Saudi Arabia | Horse Racing Free Tips

Knicks Go, Charlatan Battle in the Desert

Knicks Go (Paynter) and Charlatan (Speightstown), a pair of major forces headlining the American racing scene in 2020, take on 12 others in Saturday's $20-million Saudi World Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both Grade I winners in their latest starts, the pair represent two of America's leading trainers, Brad Cox, who took home his first Eclipse Award last season, and Bob Baffert, a 2020 finalist who had previously annexed four training titles.

Knicks Go, winner of the 2018 GI Breeders' Futurity S. while under the care of Ben Colebrook, marked his debut for Cox and Korea Racing Authority in 2020 with a victory in an 8 1/2-furlong optional claimer at Oaklawn last February. Off for the ensuing seven months, the grey romped by 10 1/4 lengths in a Keeneland optional claimer in October before posting an emphatic win in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at the Lexington oval Nov. 7. Well supported for his 2021 bow in the Jan. 23 GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. at Gulfstream, the Maryland bred once again proved best, winning by 2 3/4 lengths.

Knicks Go was keen during a 1600-meter gallop Friday morning under assistant trainer Dustin Dugas.

“He loves to train and is so difficult to handle sometimes,” Dugas said. “But he has a lot of talent, obviously, and is sitting on a big race. He's very, very fast and is extremely tough.”

It wouldn't be a big-money event without a Baffert-conditioned runner, and the Hall of Fame trainer is represented by the lightly-raced Charlatan in the latest renewal of the nine-furlong Saudi Cup. In his latest work prior to leaving the U.S., the chestnut completed seven furlongs in 1:24.60 at Santa Anita Feb. 7.

“[Charlatan] is doing well,” Baffert told the TDN. “He has a great mind and is getting over the track well. We feel good about our chances, but they still have to get around there. I love the way he worked when he left here. I didn't do much with him there, just a light little half [mile]. He was ready to run.”

An impressive winner in his first two starts at Santa Anita last winter, the SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Racing and Stonestreet Stables runner finished first but was demoted to ninth after testing positive for a banned substance in the May 2 GI Arkansas Derby before being forced to the sidelines with a minor ankle injury. The colt returned to action with a brilliant score in the Dec. 26 GI Malibu S. at Santa Anita.

Accompanied by Mike Smith, Charlatan drew post 9, while Knicks Go–who will be partnered by Joel Rosario–will exit stall five.

“He has to break well, but he has a nice post,” said Baffert. “Knicks Go is in there [and] Charlatan likes a target. [In the Malibu], he had [SW] Nashville [Speightstown] as his target and that worked out alright. It is a mile-and-an-eighth, but that long stretch gets demanding in the final sixteenth. There are good horses in there.”

No stranger to Riyadh, Prince A A Faisal's Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) was second in last season's Saudi Derby and will try to go one better in this year's Cup.

Jockey David Egan, who was in the irons in the Saudi Derby, has been aboard the 4-year-old for the last three mornings at track work.

“Similar to last year, Mishriff has been thriving since he arrived here in Riyadh,” he said. “He seems to really enjoy the style of training and the surface here in Saudi Arabia. He looks amazing, feels fresh and has been moving fluently up to the race.”

Following his Saudi sojourn, the Irish bred reeled off three consecutive victories over the summer, including Chantilly's G1 Prix du Jockey Club and the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville. He finished eighth in his latest start in Newmarket's G1 Qipco Champion S. in October.

“Mishriff looks stronger again since I saw him in Newmarket at the end of last year and he has traveled extremely well,” said Ted Voute, racing manager to Prince A A Faisal. “He has thrived over the winter. He looks well and ready for the race.”

He added, “David said he changed legs easily going into the turns and was a natural from that point of view. We're looking forward to the race.”

Japan offers a worthy contender in Chuwa Wizard (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}). Last December's G1 Champions Cup winner enjoyed an easy canter on the dirt track before a gate-schooling session Friday.

