Sponsored by:
The post positions have been drawn for Saturday s second running of the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To be contested over a one-turn 1 1/8 mile course on the dirt track, the Saudi Cup drew a field of 14 including a featured American-trained match-up between Grade 1 winners Knicks Go and Charlatan.
Knicks Go, winner of the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile and Pegasus World Cup in his last two outings, drew post five for trainer Brad Cox. The Korea Racing Authority-owned colt will be ridden by Joel Rosario.
“We like it, it s right in the middle,” said Dustin Dugas, assistant trainer. “He s a speed horse, it s a long way till they get to the turn, Joel (Rosario, jockey) will have a lot of ground to work at before he gets to the turn.”
Channel Maker Looks the Part for Saudi Neom Turf Cup bloodhorse.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bloodhorse.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sponsored by:
Channel Maker and Tacitus on track in Saudi Arabia
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) – Kept busy during the last few weeks, Andrew Balding s British challenger was in winning action only a few days ago when landing the Winter Derby Trial over 2000m (1 1/4 miles) at Lingfield.
The 5-year-old was restricted to the training track for his exercise.
“He just went for a canter,” Balding s wife and assistant Anna Lisa said. “He came here fit and seems very well. He might do something a bit quicker on Thursday but it s all systems go.”