{"id":379791,"date":"2023-02-17T03:48:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T06:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/?p=379791"},"modified":"2023-02-24T03:54:35","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T06:54:35","slug":"analise-reuniao-saudi-cup-dick-powell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/noticias\/379791\/analise-reuniao-saudi-cup-dick-powell\/","title":{"rendered":"Analise Reuni\u00e3o Saudi Cup – Dick Powell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Saturday, February 25, 2023<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

King Abdulaziz Race Course, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Analysis by Dick Powell<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 1 –<\/strong> Jockey Club Local Handicap\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Post Time: 7:45am EST<\/span><\/p>\n

US$1 million available for 20 local runners going ten furlongs could be chaotic but the top horse, ALBATHALY, draws well and gets James Doyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

ALBATHALY<\/strong> began his career with two easy wins then did not handle the move up in class and distance. Two years ago, he won all three starts by wide margins including the 2021 renewal of this race by over four lengths. Proven over the course and distance, he only has to be ready and twice he has won off lengthy layoffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

KATHEER <\/strong>was a good third in this race last year and after some even races over the summer, he returned with a good third going this distance. His last two starts were easy wins going 1800m and comes in today with a win in the same conditions race as last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

ALMOBEER <\/strong>was fourth in this race last year but has run very inconsistently since then with a zigzag-like pattern that might mean he is sitting on a big race. He won going 2000m then came back and finished 17th<\/sup>, beaten almost 44 lengths. He shook that off with a win in the Crown Prince Cup but finished 12th<\/sup>, beaten 48 lengths last out although that was against much better company. His pattern seems like he is sitting on a big race.<\/span><\/p>\n

MOSTAWLY <\/strong>won three races in a row this time last season including a round of the International Jockeys Challenge. He was soundly beaten in his next five starts against varying levels of competition but woke up last start with a huge victory in the Custodian 2 Holy Mosques going 2000m here last month. Clearly, he likes this track and at the age of four, he is showing that the longer distances are within his grasp. An improving colt, he is by FIRST DEFENCE who won the G1 Forego S. at Saratoga for Juddmonte.<\/span><\/p>\n

SALFAN <\/strong>won going 2000m against similar company last January but skipped this race. He was then third against top local company then went to Taif and won by 22 lengths. He seems to be rounding back into shape with a win two starts back going today\u2019s distance and an even fourth behind MOSTAWLY in the Custodian 2 Holy Mosques. He can run all day but will have to avoid traffic in this huge field of dirt runners.<\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 1. ALBATHALY, 8. KATHEER, 2. ALMOBEER, 6. MOSTAWLY, 7. SALFAN<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 2-<\/strong> Obaiya Arabian Classic\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Post Time: 8:25am EST<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of last year\u2019s runners are back for this year\u2019s renewal headed by the sensational TILAL AL KHALEDIAH<\/strong>. However, his lone loss came here last year and it was his only try at 2000m. The race starts at the end of the chute on the backstretch and is run around one turn.<\/span><\/p>\n

TILAL AL KHALEDIAH <\/strong>not only won his first four career starts but did it by wide margins. He looked unbeatable in this race last year but was run down on the line by a nose in a shocking upset. He shook it off with a 14-length win going 1600m next out then won by three lengths in his last start back in June. A winner off similar layoffs, he has faced most of these runners and beaten them decisively.<\/span><\/p>\n

DANANEER AL KHALEDIAH <\/strong>has never run at this distance but has won his last three starts by almost 24 lengths. She romped against her gender three starts back by over 15 lengths going 1200m then won easily going 1600m. She returned against open company last out and won easily and now tries 2000m for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

QASWARAT AL KHALEDIAH <\/strong>has only had five lifetime starts at the age of five but has already won going this distance twice. He won his career debut by over 17 lengths at Taif then came back there to win a conditions race by a similar margin. He won a stakes race there next out but then ran into trouble in his next start. Off for four months, he was an even fourth last out going 1400m and should improve with a\u00a0 race under his belt at a distance that he has proven himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

