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| Staff Writer |
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"We will see a different horse" in the Saudi Cup, according to FMQ Stables' Faisal Al Qahtani.
February 17, 2024, Saturday This year, FMQ Stables owner Faisal Al Qahtani has a live shot at the world's most valuable race with Saudi Crown. Last year, on Saudi Cup night, he experienced success with Commissioner King in the Gr. 3 Boutique Group Saudi Derby.
This weekend's highlight event in Riyadh will see the flashy grey son of Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, who was last seen winning the Gr.3 Louisiana Stakes with ease. He had finished down the field in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Al Qahtani seems optimistic that Saudi Crown is back on track.
"We will see a different horse from the one we saw in the Breeders' Cup," said owner Al Qahtani.
"He's grown up a lot since that run, and we feel he's much better. His prep race was very pleasing, and he can step forward from that. The 2000m trip was right at the limit of what he could achieve at that time (at the Breeders' Cup), and I think the step back to 1800m is ideal. He can be a champion at this distance.
"The preparation for Saudi Crown has been great, and I know Brad Cox is very happy with the horse, so we are all waiting and excited to see him after he's settled in and begins trackwork."
Confirming his jockey for the $20 million contest, Al Qahtani said: "Florent Geroux will definitely be back on board Saudi Crown. He's ridden him in all bar one of his races, so Saudi Crown is his buddy, really."
Al Qahtani is under no illusions that next Saturday's contest looks like a strong renewal, though:
"This year's race looks the greatest in the history of the Saudi Cup, so we're well aware of the challenge. Even the reserves are very strong.
"I think the pace is going to be strong. Imagining the race, I can see Saudi Crown and National Treasure leading because they have a lot of natural speed, but that's just my personal view. I haven't discussed this with the trainer or the rest of the team yet."
And it is not the world-beating money on offer or the 24ct gold, metre-high trophy that Al Qahtani is excited for. He said: "I named Saudi Crown after the Crown Prince. If we win, the most important thing for me would not be the prize or the cup, but having the pleasure of seeing my leader and shaking his hand."
Additionally, FMQ Stables is interested in the Tuwaiq Cup, which is a competition for locally trained horses over the course and distance of the Saudi Cup, which takes place on Friday, the International Jockeys Challenge. Commissioner King, their hero from the Saudi Cup night the previous year, is scheduled to race, but he must demonstrate that this run was an anomaly:
"He needs to bounce back from his last effort, but there's a very strong reason why we think he can do that. He bumped himself really hard in the gates, and we think that cost him the run. He's fully healed now and is back breezing really nicely, so I think you will see the real Commissioner King again,"Qahtani said, referring to the horse's disappointing 10th-place finish when last seen in early December.
Al Qahtani added: "I'm going to leave announcing our jockey as a bit of a surprise. I think everyone will be excited when they hear who it is."