Saudi Cup Weekend Form in the Mix
One such rival is Karimi, trained by Ahmed Alshaia and ridden by Abdulaziz Alfouraidi. The colt impressed with a runaway victory in the Sarawat Cup during Saudi Cup weekend but was only eighth in the recent trial behind Falah Zain. He also needs to reverse form with Fallat Kheir (KSA), who finished second in that prep race for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud and the powerful white silks of King Abdullah Bin A\Aziz Sons.
Fallat Kheir brings notable depth to her credentials, having been beaten less than three lengths in the Fillies Mile on Saudi Cup Friday. Her ability to quicken late could be a decisive factor in this competitive renewal of the Alhada Cup at King Khalid Racecourse.
Arabian Talent Opens the Card
The weekend begins with Friday’s Arabian Horses Fillies Open over 1600m, where Lacy Des Vialettes (FR) makes her eagerly awaited return. Trained by Mustafa Almosa and ridden by Aseel Alsarhani, the filly was unbeaten in three Taif starts last season before scoring in Riyadh. Her only defeat came when chasing home the legendary Tilal Al Khalediah in the Group 1 Obaiyah Arabian Classic — form that marks her as a leading light for this campaign.
Friday’s AlShafa Cup Prep a Deep Contest
Friday’s feature, the 2000m AlShafa Cup Prep Open, has attracted a full field of 18 and promises to be one of the weekend’s most captivating clashes. Seasoned campaigner Almaan (USA) makes his first start since a series of strong Riyadh performances, including fifth to Rattle N Roll in The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to Scotland Yard in the Tuwaiq Cup. Trainer Gaith Alghaith will leg up Abdullah Alawfi for another bold showing.
Among the challengers is Derevo (GB), seventh in the Tuwaiq Cup for handler Hadi Gharawi, while AlDaihani has a dual hand with Western City (USA) for Mohammad Alhubail and National Gallery (IRE), again partnered by Muhammad Aldaham.
Anticipation Builds for the Alhada Cup at King Khalid Racecourse
With proven Group-level performers, Saudi Cup form horses, and emerging local-bred talent, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Whether Falah Zain can follow up his trial success or a new name emerges remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, the Alhada Cup at King Khalid Racecourse will be a highlight of the season’s early weeks.
For more coverage of international and Saudi Arabian racing, visit our International Racing section.
