History had a familiar ring to it at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday as Bolide Porto (IRE) delivered a polished repeat success in the Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, confirming his place on the road to the elite grass contests of Saudi Cup week.
The SAR 1,000,000 Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, run over 2100 metres on turf, has quickly established itself as a key marker ahead of February’s showpiece meeting. Once again, the White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons emerged with their colours in front, the five-year-old showing the same resolution that carried him to victory in this race twelve months ago.
Camilo Ospina judged the contest to perfection. From an economical draw, he anchored Bolide Porto to the inner rail, conserving ground throughout before asking his mount for a decisive effort in the straight. The response was immediate. In a stirring duel to the line, Bolide Porto edged past Direct Security (IRE), ridden by Joel Rosario, prevailing by the narrowest of margins.
“I love these colours, they are so lucky for me,” Ospina said after dismounting. “On this turf, saving ground on the inside can really help the horse. He gave me everything.”
Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup sets tone for Saudi Cup week
The same ownership celebrated further success earlier on the card when Sayyah (USA) announced himself as a leading staying prospect with a commanding display in the Red Sea Turf Qualifier. Naif Alanazi kept the four-year-old in a handy position as the tempo increased, and when asked to stretch for home, Sayyah surged clear around the final bend to score emphatically on his first attempt at 3000 metres.
That victory marked a third straight success following last month’s Listed Crown Prince Cup and underlined his progress, the colt now boasting seven wins from fourteen starts as he looks ahead to a major assignment on the big night.
The qualifiers continued with the 1351 Turf Sprint, where Zefzaf (USA) finally went one better after finishing second in the same contest a year ago. Benefiting from a searching early pace, the six-year-old was produced late by Rosario, sweeping through from the rear to clinch victory and reward the patience of his connections.
Formerly trained in the United States by Jimmy Jerkins, Zefzaf has thrived since relocating, his ability matching the high expectations once placed upon him. “The race was very nice,” Rosario reflected. “There was plenty of pace and he finished it off well. He’s a quality horse.”
Purebred Arabian honours also went the way of a rising talent as Adeeb Al Shahania (FR) impressed in the Al-Mneefah Qualifier. Muhammad Aldaham committed from the front, and the five-year-old showed courage and class to repel all challengers, rebounding strongly from his recent fourth in the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Cup.
Now a four-time winner from just six appearances, Adeeb Al Shahania has earned his chance to test himself at the highest level later in the month, adding further depth to an already compelling Saudi Cup programme.
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