“He shipped to Dubai last year [for the Dubai World Cup Carnival], but had to fly back to Japan due to the cancellation of the race meetings. I think the travel experiences helped him a lot this time,” explained trainer Ryuji Okubo. “Last year, he lost 10 kg during the trip to Dubai, but this year he only lost 4 kg when he flew into Saudi Arabia. He is enjoying it here and is feeling really good. He is a very straightforward horse.”

Asked about his charge's inside post position, Okubo added, “He will start from barrier one, so we can make ground all the way through the race. I understand the American horses are very fast, but I expect Chuwa Wizard can track them and overtake them with his strong closing speed.”

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Irishman Shane Foley Celebrates ‘Massive’ Win In International Jockeys Challenge; Mike Smith Third

Irish star Shane Foley emerged triumphant in the second annual stc International Jockeys Challenge after taking two out of the four legs, each worth US $400,000, in the Saudi Arabian competition.

Fourteen internationally-renowned male and female jockeys from all over the globe took part but it was the Classic-winning Foley, who rides for trainer Jessica Harrington in Ireland, who took Friday night's honors with a total of 30 points for his two wins.

He said: “It's massive to win this. It's a nice break and during a quiet time for us during the winter, so it's nice to get away and get the opportunity. We have a runner tomorrow (Barbados in the Red Sea Turf Handicap), but these challenges are important for young jockeys to get noticed around the world and hopefully it might open a few doors somewhere else.

“We have all-weather racing back home, but it's nothing like the dirt (track) is here. I've ridden in Japan for a couple of winters and ridden in America and it's nice, it's different (to ride on dirt).

“It's great to win and obviously can't do my career any harm. I have a fantastic job at home and Jessica Harrington is a great person to work for who has a fantastic team of horses, so it's all good.

“Pat (Smullen, nine-times Irish champion jockey, who died last September) was massive and travelled and won races all around the world – here, Dubai, everywhere. He would probably be here instead of me representing Ireland if he were still around. He was a fantastic man who's left a big legacy and big boots to fill behind, so we're all trying our best.”

The 32-year-old scored in the second leg on Emblem Star and prompted joyous celebrations among owners Albayraq Stable in the winner's enclosure when the 4-year-old Take Charge Indy colt crossed the finishing line four lengths in front of his rivals.

Foley fired in the second part of his double when the 5-year-old filly Motawariyah was another wide-margin winner in the third leg of the competition.

“It was such a privilege even to be invited here but to be competing and winning – it's the sort of thing you strive for,” said the delighted Irishman. “It's a fantastic racetrack and it's brilliant to be here.”

Victory in the fourth and final leg went to Saudi Arabian jockey Adel Alfouraidi on Zhabi Alhammad, a filly owned by Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdul Aziz, earning the local crowd favorite the runner-up spot overall.

Alfouraidi said: “It means a lot to me. I am one of the Saudi riders and they are all going to be happy for this win, all the Saudi jockeys. She's a good filly and she gave me a lot of help throughout the race. We were all together but I am thanking God that I was able to win it. For me, this is a dream come true.”

He finished second in the jockeys challenge with 25 points – as well as his win, he picked up second place and therefore 15 points in the second leg – with Mike Smith third on 19 points.

The US Hall of Fame jockey Smith, known as 'Big Money Mike' took an early lead in the challenge when he snatched the first leg, sponsored by stc dare, on Mortajeh, having replaced John Velasquez.

Smith, who has a record 26 Breeders' Cup successes to his name and who won the American Triple Crown in 2018 on Justify, said: “They told me Mortajeh was quick and to use it to my advantage. I was called in to substitute at the last minute so I didn't know much about my mounts today, but sometimes when you don't know things, it works out better. It's great.

“I had a great night last time I was here on a Friday night (in 2020). It was so much fun and I wanted to do it again and look, I end up taking Johnny's spot and I was blessed enough to win.”

He continued: “I tell you, I enjoy riding here, I really do. I know I made a few mistakes and I had to pay for them last year and rightly so, but it's good to come back and try to redeem myself and we will see what happens.

“Lessons learned. You learn from big things like that and I learnt a big lesson and I humbled myself a whole lot and then I am ready for tomorrow. I'm very happy to be back and I'm happy to be back with a horse that has an abundance of talent.”

