Rattle N Roll: From Patience To Middle East Quest

The Gamble That Paid Off

Standing in the January sunshine at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, McPeek's calculated risk was vindicated as his 6YO charge stormed to an emphatic victory in the US$ 400,000 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. Under the masterful guidance of Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario, the son of Connect demolished a field of 20 runners, crossing the wire 4¾ lengths clear of his nearest rival in a time of 1:52.95 over the 1,800-metre distance. "The horse was able to do everything. I was just sitting there; the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly," Rosario reflected after his masterful ride.

"It was really impressive," McPeek describes, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of a man who's plans have come together perfectly. "Two of my key people went over there with him: exercise rider Danny Ramsey and assistant trainer Francisco Serrano. They did a fantastic job, and I think this really sets him up for the Saudi Cup."

Admitting to "sitting on him like a keg of dynamite" before the prep race, McPeek knew the decision to target the Saudi race wasn't made lightly. McPeek had to weigh the risks of international travel against the potential rewards, but more importantly, he needed to secure his horse's place in the upcoming US$20 million Saudi Cup. "It wasn't guaranteed he would get in the Saudi Cup unless he won a qualifying race," McPeek explains. "The fact that he gets a run over the track helps too."

McPeek’s pride in his star horse is evident, "I'm proud that we made that move and gave him all the time needed. We've been properly rewarded for that."

A Story Of Patience And Perseverance

The road to international success hasn't been straightforward for Rattle N Roll. Bred in Kentucky by St. Simon Place and purchased for US$210,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by McPeek for Lucky Seven Stable, the horse's career has been marked by strategic patience and careful management. His journey from promising yearling to international contender has been punctuated by both triumphs and setbacks.

"We had to give him a break at one point in his career," McPeek explains, discussing a period when the horse had health issues and spent almost a year between races. "He had some health issues, and he needed some time off to heal. X-rays showed bone bruising at the base of his cannon bones. Time healed them, and we made the decision to give him all the time he needed."

That patience has paid dividends. Beginning his Saudi adventure, Rattle N Roll had already proven his class with a victory in the Gr.2 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs in November. Now running under the colours of Saudi businessman Sharaf Mohammed Al Hariri as part of a three-race lease agreement, Rattle N Roll has evolved into a more complete racehorse, demonstrating the versatility that few can match.

The deal with Al Hariri proves particularly fascinating, as the Saudi businessman seems to have perfected the art of spotting American talent. His previous venture with Senor Buscador yielded the 2024 Saudi Cup and a third place in the Dubai World Cup , a blueprint Rattle N Roll's connections hope to not just follow, but surpass. In Rattle N Roll, the strategic businessman may have found another genuine contender for the region’s richest prizes.

The Art Of Adaptation

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rattle N Roll's recent success has been his ability to adapt to different racing surfaces. McPeek attributes this versatility to the horse's natural affinity for deeper tracks, which proved crucial in the decision to target the Saudi race over the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park.

"I think he likes the track just a little bit heavier," McPeek observes. "He really took to the Saudi track, and I'm glad to have gotten a race over it before the Saudi Cup. His biggest asset is his stamina. He needs a bit of pace in the race, but he keeps coming and gets faster in the finish."

The trainer's understanding of his horse's preferences played a crucial role in plotting this ambitious international campaign. "The racetrack in Gulfstream is a little bit different than Saudi - more of a speed-favoured racetrack," McPeek explains. "We really felt that he would have a harder time winning over that racetrack than the closer racetrack."

"He's just a very good horse all around. He always finishes really well. That's something we taught him to do."

The Middle East Triple Crown Dream

The victory in the Gr.3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup has earned Rattle N Roll an automatic berth in the US$20 million Saudi Cup, setting the stage for what could be a historic campaign. The lease agreement with Al Hariri covers three races, culminating in the Dubai World Cup, presenting an opportunity for unprecedented success on the international stage.

For the Mackin family, who have been integral to Lucky Seven Stable's success over two decades, this international campaign represents a rare opportunity. "They're a very prominent Louisville, Kentucky family," McPeek says, his voice warming with appreciation. "It is such a rare thing to be able to get a horse with an opportunity to do this."

The trainer's approach to preparing for these challenges remains characteristically methodical. "We're going to keep him on a steady routine," McPeek explains. "He's a very professional type, and he likes his routine. Nothing changes." This consistency has been key to maintaining Rattle N Roll's physical and mental well-being throughout his career.

Looking ahead to Dubai, McPeek acknowledges the various challenges posed by Meydan's faster surface but maintains his confidence in Rattle N Roll's adaptability. "The start and finish at that race track is different than where they started finishing here. So we've got to adjust a little bit there, but not too much."

According to McPeek's team on the ground, the horse's settling-in process in Saudi Arabia has been remarkably smooth. "He's settled in really well. Been really happy. Touch wood, he's been very uncomplicated, but that's him. He is uncomplicated." This adaptability bodes well for the challenges ahead, particularly the transition to Dubai's different racing environment.

As Rattle N Roll prepares for his next challenge in the Saudi Cup, the McPeek camp has a palpable sense of optimism. The horse that once needed a year away from the track has matured into a genuine international contender, carrying the hopes of his connections towards what could be a historic achievement in Middle East racing. While the Saudi Cup field will be considerably smaller than his prep race, McPeek remains unfazed. "He should be fine. He still is the horse that needs a little pace in front of him, but that's out of our control. He'll make his run," he remarks confidently.

Rosario, too, shares this quiet confidence. "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."

The story of Rattle N Roll is far from over, but it's already a testament to the value of patience, strategic thinking, and unwavering faith in a horse's potential. His transformation from a promising but troubled younger horse to a mature international competitor showcases the importance of careful management and the rewards of taking calculated risks in pursuit of racing's biggest prizes.

"It's a very exciting period," McPeek concludes, his understated words barely masking the magnitude of what lies ahead. For a trainer who has always played the long game, the biggest prizes in Middle East racing now seem tantalisingly within reach. With Rattle N Roll showing the best form of his career and demonstrating an affinity for Saudi Arabia's racing surface, the stage is set for what could be one of racing's most remarkable international campaigns.

The next chapters in this compelling story will unfold on two of racing's grandest stages - first in the Saudi Cup, and then, if all goes to plan, under the lights at Meydan. For McPeek, his team, and their connections, these upcoming challenges represent the culmination of years of patience, preparation, and unwavering belief in their horse's ability to compete at the highest level.