RACE DAY INTERNATIONAL - SAUDI CUP MEETING (RIYADH)

The two day Saudi Cup meeting is still relatively new to the calendar and last years clash between Forever Young and Romantic Warrior will be tough to beat but there are still some great racehorses on show from across the globe.

15:35 RIYADH

Lazzat was my favourite racehorse last year and his demolition in the QE II at Royal Ascot was out of this world. It proved he handles quicker conditions and if replicating that run I can’t see anything getting in his way. He beat Satono Reve that day and will face a few Japanese horses again today, the pick of them being Panja Tower, a Group 1 winner over a mile, last seen when a not too distant 5th in the Golden Eagle at Randwick. At a huge price I think Geography could outrun his odds, a multiple Group winner in Germany as well as a good 5th in the Foret at the end of last season, he has switched to a stable out here in Saudi and is worth keeping an eye on.

LAZZAT (WIN)

GEOGRAPHY (E/W)

16:10 RIYADH

Shin Emperor was an impressive all the way winner in this last year and comes back here looking to retain his crown. I think this race is deeper than last year with Alohi Alii, last seen running in the Arc, and more notably for me, Royal Champion. He’s the ripe old age of 8 now but has arguably never been better, a winner LTO in Bahrain means he will be acclimatised and fully fit coming here whereas Shin Emperor is not arriving in the same form as he did last year. Fellow globetrotter Phantom Flight stands out at a bigger price, also a recent winner in Bahrain he is sure to give his running and perhaps land Britain a 1-2.

ROYAL CHAMPION (WIN)

16:50 RIYADH

This race has been made simpler with the scratch of Goodie Two Shoes, I thought she had a nice weight and would enjoy the quick surface after not quite performing in the Melbourne Cup. But it does therefore strengthen my opinion of Epic Poet, he is often the bridesmaid on the big occasion including this race 12 months ago. The field looks weaker this year and his run LTO was not the greatest ride… staying on far too late, this track and trip will suit him better and I think he should be clear favourite.

EPIC POET (WIN)

17:40 RIYADH

Returning Champ Forever Young bids to retain his crown after a very successful 12 months culminating in the Breeders Cup Classic. I am surprised to see that he is not shorter at the time of writing for me he is miles the best horse in the race has the C&D form and can run in a variety of ways. Not to mention the Asian markets will be piling into their superstar on the day. Nysos is a commendable horse but whether or not he will be able to see out this trip is the question against a stern stayer in Forever Young. Tumbarumba is the one that I thought might be able to fill a place spot, a very good 2nd behind Imperial Emperor last looking like he enjoyed the extra furlong in distance.

FOREVER YOUNG (WIN)

TUMBERUMBA (E/W)

written by Toby Darby