Japan's Nanako Fujita and Sweden's Malin Holmberg tied for fourth with 12 points, and Jessica Marcalis took sixth for Italy with a tally of 11 points.

All the riders, who included the great Frankie Dettori, were delighted to take part in the competition.

Fujita said: “It was a lot of fun. I'm disappointed I didn't win but I hope to be back so I can get revenge.”

Italian jockey Jessica Marcialis said: “It was amazing. The first race was different, it's a style that suits the American jockeys not the Europeans, but in the second race I thought 'I understand'. I didn't know where I was in the competition but I finished with a smile.”

British superstar Hollie Doyle added: “The track rode nice, the kickback was not as bad as you'd expect it to be and it isn't as deep as it looks, either. Obviously I didn't have much luck tonight but it was a good experience.”

Last year's winner, Switzerland's Sibylle Vogt, said: “It wasn't the same as last year but I'm really happy I could come again. I think I did get a third and a sixth but it wasn't for the points. I just wasn't as lucky as last year.”

Brazilian legend Jorge Riccardo said: “This has been a great experience. I am very impressed with the people here who are so nice. The track is spectacular. For me it is one of the best I have ridden on. I have been to many places like France, Brazil, Peru, Chile, the United States, but this is a great track.

“The people are so nice, so friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed myself here. I am very pleased to have been here. It was very much worth coming here.”

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This Side Up: ‘Hometown’ Hope Uniting Desert and Bluegrass

“Build it, and they will come.” Such is the familiar philosophy sustaining the dramatic–sometimes melodramatic–changes in the desert landscape, both physical and metaphorical, over the past generation. Certainly those who first visited Dubai during the early years of its ruling family's commitment to our sport were annually bewildered by the exponential transformation of a cluster of creekside souks and wharves into a teeming, space-age skyline of gleaming towers. Even so, it was still staggering last year to see the Saudis stage a card featuring the richest race in history just four months after sowing a grass course.

We all feel due gratitude for the colossal contribution to our industry, over the years, by investors from the Gulf. At the same time, we understand that exchanges in more significant theaters–diplomatic, political, economic–remain complex and sometimes uncomfortable. As a guiding principle, surely, everyone must welcome the bridging of division through sport. But we must still be wary of conflating shared enthusiasms with the solution of problems that fall beyond our field of operation and, really, way beyond our competence.

To be fair, that cuts both ways. On the one hand, sport can serve as a helpfully open line of communication, at times when parallel interactions feel blocked. But that can only remain a feasible position so long as the integrity of those separate lines is maintained. To millions, for instance, awarding Qatar the biggest sporting event of all–soccer's World Cup–felt more like digging a tunnel than building a bridge.

The thing to remember is that no amount of money can bring people together better than cultural dialogue in a more intimate, human register. Some of you may remember the original Dubai Hilton, which obeyed time-honored precepts of desert architecture: white walls, tiny windows. Nowadays, western visitors stay in steel and glass skyscrapers that make exorbitant demands of the environment. The last time I went, however, I managed to find a guesthouse with wooden shutters and a beautiful shady courtyard; and felt far more disposed, as a result, to engage with and understand a different culture.

All these desert spectaculars will achieve only limited dividends if people just ship in, whizz round, count the money and ship out. Especially as the winners of the inaugural Saudi Cup are still being obliged to view that critical third stage as something of a mirage, on grounds that do not fit very coherently into established international protocols.

That said, we know how horsemen will drop anything and go anywhere if you offer them enough money. This card was launched out of a clear blue sky last year and drew no fewer than 22 individual Grade I winners. As we've noted before, stretching out the campaigns of these elite Thoroughbreds comes at a price: they're putting far more miles on the clock, in every sense, since their traditional winter hiatus was filled by the GI Pegasus World Cup, the G1 Dubai World Cup and now this race in between.

