Tedoum, Almad’agi, and RB Kingmaker Leave Their Mark on Riyadh

The filly captured the Fillies Mile, the colt took home the Sarawat Cup, and the Arabian star secured the Al Mneefah Cup (G1).

Tedoum was unstoppable in the Riyadh Fillies Mile / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).– Bearing the unmistakable seal of international racing and set against the unparalleled backdrop of King Aziz Racecourse, the opening day of the Saudi Cup (G1) weekend delivered high-voltage thrills, confirming Riyadh’s dirt track as one of the great epicenters of the racing world. On an afternoon where quality and strategy played a decisive role, figures like Tedoum, Almad’agi, and the timeless Arabian RB Kingmaker stole the spotlight, validating their exceptional form.

The meeting could not have started more spectacularly than with the Fillies Mile, where Tedoum (Street Sense) once again proved she is the undisputed queen of her generation in the Saudi capital. Defending the silks of Fehaid Muteb Alsubaie, the bay filly repeated the formula that brought her glory in the 1000 Guineas and the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Cup: a fierce closing kick full of class.

While Sioux Perfect (Sioux Nation) attempted a suicide mission at the front by setting blistering fractions, Tobah (Earthlight) bided her time to take command in the stretch. However, she didn't count on the skill of Nawaf Almudiani, who brought Tedoum with astonishing composure to hunt down the leader in the closing stages and prevail by 1 3/4 lengths. "She is a very good filly; I know her well, and she arrived in great shape," commented the jockey after stopping the clock in 1:40.86, handing a career-defining win to trainer Faisal Aladhayani.

Shortly after, local speed and power met in the Sarawat Cup, where Almad’agi put on a true show of superiority. Guided by multi-champion Adel Alfouraidi, the son of Honor A P stayed in the thick of the race, stalking Aez Alkhatir (Assez Clair) and surging with authority when it was time to go.

Turning for home, as Toufan Najd (Two Step Salsa) tried to strike along the rail, Almad’agi shifted gears effortlessly, drawing clear by 3 1/2 lengths. Such was the ease of the victory (1:13.66 for the 1,200 meters) that Adel Alfouraidi allowed himself a celebratory gesture to the crowd before crossing the wire. "He is a champion. This gets me ready for my Saudi Cup engagements tomorrow," the rider warned, while Joel Rosario, who finished third with Azmaat (Flashy Bull), highlighted the level of competition and the Kingdom's hospitality.

The ultimate note of prestige came in the finale with the Al Mneefah Cup (G1), the $1.5 million event for Purebred Arabians on the turf, where RB Kingmaker wrote a golden chapter by achieving back-to-back victories. Following a disappointing effort in Abu Dhabi, Helal Nasser A Alalawi's trainee returned to his "backyard" to show why he is a specialist at this distance and surface.

Under a pinpoint ride from Italy’s Cristian Demuro, the son of Baseq Al Khalediah traveled along the rail, saving ground throughout. Midway through the stretch, after a brief moment of being boxed in, RB Kingmaker found the gap and unleashed his finish. Although RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez), with Mickael Barzalona, tried to offer resistance, the 7-year-old veteran’s grit prevailed, crossing the wire half a length ahead in a time of 2:21.55.

The podium was completed by the French raider Lacaro Du Croate (No Risk Al Maury), closing a day that served as the perfect prologue for Saturday’s grand event.