RB RICH LYKE ME <\/strong>is an American-bred 7-year-old that won a Group 2 stakes race at Meydan then came back there and won a G1 going 1600m there. Third in this race last year, he returned in January with a repeat win in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge then was second here going 1400m. He has dangerous early speed and should avoid early traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n

SAMLLA <\/strong>won the G1 Qatar International Cup on turf in Doha last February then beat similar company in France at Chantilly. He won a Group 1 stakes race at Goodwood in England then won again in France. Last out off a four-month layoff, he won in France going this distance and now tries dirt for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 10. TILAL AL KHALEDIAH, 11. DANANEER AL KHALEDIAH, 6. QASWART AL\u00a0 KHALEDIAH, 8. RB RICH LYKE ME, 9. SAMLLA<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 3 – <\/strong>Neom<\/strong> Turf Cup <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Post Time: 9:05 am EST<\/span><\/p>\n

This race starts in front of the finish line and then goes one full lap around the turf course. There is plenty of time for the field to sort itself out before hitting the backstretch and horses with pace have done well in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

MISSED THE CUT<\/strong> was an even fourth in his career debut then won three races in a row while showing good speed each time. Son of QUALITY ROAD shipped to France and ran poorly on yielding ground at Deauville then came back three months later and won a 10-furlong stakes race on the synthetic track at Lingfield. His speed will be dangerous in here and will be hard to catch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She has only had seven starts at the age of six but WHITE MOONLIGHT <\/strong>seems to be on top of her game. The daughter of MEDAGLIA D\u2019ORO just missed in the Ipi Tombe Stakes at Meydan going seven furlongs then she was less than a length short in the G2 Cape Verdi S. there going 1600m in very fast time. She comes back on short rest and should be ready for a good effort in the third race of her form cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

SIR BUSKER <\/strong>was a game winner of the G2 York S. last July on firm ground. He was an even third behind BAEED and MISHRIFF in August in the G1 Juddmonte International in August then came back six months later with a good second on the synthetic track at Lingfield going 1600m in fast time.<\/span><\/p>\n

MOSTAHDAF <\/strong>was in great form two years ago as a 3-year-old when he won five times then kicked off last year with a win in the G3 Gordon Richards S. off a long layoff. Son of Frankel won the G3 September S. two starts back at 2400m on a synthetic track but fell apart on a soft turf course in Paris. Freshened up by the Gosdens, he returns against a modest group. My only concern is Shadwell might have bigger plans at Meydan next month and this is a prep for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

DUBAI FUTURE <\/strong>is a world traveller from Godolphin that is still running well at the age of seven. He raced evenly here in the Red Sea Turf Handicap but woke up at long odds with a win at Ascot in the Wolferton then finished out 2022 with a win in the G3 Bahrain International Trophy going 2000m. Gelded son of DUBAWI has had two runs at Meydan this year and could be a pace factor in here.<\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 6. <\/strong>MISSED THE CUT<\/strong>, 11. <\/strong>WHITE MOONLIGHT<\/strong>, 9. <\/strong>SIR BUSKER<\/strong>, 7. <\/strong>MOSTAHDAF<\/strong> & 3 DUBAI FUTURE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 4 – <\/strong>1351 Turf Sprint<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Post Time: 9:45 am EST<\/span><\/p>\n

This turf sprint is run at 1351m and begins at the start of the backstretch with a long run into the first turn. Last year\u2019s top five finishers return and should be the ones to beat.<\/span><\/p>\n

CASA CREED<\/strong> was a heart-breaking second here last year when his furious rally fell a neck short. He won two grade one stakes races after this race \u2013 one going 1200m and one going 1600m. Regardless, he usually settles off the pace and winds up for one, big run. Last out in the G1 Breeders\u2019 Cup Turf Sprint, he could not overcome post 11 but as he has gotten older, he relaxes until called upon by Luis Saez. He will be easy to spot with his bright pink colors<\/span><\/p>\n