All these new mega-races are pure “Vegas,” offered at inconvenient times and places, but with rewards sufficiently gaudy to seduce many from the cherished destinations of their heritage. Returning with their “Vegas” hangovers, horses now tend to sit out races–like the GI Santa Anita Handicap or GI Hollywood Gold Cup–that long served, to extend the analogy, as the equivalent of a Martha's Vineyard vacation.

For one man, conversely, the first Saudi Cup must have felt more like a homecoming. The death, in the meantime, of Prince Khalid Abdullah renders the return of Tacitus (Tapit) most poignant. We paid due respects to this gentleman at the time of his loss. But the world keeps turning, and such a valuable success for Tacitus would certainly feel like a useful prompt to the Prince's heirs; and likewise the confirmation, last weekend, that he has bequeathed a homebred colt of legitimate GI Kentucky Derby potential in Mandaloun (Into Mischief).

So far as can be judged from the outside, there are encouraging hints of the Prince's own, temperate style in the calmness with which the future of his breeding and racing empire has so far been addressed. For the time being, at least, it remains business as usual. That approach is easier to sustain, of course, when a business–thanks to the skill and patience of its architect, and the team he built–happens to be as viable as Juddmonte.

At the moment, admittedly, there's an obvious contrast between its transatlantic divisions. The Newmarket roster features two of Europe's premier stallions in Frankel (GB) and Kingman (GB), both in their prime and eligible, with luck, to keep thriving for years to come. (Kingman, incidentally, was favored last Sunday for the maiden cover of the Prince's final champion, Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). In contrast, the champion who promised similar regeneration in Kentucky, Arrogate (Unbridled's Song), was lost at just 7-years-old last summer in freakish and heartbreaking circumstances. That leaves the stalwart Mizzen Mast once again on his own. As it happens, I'd still call him among the best value in the land, but the fact is that he's now 23.

Hopefully the Prince's family understands how vital he considered his American bloodlines; and also the fulfilment he derived from the great American race days. Tacitus himself, of course, is out of five-time Grade I winner Close Hatches–whose sire First Defence was homebred from Honest Lady, herself one of four Grade I winners out of Juddmonte's storied matriarch Toussaud (El Gran Senor). If the Prince could now ask any favor of the racing gods, then, I'm sure one of his priorities would be for Mandaloun, Tacitus and others to give renewed impetus to his Kentucky farm.

So whatever patriotic satisfaction the Prince might have discovered in a hometown success for Tacitus, he would also hope that any success for his American racetrack division be viewed, first and foremost, as a means of enabling his Bluegrass team to extend decades of excellent service. Because, albeit in an understated way, he built his sporting bridges by a very human connection. And that's one reason why those stretching from the sands of his homeland, all the way to the lush pasture of Kentucky or Suffolk, were built to last.

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Saudi Cup Notes: Charlatan ‘Strong And Healthy,’ Knicks Go ‘Sitting On A Big Race’

The following notes about contenders in the $20 million Saudi Cup, scheduled for Feb. 20, were provided by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.

Bangkok (IRE) – Andrew Balding sent Bangkok to Saudi Arabia fully tuned-up, having won a prep-race at Lingfield two weeks ago.

“He's had a winter campaign, so he's gone there plenty fit enough and it all seems to be going well,” Balding said. “First time on the surface is a big question mark but we did always have the race in our minds and when we got the invitation. I think a strongly-run race will suit.

“It's a big ask, certainly, but the rewards are so great. It's really exciting for everyone to have a runner in a race like this.”

Charlatan (USA) – The Bob Baffert-trained American contender completed his preparations on Friday morning by standing in the starting gate under his regular morning partner Umberto Gomez. Once backed out, the pair completed a circuit of the dirt track.

“Perfect,” said Baffert's longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes when asked to assess the son of Speightstown's foray into the starting gate.

Summing up Charlatan's time in Saudi Arabia Barnes said: “We've been here the longest of anybody. The weather has been very pleasant this year. It's been very easy.”

The fact that Charlatan his been lightly raced with only four starts under his belt doesn't seem to be a concern heading into the Saudi Cup.

“He had a few setbacks earlier in the year last year but he's strong and healthy right now,” Barnes said.

