Argentine Stars Ready to Shine in the World’s Richest Race
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special correspondent).- Regardless of the outcome, today El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) and Intense for Me (Fortify) will make history at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack, becoming the first two Argentine horses to compete in the Saudi Cup (G1-1800m, dirt, US$ 20,000,000), the world’s richest race.
There has been only one previous South American participant in this race, with Aero Trem (Shanghai Bobby) finishing fifth behind the local Emblem Road (Quality Road) in 2022. Now, the first two finishers of the recent Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) aim to improve on that result.
It’s essential to stay grounded, as there are almost no precedents for successful performances right off the plane, as the saying goes. Just a few weeks ago, the Chilean Doña Clota (Ivan Denisovich) ran without luck in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
Even the great Invasor (Candy Stripes) was defeated in his only rushed experience, finishing fourth in the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan before embarking on his legendary career.
However, the hope is strong, especially for El Kodigo (Equal Stripes), the brilliant colt bred by Haras Juan Antonio, for whom Gustavo Calvente crossed the world to ride, full of confidence.
The bay colt looks right at home—he hasn’t lost a kilo, and after riding him on Thursday, the jockey confirmed: "I have the same horse as always," reinforcing the impressions everyone in the Latin press had when seeing him move in the mornings.
Naturally, the challenges are many, such as the drastic drop in distance, but El Kodigo’s class may provide the necessary extra to break through the barrier of disappointment and deliver a remarkable performance—one that doesn't necessarily have to result in victory.
On the other hand, Intense for Me faces steeper odds. As a purely turf horse, he has yet to prove himself on dirt, failing to even break his maiden on it, despite his exponential improvement afterward.
The former trainee of Nicolás Martín Ferro struggled significantly with the trip, suffering from dehydration, and took time to recover. Although his progress in the last week has been promising, it’s hard to believe he’s fully recovered to face a race like the Saudi Cup.
The favorite for the race is Forever Young (Real Steel), a formidable horse who returns to the track where he first made his mark on the international stage, winning the Saudi Derby (G3) a year ago.
He would go on to win the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan, narrowly losing the Kentucky Derby (G1), and had an impressive run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), finishing third behind Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Fierceness (City of Light).
He enters the race after a dominant preparation win, and now faces another global star in Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), the Hong Kong sensation, who will test his luck on dirt after dominating the turf.
Romantic Warrior, known for his explosive turn of foot—most recently shown in his victory in the Jebel Hatta (G1) at Meydan—will be tested on the deep dirt of King Abdulaziz, where it's no easy feat to shift into top gear.
The only American in the field is the tough Rattle N Roll (Connected), who has been based here for some time, having already won the The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G1) and leaving an impressive impression.
Today, the Saudi Cup takes over the turf world. Two Argentine horses will aim for a performance that captures the imagination and fills everyone with hope of lifting one of the most coveted trophies. The mission is difficult, almost impossible, but faith moves mountains, and if we don’t face the adventure in horse racing with confidence, nothing would be the same...
Comments