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Leading Saudi Arabia-based bloodstock agent Ahmad Alabdullatif, is eagerly anticipating the first Sales races of the season in Saudi Arabia, expected to take place at Ta’if Racecourse. Alabdullatif purchased Saudi Derby (2023) winner Commissioner King for just US$9,000 at Keeneland In January 2021.
The two races, which are open to fillies and colts sold at the 2022 JCSA Auction, carry prize money of SAR500k (USD133k).
The bloodstock agent’s major interest on Saturday’s card is in Macho Boy, a two-year-old son of Kentucky-based sire Catalina Cruiser, a multiple Grade 2 winner on dirt: “Of those running at Ta’if on Saturday, I am hoping Macho Boy can be successful,” said Alabdullatif.
“I bought his dam [Cappachino Gal] in November 2020 from America, produced him, and sold him at the Riyadh auction for SAR115k [approx. USD30,600]. He is still developing but has already finished third and fourth in three races. Looking further forward, I think he wants long distances based on the sire side of his pedigree.”
Other graduates of last November’s sale in Riyadh, which will again be taking place in November 2023, are Smmo, a 2YO by consecutive Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Goldencents, and Mashhur, a 2YO by Grade 1 dirt winner Creative Cause.
“There are two other horses that I was involved with at last year’s Riyadh sales that I think are worth monitoring. Smmo was a star in his first race and has achieved a victory.
"He also has the best time over the 1400m distance, while Mashhur also looks very promising.
"In his first race he finished second, then the second open race he won by six lengths. I think he could be special over 1600m,” said Alabdullatif.
Looking at the new American sires on the block, Alabdullatif has just returned from Keeneland with interest in three first-season sires ahead of the 2023 JCSA Yearling Auction, which starts on November 27 at the JCSA’s Auction House close to King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
“I’ve recently returned from the Keeneland September auction, where a few new sires caught my eye,” said Alabdullatif. “Authentic, Vekoma and Volatile are three that looked to have some nice progeny in the sale. I have seen them produce athletic physical forms and I think they will take centre stage next year.”
Alabdullatif's hoping the son of Commissioner, a winner on his seasonal return in Ta’if this season, can go on to run in the world’s most valuable horse race next February.
“After a break from racing for six months, I think Commissioner King, or ‘The Saudi Horse’ as his owner calls him, had a very wonderful race at Ta’if and he deserves to be the first name to participate in The Saudi Cup in February.”
Commenting further on the development of racing in Saudi Arabia, Alabdullatif said, “Equestrianism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leaping forward with the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under the management of Prince Bandar, horseracing in Saudi has managed to develop quickly in a short time. The entire industry is witnessing a new era, and with everyone’s contribution, we can achieve further success.”
The first two of six sales races scheduled for the Saudi racing season take place at Ta’if this Saturday.
Anyone interested in registering as a purchaser at the 2023 JCSA Yearling Auction or finding out more details should email: Ibrahim Khulaif, Auction Manager at ikhulaif@jcsa.sa