He returned to the races in December with an impressive win in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita Park teeing him up for the trip overseas.

“We were so excited. We knew he had it in in but for him to show up that day like he did off the layoff was outstanding.”

Never beaten through the finish in four trips to the post, Charlatan is one of the top international contenders for the race. His speed from the gate and nine-post draw should set him up nicely for an expected early battle with fellow US-based runner Knicks Go, who drew post position five in the 14-horse lineup.

“His main attribute is speed and his speed carries on,” Barnes added. “I would say he will be forwardly placed (in the race).

“Knicks Go – I'm glad he drew to the inside of us. We should have a good opportunity to see where he's going to sit in the race and I would imagine we will be very close together. He's a very smart horse. We'll put him in the gate and he will carry Mike (jockey Smith) on from there.”

Chuwa Wizard (JPN) – The very consistent dirt performer in Japan and last year's Grade 1 Champions Cup winner had an easy canter on the dirt track before he practiced in the starting gate.

“He shipped to Dubai last year but had to fly back to Japan due to the cancelation of the race meetings. I think the travel experiences helped him a lot this time,” trainer Ryuji Okubo said.

“Last year he lost 10kg during the trip to Dubai, but this year he only lost 4kg when he flew into Saudi Arabia. He is enjoying it here, he is feeling really good. He is a very straightforward horse.

“He will start from barrier one, so we can make ground all the way through the race. I understand the American horses are very fast, but I expect Chuwa Wizard can track them and overtake them with his strong closing speed.”

Extra Elusive (GB) – The 6-year-old gelding did some light exercise on the training track on Friday morning.

“The preparation has gone really well,” said trainer Roger Charlton from the UK. “Extra Elusive is a fairly highly-strung horse and had not travelled before, and therefore I was concerned before his departure that he would be not fully relaxed once there.

“But that's been completely wrong; he's been very good, eating well and drinking well, resting. Out at exercise he's been relaxed and moving well, and I couldn't be more pleased with the way things have gone.

“This morning he just had a light exercise on the training track, jogging and cantering round, came back and everyone seems very happy with him. Fingers crossed at the moment, the horse has done everything that we hoped he might do for us.”

Knicks Go (USA) – Trainer Brad Cox is amid a banner period in his career. Fresh off winning the Eclipse Award as champion American trainer of 2020, he has three serious contenders for the Kentucky Derby (topped by champion Essential Quality), fan favourite and multi-seasonal champion Monomoy Girl about to start her 2021 campaign and Breeders' Cup-winning Aunt Pearl preparing for a possible Royal Ascot invasion.

Meanwhile, another Breeders' Cup champ Knicks Go, who galloped a spirited mile on Friday morning under assistant trainer Dustin Dugas, is ready for Saturday on the heels of a resounding success in the Pegasus World Cup.

“It's been a great run and I have a great group of talented assistants who work extremely hard and allow me to have multiple strings and put us in position to acquire horses like Knicks Go, Mandaloun, Monomoy Girl and Essential Quality. It's what you work for, to have these great horses.” Cox said. “It's very rewarding when you put a plan together and it works out and it's been a great run. I owe so much of it to our help and the owners for giving us serious horseflesh.”

Cox was especially proud of assistant Dugas, a 28-year-old Louisiana native and ex-jockey who has proven a vital part of the empire over the past few years.

“Dustin is definitely a huge part of the operation, especially our New York string and now our Palm Meadows (Florida) string,” Cox explained. “He is a fantastic horseman, a great rider – there's nothing he can't ride – and obviously he's incredibly organized and does a great job. He's exactly what you look for in an assistant and he's extremely gifted.”

Dugas has been aboard the likes of many of the headlining equines, with his talent of calming horses down in their exercise put to the test with the notoriously keen Knicks Go.

“He loves to train and is so difficult to handle sometimes,” Dugas said. “But he has a lot of talent, obviously, and is sitting on a big race. He's very, very fast and is extremely tough.”

Max Player (USA) – The Steve Asmussen trainee kept his work confined to the quarantine area again on Friday after schooling in the gate on Thursday.

