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| Staff Writer |
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Rattle N Roll produced a commanding performance to land the Gr.3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, stamping his ticket for next month's US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup.
The Kenny McPeek-trained 5YO, sporting the colours of Sharaf Al Hariri, surged clear in the closing stages under a masterful Joel Rosario ride to score by four-and-three-quarter lengths.
Settling towards rear from stall 10, Rosario kept his mount relaxed as EJ Won The Cup and Mike Smith set strong fractions up front. Making smooth headway round the home turn, the Connect colt quickened impressively when angled to the inside rail.
"The horse was able to do everything. I was just sitting there, the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly," said Rosario.
The Hall of Fame rider completed a memorable double when steering Ancestral Land to victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier for trainer Jimmy Jerkens.
"It's very nice to be here. We had two winners – it was a good day. There are so many things that have to go your way, but it's a blessing when you can win," reflected Rosario.
Looking ahead to Rattle N Roll's Saudi Cup bid, he added: "He handled the track well and we beat good horses today. A lot of good horses are going to be coming here, it'll be a tough race, but we'll see what happens – hopefully he can perform the way he did today."
Portuguese rider Ricardo Ferreira enjoyed a treble, highlighted by Mhally landing the 2000 Guineas, while Nirehazz claimed the Gr.1 Al-Diriyah Cup for trainer Omar Altuwilei.
The domestic Group One contests saw Yaroa capture the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup under Camilo Ospina, while Taj Blaadi secured the US$1.3 million King Abdulaziz Cup for Wigberto Ramos, completing a five-timer for Red Stable.
Friday's qualifiers went to Malyan (1351 Turf Sprint), Bolide Potro (Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup) and Sharfa Alhezam (Arabian Horses Open).