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| Staff Writer |
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Making history at the Saudi Cup meeting this Saturday, France-based Italian trainer Alessandro Botti will saddle his first runner at King Abdulaziz Racecourse when Presage Nocturne lines up in the Gr.1 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap.
The Italian handler's connection with Saudi racing runs deep, having previously overseen Emblem Road, the 2022 Saudi Cup victor owned by HRH Prince Saud Bin Salman, during the horse's French campaign.
"I came here two years ago when there was a big football match," Botti said. "We were invited by Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, who is one of my owners. The Prince then asked us to come to the racecourse and so I had seen the training and everything. But this is my first starter, which is very exciting."
The 5YO Presage Nocturne enters the US$2.5m contest in prime form, having claimed the Listed Prix Arcangues over 2500m at Deauville in December. The gelding impressed during his Wednesday morning dirt track appearance.
"He is in good form," Botti remarked. "It is always a bit of a worry when you travel a horse, but he seems well. He hasn't lost any weight and won't do much over the next few days."
"He never stopped during the winter and we were lucky to win the race in December. I think he is at the top of his form."
Speaking about the draw, Botti added: "We have drawn the number 10, which is fine. He will be coming from behind and anyway, Christophe [Soumillon, jockey] knows him well."
The Italian's Saudi weekend extends beyond racing, with plans to attend Friday's Al-Nassr versus Al-Ettifaq match, supporting compatriot and Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli.
"Stefano was the manager of AC Milan for many years and one of the owners of Presage Nocturne was the official journalist at the time when [former Prime Minister of Italy] Silvio Berlusconi owned the club," Botti explained.
"He is still in contact with Stefano and when he told him that he was coming to Riyadh, Stefano invited him and us to the match. And in return, we have asked him to the races on Saturday to see our horse."