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| Staff Writer |
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Facteur Cheval has earned a tilt at next month's US$20 million Saudi Cup following an eye-catching dirt debut at Meydan. Trainer Jerome Reynier's stable star finished a promising third in the Al Maktoum Challenge, showing adaptability to the new surface.
The 6YO gelding by Ribchester has built an impressive resume, placing in all 18 starts across France, England and the Middle East. His crowning achievement came in last March's Gr.1 Dubai Turf, securing a narrow victory worth US$2.9 million for owners Team Valor International and Gary Barber.
Following his Dubai triumph, Facteur Cheval campaigned exclusively in Britain, bouncing back from a rare disappointing run in the Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. He showed his class with notable second-place finishes in both the Gr.1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
"That was a good test last Friday on the dirt and in very different conditions than usual," said Reynier. "We didn't really want to ask him too much jumping out of the gate, so we were waiting with him during the race."
"He took a lot of kickback but that was good to see if he was able to cope with it, which not every horse can."
The trainer was particularly encouraged by his charge's finishing effort: "I really liked what we saw in the final turn, he had plenty of energy and finished his race running on – it was a good effort and we were happy with him."
Looking ahead to the Saudi Cup challenge, Reynier noted: "That will be a different scenario, only one bend, and it's approximately the same trip as the (Dubai) Turf (a mile and a furlong) but on dirt. There will also be some specialists, like some Japanese or American horses, and the level will be much higher, with Romantic Warrior as well."
After Saudi Arabia, a return to Meydan beckons, with Reynier favouring a Dubai Turf title defence over the Dubai World Cup. "After that, he will be back in Dubai preparing to defend his crown in the Dubai Turf, unless he is flying on the dirt and connections would like to run him in the Dubai World Cup. Personally, I doubt we will, but you never know."