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| Staff Writer |
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Saudi Crown is looking to book his ticket back to the Breeders' Cup as he lines up in the Gr.3 Ack Ack Stakes under the lights at Churchill Downs on Saturday. The Brad Cox-trained 4YO is hoping to put last year's disappointing Breeders' Cup Classic run behind him and secure a spot in this year's Dirt Mile at Del Mar.
Previous Ack Ack winners have gone on to achieve great success, with 2021 victor Plainsman later claiming the Gr.2 Phillip H. Iselin Stakes, while 2020 winner Rushie went on to place in multiple graded stakes.
The son of Always Dreaming has had a mixed campaign in 2024, kicking off with a victory in the Gr.3 Louisiana Stakes before travelling to Saudi Arabia. There, he put in a gutsy performance to finish third in the Gr.1 Saudi Cup, leading for much of the race before being overtaken in the closing stages.
However, his form dipped when finishing well down the field in the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan. Given a break to recuperate, Saudi Crown bounced back with a commanding win in the R.A. "Cowboy" Jones Stakes at Ellis Park in July.
Cox is optimistic about his charge's chances, stating: "Saudi Crown is a very talented horse. We were very pleased with how he came back over the summer at Ellis Park, winning the Cowboy Jones. Obviously, we were disappointed he didn't win when he shipped overseas this winter, but we're happy with the way he responded when we brought him back to Kentucky."
Jockey Florent Geroux, who guided Saudi Crown to victory at Ellis Park, views that performance as an ideal stepping stone, saying: "This being his first start since competing overseas, it was a good spot to get back before bigger races this fall."
Despite boasting career earnings of over US$3 million, Saudi Crown faces stiff competition in the one-mile contest. Cagliostro, representing Wathnan Racing, is looking to put a disappointing run in the Gr.1 Forego Stakes behind him. Trainer Cherie DeVaux will be hoping the son of Lookin At Lucky can replicate the form that saw him notch two wins and a second earlier in the year.
Wathnan Racing is doubly represented, with the consistent Louisiana-bred Tumbarumba also taking his chance. The Oscar Performance colt has been in the frame in his last seven starts and nine of his last ten.
Mufasa, now with Ignacio Correas IV, is making only his third US start. After a sixth-place finish at Churchill Downs, the 5YO bounced back with an impressive victory at Colonial Downs in August. With Irad Ortiz Jr in the saddle, connections will be hoping for further improvement.
The field is completed by Big Blue Line, Stage Raider, and Three Technique, all looking to make their mark in this competitive contest.
As the 'Win and You're In' race for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, the Ack Ack Stakes promises to be a thrilling affair, with Saudi Crown aiming to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.