Military Law (GB) – Owner Nasir Askar and trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri were on hand to watch Military Law negotiate a blowout breeze down the lane under Antonio Fresu on Friday morning. Fresu quickly jumped off Military Law and did the same for stc 1351 Turf Sprint contender Royal Dornoch, whom Al Mheiri trains for Abdulwahhab Misbah Rajab Altireeki.

Fresu said: “We worked almost three furlongs, both of them, and they both started slow and both went in about 37 seconds for the (600m).

“Military Law felt great. When I pulled up, he kind of stood up and looked around and pricked his ears and wasn't blowing at all. He's ready and he's a little bit fitter than last time (before winning in Dubai), but feels just as prepared.

“Nothing has changed much with him because in the morning's he's laid back, but with him, he will pull when he goes too slow. In a good canter or breeze, he goes about 70 per cent and takes care of himself. He was looking around a lot today in the beginning, but the good thing is he cooled out quickly and when we pulled up, he started pulling and didn't want to finish and go home.”

He added: “Royal Dornoch was very good today—much better than yesterday. He was calm and didn't get as sweaty; more focused on the (blowout). I think he knows he's about to race, because he was much better today and very strong in the lane.”

Mishriff (IRE) – Prince A A Faisal's retained jockey David Egan has been aboard Mishriff for the last three mornings at track work.

He said: “Similar to last year, Mishriff has been thriving since he arrived here in Riyadh. He seems to really enjoy the style of training and the surface here in Saudi Arabia. He looks amazing, feels fresh and has been moving fluently up to the race.”

Ted Voute, racing manager to Mishriff's owner/breeder Prince A A Faisal, added: “Mishriff looks stronger again since I saw him in Newmarket at the end of last year and he has travelled extremely well. He has thrived over the winter. He looks well and ready for the race.

“David rode him yesterday and said he changed legs easily going into the turns and was a natural from that point of view. We're looking forward to the race. The dirt track has embedded since last year and is probably a little faster than last year, although the jockeys were saying it rode a bit deeper yesterday than the day before, so it will be interesting to see how it is prepared for Saudi Cup day.”

Simsir (IRE) – Will attempt to give trainer and co-owner Fawzi Nass a second memorable Saudi Cup evening when he stars on Saturday in the main event. Last year, the identical connections of Nass, Victorious (owner) and jockey Adrie de Vries teamed up to upset the Neom Turf Cup with Port Lions.

“He feels good right now,” Nass said. “Obviously after winning the Bahrain International, which was a hard race, he had a bit of freshening up into the Crown Prince Cup three weeks ago. Although he missed the break that day, he ran on well to finish fourth. I think it was the ideal scenario for a prep run for here.”

De Vries added: “The horse is training well on the dirt and his gallops on the surface in Bahrain have been very good. Fawzi is pretty confident that he takes to it.

“I think they will they will go hard in the race and he doesn't have to be up close or have the lead. He just needs to get in his own stride. He's drawn a little wide, but that might be good as far as kickback goes.”

Sleepy Eyes Todd (USA) – The very aptly named Sleepy Eyes Todd, instantly recognizable by the yellow bandages that he sports in the morning and the far away look after which he has been named, came onto the dirt track at the usual time on Friday morning. His rider

José Sandoval, who is trainer Miguel Angel Silva's assistant, was on board and he said: “I just jogged him one lap. He is well, ready for the big day.”

Tacitus (USA) – After his typical morning routine of watching the proceedings and having a gallop, the Bill Mott-trained son of Tapit stood in the starting gate Friday morning under assistant trainer Neil Poznansky, who has piloted the 5-year-old grey horse throughout his stay. Poznansky gave a thumbs up after the pair was backed out of the gate.

Fifth in the inaugural edition of the Saudi Cup, Mott is hopeful that having a year more growth and maturity under his belt will help ensure a better placing than in 2020.

“He's a year older and he's stronger,” Mott said from the United States on Thursday evening. “We think he's more ready for the challenge. We know it's a good field, a competitive field but we think he belongs and we're optimistic about his chances.”

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