Got up in time last year and SONGLINE <\/strong>will try to do it again. Only five years olds, she has earned over $USD 3.7 million in 12 starts. Two starts after last year\u2019s win, she won the G1 Yasuda Kinen going 1600m in fast time then raced evenly last out at 1200m. After racing here, to come back and win two more group one stakes races shows how genuine she is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

POGO <\/strong>has run at many distances in his long career and was beaten by four lengths in this race last year. After that, he won two races in a row going 1400m against group three stakes company in England. He won the G2 Challenge Stakes at Newbury then was used hard from post one before weakening in the G1 Breeders\u2019 Cup Mile.<\/span><\/p>\n

HAPPY ROMANCE <\/strong>showed high speed before being run down here in this race last year. Daughter of DANDY MAN could not handle group one stakes company going 1200m in her next two starts and raced evenly to finish up the season in August. Freshened up by Richard Hannon, she ran well off a similar layoff last year and could be stronger at the age of five.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inconsistency should not be rewarded, unless the price is right, and LAUDA SION <\/strong>can be a factor on his best effort. He won the G1 Mile Cup three years ago and off a close third in the G2 Hanshin Cup going a similar distance last out and could be sitting on a big race while being overlooked.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 2. <\/strong>CASA CREED<\/strong>, 11. <\/strong>SONGLINE<\/strong>, 6. <\/strong>POGO<\/strong>, 9. <\/strong>HAPPY ROMANCE<\/strong> & 4. <\/strong>LAUDA SION<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 5- <\/strong>Red Sea Turf Handicap<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Post Time: 10:25 am EST<\/span><\/p>\n

With a short run into the first of three turns, the field usually strings out and makes it hard to make up ground late. Patient tactics help and a quick turn of foot is necessary to come from far off the pace. Japanese horses do not get many chances at 3000m so they could be tough in here.<\/span><\/p>\n

SUBJECTIVIST<\/strong> has not run in a year and a half but seems to have too much class for these. He has won his last three starts and two of them came against group one company. Two starts back, he went to Dubai and won easily going two miles then came back and won the historic G1 Ascot Gold Cup by five lengths. The son of TEOFILO has missed many big races since then but looks like he will be impossible to run down if allowed to settle into a rhythmic stride.<\/span><\/p>\n

John Gosden won the second running of the G1 Saudi Cup here with MISHRIFF and he returns for this turf marathon with TRAWLERMAN. <\/strong>Since trying marathons, he had a good win at this distance last June then won the Ebor Handicap which might be the strongest handicap race in the world that is not graded. Son of GOLDEN HORN came back on soft ground to run second last October at Ascot going two miles. He does have pace and it will be interesting to see how he is handled at the start.<\/span><\/p>\n

ECHT <\/strong>only had one win last year and it came at 2000m when he won the G3 Tanabata Sho in fast time. He tries 3000m but is out of a dam by the legendary DEEP IMPACT who ran the fastest 3200m in history. Last month, he just missed in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup and will need patient handling to see out the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

SILVER SONIC <\/strong>has done his best racing going long distances so today should not be any problem. He was a strong third behind DEEP BOND three starts back but then lost his rider at the start of the G1 Tenno Sho Spring. Off for seven months, he came back and won a group two stakes race going longer. 7-year-old son of ORFEVRE is out of a stakes winner that has produced three group stakes winners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can\u2019t recommend giving too much weight to one race but ENEMY <\/strong>was a sharp winner at Meydan last out going 2400m in fast time while carrying high weight. In the hands of John Gosden, he has the look of a 6-year-old that has been prepped for this\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 1. <\/strong>SUBJECTIVIST<\/strong>, 2. <\/strong>TRAWLERMAN<\/strong>, 11. <\/strong>ECHT<\/strong>, 7. <\/strong>SILVER SONIC<\/strong> & 3. <\/strong>ENEMY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 6<\/strong> – Saudi Derby<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Post Time: 11:05 am EST\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Derby is a mix among Japanese dirt horses, Japanese turf horses, local dirt horses and a Bob Baffert runner from America. The big field will ensure a demanding pace and the composition of the track surface enables turf horses to run well over it.<\/span><\/p>\n

