes center stage in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2-1,200m, dirt), where Bob Baffert presents Imagination (Into Mischief), the recent runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). He will once again face American Stage, who finished fourth behind him at Del Mar. Emerging from Japan is Yamanin Cerchi (Four Wheel Drive), clearly on the improve following a string of Listed wins and a second in the Capella Stakes (G3).

Thus, between European stayers, elite turf sprinters, and proven dirt speedsters, Riyadh offers a complete menu that confirms its status at the forefront of global racing.