El Kodigo and Intense for Me couldn't overcome the circumstances in the Saudi Cup, but that doesn’t mean our horses lack class
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a Special Correspondent) – From the spectacular show put on by Forever Young (Real Steel) and Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) for the global racing stage to the disappointment of seeing El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) and Intense for Me (Fortify) finish at the back of the field, the 2025 Saudi Cup (G1) delivered yet another unforgettable performance, further solidifying its place on the international racing calendar.
What the Japanese sensation and the Hong Kong idol provided was one of the most thrilling displays in recent memory, in a race that has built a reputation for dramatic finishes. Unfortunately, that excitement stood in stark contrast to the lackluster performances of the South American contenders, a reality that calls for a deeper analysis.
In truth, attempting to "analyze" their efforts would be unfair—simply put, they never got to run their race. Intense for Me arrived in Riyadh in poor condition, and if he made it to the starting gate, it was only because he was acquired for this very purpose. Adding to his natural dislike for dirt, he suffered physically from the trip from Buenos Aires. Seeing him trail home detached from the field surprised no one, though it was undoubtedly disheartening to watch a horse of his ability struggle to such an extent.
El Kodigo was a different case. He handled the journey well, impressed in morning training—jockey Gustavo Calvente even noted that he felt at home—yet when it came down to the race itself, he fell victim to the many challenges that come with changing hemispheres and adapting to a new racing system. Experts estimate that the acclimation process takes about six months, though there are always exceptions.
It was precisely that hope—that he might defy the odds—that fueled expectations for El Kodigo. But when the gates opened, reality struck. He faced a field that gave no room for error, and the goal of a respectable fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-place finish (which would have been a victory in itself) quickly evaporated. By the far turn, he was losing ground, eventually finishing second-to-last, just ahead of Intense for Me.
His performance mirrored that of Doña Clota (Ivan Denisovich) just weeks earlier in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2). She arrived in top shape but was overwhelmed by the competition when it mattered most.
Success stories of horses stepping off a plane and winning can be counted on one hand. The list of failures, however, could fill books. Even Invasor (Candy Stripes), before becoming a legend, struggled under these circumstances, finishing fourth in the UAE Derby (G2) before embarking on his historic journey to greatness.
It’s not just about travel—it’s about different tracks, water, diet, turns, racing tempo, training routines, and the people handling them. These are the challenges a South American horse faces when crossing the equator, and overcoming them takes time. With proper preparation, most adapt, but only if given the necessary time.
That’s why dismissing El Kodigo and Intense for Me based on this one result is misguided. There were more than 30 lengths between them in Riyadh, despite finishing in a dead heat just two months earlier in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1). Something clearly wasn’t normal, and it doesn’t take an expert to see it.
Claiming that South American racing lacks quality or is miles behind other jurisdictions is nonsense. It’s an uninformed overreaction, a dangerous mix of exaggeration and ignorance. Just over three months ago, Full Serrano (Full Mast) won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Santa Anita, defeating North America’s best in their own backyard. That day, the Japanese horses were nowhere to be seen.
El Kodigo and Intense for Me had a tough time in the Saudi Cup, no doubt. But their performances were dictated by circumstances, not a lack of ability. Class doesn’t vanish overnight—it’s now up to their connections to give them the time and preparation they need so that, when they return to competition next season, they can prove just how good they really are.
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