Badr (USA) swooped to conquer the US$500,000 Lucid Tuwaiq Cup on the eve of The Saudi Cup to strongly suggest potential in the richest race of all in a year’s time.
This race turned into a rout. Winning jockey Adel Alfouraidi could afford to ease up inside the final 50m and still cross the line five lengths to the good.
But only seconds earlier, as the field entered the home stretch, it briefly seemed the pacesetters had a stranglehold of the contest with Badr appearing under pressure to keep tabs.
Between the final 400m, however, the strong early pace meant those in front wilted while Badr found top gear to clear away for a striking success.
Final Destination (GB), to his great credit, hung on for second having forced a strong tempo from the off, a head in front of Alwazir (USA) who finished off strongly from well back in the pack.
The winning time was a slick 1: 50.49.
Badr formerly raced in the care of William Haggas in Britain before transferring to Saudi Arabia in a private deal brokered by Alsafir Stable’s racing manager, Armando Duarte. This was his third win in 15 local starts and was prepared perfectly by trainer Abdah Alathaab.
The same connections will race Saudi Neom (USA) in the Boutique Group Saudi Derby on Saturday.
Quotes
Adel Alfouraidi, jockey: “The trainer has done a great job with this horse. He was very good last time winning the Gulf Cup and he was even better today. He has the potential to reach the very top.”
Abdah Alathaab, trainer: “He has improved a lot through the season. I think he will continue to improve again. I think he could be a Saudi Cup horse this time next year.”