MY MAP<\/strong> is undefeated in four starts in Saudi Arabia and has been able to handle the step up in trip each time. Son of LIAM\u2019S MAP romped in his first two career starts going 1200m at Taif then returned here almost five months later and won a stakes race as much the best. Last out, he won going 1600m in very good time and only has to make the walkover from the local stables to race. He has handled everything asked of him and will be easy to find as the only gray in the field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Baffert is usually the top choice in dirt races in the Middle East but HAVNAMELTDOWN <\/strong>has a few flaws despite winning four of five career starts. Baffert is loaded with top sophomore colts this year but he has yet to ask this one to go longer than 1400m. The son of sprint sire UNCAPTURED is very fast but I question if he has enough pedigree to handle the pace over a track that is much deeper than what he is used to.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTINUAR <\/strong>won his career debut on a muddy track in Japan going nine furlongs so he has already answered the stamina question. He was a close second next time out on a synthetic track but bounced back last out going 1600m in fast time. By a former Baffert-trained sprinter DREFONG, he is out of a dam by KING KAMEHAMEHA so there is plenty of stamina on the dam\u2019s side of his pedigree.<\/span><\/p>\n

After two dull starts to begin his career on the turf, DERMA SOTOGAKE <\/strong>has prospered since switching to the dirt with an improved effort then won two in a row on synthetic tracks at 1800m. He returned to the dirt last out and won a strong stakes race by a head against 13 rivals so he has answered the question about getting the trip against a bulky field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turf runners can succeed here with the track being fair to their chances. FROM DUSK <\/strong>was a game second going 1400m in the G2 Kelo Hal Sisal Stakes in fast time then was soundly beaten against group one company. He bounced back some with a good third last out and the son of BOLT D\u2019ORO is bred to be a dirt runner.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 13. <\/strong>MY MAP<\/strong>, 12. <\/strong>HAVNAMELTDOWN<\/strong>, 8. <\/strong>CONTINUAR<\/strong>, 9. <\/strong>DERMA SOTOGAKE<\/strong> & 11. <\/strong>FROM DUSK<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 7- <\/strong>Riyadh Dirt Sprint<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0Post Time: 11:45 am EST\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s renewal has last year\u2019s winner and the winner of the G1 Breeders\u2019 Cup Sprint among others in a select field. Speed dominated last year but part of that was the bigger field resulted in lots of traffic problems going into the turn. Today\u2019s field could yield a truer run race.<\/span><\/p>\n

GUNITE <\/strong>appears to be better suited for 1400m than today\u2019s 1200m but he should be the strong horse in the stretch. The son of GUN RUNNER even tried 1600m two starts back in the G1 Breeders\u2019 Cup Dirt Mile when he pressed a fast pace before tiring. His prep for this was an easy win on a sloppy track at Oaklawn Park in very fast time. He has tremendous cruising speed which will keep him in touch with the pace and make his move the winning one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s winner DANCING PRINCE <\/strong>is back for more and looks like he has not slowed down at the age of seven. The Japanese entire romped here last year by almost six lengths but I have to question the strength of that field. This year\u2019s renewal looks much deeper but it won\u2019t matter if he is able to dominate on the front again. There is a relatively short run into the first turn and another alert start makes him the horse to catch.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took ELITE POWER <\/strong>four starts to win his first race but he did it with style going 1400m in brilliant time. After two easy wins, he stepped up to stakes company and won the G2 Vosburgh on a deep, tiring track going 1400M. Last out, he came from far back to win the G1 Breeders\u2019 Cup Sprint going 1200m and has a devastating turn of foot when unleashed at the right time. Son of CURLIN is bred to run much farther but Bill Mott has found a home for him as a closing sprinter.<\/span><\/p>\n

