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| Staff Writer |
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Dan Blacker is set to embark on his first international venture as Straight No Chaser heads to the Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint carrying high expectations following his spectacular Breeders' Cup triumph.
The British-born handler's 6YO speedster delivered a masterclass in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar last November, demonstrating tactical versatility under Johnny Velazquez.
"It was an emotional day," reflected the 42-year-old conditioner. "I've always dreamed of having runners in Breeders' Cup races and to win one was very special. I feel very thankful to be able to train such a talented horse. It was thrilling to win such a big race."
The son of Speightster has been thriving since his Del Mar heroics, showing exceptional form in morning workouts ahead of the US$2 million contest presented by Saudi National Bank.
"He's done excellently, he really hasn't missed a beat," Blacker revealed. "He's a superior work horse in the mornings and his work has been exceptional. He's in very good form and runs very well fresh, so I'm not worried about the time between races."
The globetrotting trainer, a Godolphin Flying Start graduate with experience across multiple racing jurisdictions, remains confident about his charge's ability to handle the Saudi challenge, despite facing strong opposition including Ancestral Land from the Jimmy Jerkens yard and Remake.
"I think it's a credit to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia that they've managed to get such an international field," Blacker observed. "None of these races are easy, and there are a lot of horses that we respect in there."
The seasoned horseman's assistant, Juan Landeros, who partners Straight No Chaser in daily exercise, will oversee the preparation at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where the champion sprinter is expected to complete a steady gallop early next week.
Having achieved his second Grade One success with Straight No Chaser, following Hit The Road's triumph in the Frank E Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita in 2021, Blacker is approaching this new challenge with measured optimism, acknowledging the different dynamics of competing away from home soil.
"Obviously, we got the better of Remake at Del Mar, but that was our home track, and now we're going to the other side of the world to race on a track we're not familiar with and he's already proven himself over," Blacker concluded. "It seems like a competitive field and we're looking forward to the challenge."