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| Staff Writer |
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America's Champion Takes On Japanese Raiders
Straight No Chaser, North America's newly-crowned champion male sprinter, is poised for an international showdown in the US$2 million Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 22.
The Dan Blacker-trained speedster, who conquered the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar, faces formidable opposition from Japanese challengers Remake and Gabby's Sister among a competitive field of twelve.
Blacker attributes the Breeders' Cup triumph to Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez's tactical brilliance. "Johnny felt that was the tactic he'd like to use, and the horse responded really well," the trainer told publicity from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. "Johnny is a great jockey and timing is part of what makes him so great. He got the horse to switch off and relax behind the pace and then come with a run."
Howard Wolowitz is carrying American hopes into the Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint, with connections confident the distance suits their charge perfectly. The son of Munnings earned his opportunity through victory in the Holiday Cheer Stakes at Turfway Park, following his Gr.1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes triumph at Kentucky Downs.
Regular pilot Emisael Jaramillo partners the Al Gold-owned runner, who faces stiff competition from Japanese contenders Ten Happy Rose, Win Marvel, and champion 2YO filly Ascoli Piceno.
The US challenge extends beyond the sprint divisions, with Rattle N Roll contesting the Gr.1 Saudi Cup and Cyclone State targeting the Gr.3 Saudi Derby. The supporting card features five graded stakes including the Gr.2 Red Sea Turf Handicap and Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup.
Straight No Chaser's autumn form sets a lofty standard, having dominated the Gr.2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes by 6 1/4 lengths before his Del Mar heroics, where he outduelled Bentornato in a thrilling stretch battle.
Remake, seeking to defend his Riyadh Dirt Sprint crown, aims to bounce back from disappointment in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, while Gabby's Sister brings strong Japanese form to the international contest.