MERAAS <\/strong>won two dirt starts in a row last season at Meydan including a sharp win in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint. Off for six months, he made his American debut at Saratoga where he set a demanding pace before being run down by none other than ELITE POWER who went on to win the Breeders\u2019 Cup Sprint. After being bumped hard in the G3 Bold Ruler Stakes, he bounced back with an easy win in fast time last out and should be involved in the early pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

RYUNO YUKINA <\/strong>is an 8-year-old Japanese sprinter that just missed three times behind the heralded DANCING PRINCE. He has earned over $USD 2.6 million in 47 starts and he has done his best running on the dirt going short.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 4. <\/strong>GUNITE<\/strong>, 1. <\/strong>DANCING PRINCE<\/strong>, 2. <\/strong>ELITE POWER<\/strong>, 6. <\/strong>MERAAS<\/strong> & 9. <\/strong>RYUNO YUKINA<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Race 8 – <\/strong>Saudi Cup<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 – <\/strong>Post Time: 12:35 am EST\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the fourth renewal of the G1 Saudi Cup and it has one of its deepest fields. The three previous runnings saw final running times of 1:50.52 seconds, 1:49.59 seconds and 1:50.58. Even contested at 1800m around one turn, speedy horses have to be careful and not set too fast a pace. Without going around two turns, which usually sorts the field out, the one-turn configuration seems to put sustained pressure on the leaders and the run to the wire is a test of strength. Last year\u2019s winner, EMBLEM ROAD rallied on the far outside and never saved any ground but had a clear trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

TAIBA<\/strong> is an immensely talented colt from Bob Baffert that should benefit from today\u2019s conditions. He won the G1 Santa Anita Derby in only his second career start but was then entered in the G1 Kentucky Derby. It was too much too soon and it took him most of the summer to recover. He\u2019s won two grade 1 stakes in his last three starts and has been pointed for this race.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Baffert has a strong hand in this year\u2019s Saudi Cup and if Taiba falters, COUNTRY GRAMMER <\/strong>could be the beneficiary. Second here last year when he looked like a winner in the shadow of the wire, he comes in this year off a recent win in the G2 San Antonio and looks to be better prepared. He\u2019ll show speed on occasion but will probably be ridden from off the pace and try to time his late move better than last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Japanese horses have done sensationally around the world on turf and dirt and they have a live chance in here. CAF\u00c9 PHAROAH <\/strong>is a son of American triple crown winner AMERICAN PHAROAH that has numerous wins off layoffs. At the age of six, he\u2019s been prepared for this race off a 10-week layoff and this is his time of year having won the G1 February Stakes the past two years.<\/span><\/p>\n

EMBLEM ROAD <\/strong>will try to replicate last year\u2019s shocking upset. He was tried on the turf in France last summer and even though it was not a bad effort, he returned to his winning ways last out here with an easy win going a mile. Son of QUALITY ROAD out of a BERNARDINI mare certainly has the pedigree to get a distance of ground on dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

JUN LIGHT BOLT <\/strong>has found a home on the dirt after racing on turf in his first 21 career starts. He won his last three starts on it and beat a good field going today\u2019s distance last out in the G1 Champions Cup at Chuko in Japan.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

SELECTIONS: 10. <\/strong>TAIBA<\/strong>, 2. <\/strong>COUNTRY GRAMMER<\/strong>, 1. <\/strong>CAF\u00c9 PHAROAH<\/strong>, 4. <\/strong>EMBLEM ROAD<\/strong> & 6. <\/strong>JUN LIGHT BOLT<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Races 3-8 are World Pool events<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/thesaudicup.com.sa\/en<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/worldpool.hkjc.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Saturday, February 25, 2023 King Abdulaziz Race Course, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia Analysis by Dick Powell\u00a0 Race 1 – Jockey Club Local Handicap\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Post Time: 7:45am EST US$1 million available for 20 local runners going ten furlongs could be chaotic but the top horse, ALBATHALY, draws well and gets James Doyle. ALBATHALY began his career with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-379791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-noticias"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379791"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=379791"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379791\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=379791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=379791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jcb.com.br\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=379791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}