Prince Faisal's Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), victorious in last season's Saudi Cup in Riyadh, remains on course to defend his title in the $20-million race Feb. 26. The race will be run as a Group 1 for the first time this year.
“That's his target, the Saudi Cup, and as far as I know everything is on track,” said Ted Voute, racing manager to Prince Faisal.
Following last season's victory, the John and Thady Gosden trainee added a win in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan. Later that summer, the Irish-bred took the G1 Juddmonte International at York. Given two months off following the six-length score, the 2020 G1 Prix du Jockey Club victor returned to finish fourth in the G1 Champion S. at Ascot Oct.16.
“He's amazing, going back-to-back to Dubai and then Saudi, he's got an amazing constitution,” added Voute. “What I do know is that John said to me that he's thickened out even more and he's even stronger.”
The 5-year-old is currently listed as the second choice behind China Horse Club and WinStar Farm's Life Is Good (Into Mischief), winner of the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in November.
“We'll wait and see, I notice we're second favourite to one of the American horses which I like, that takes the pressure off a little bit!”
“Fingers crossed he stays in one piece and gets out there, it would be fun.”
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