Ricardo Ferreira arrives at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in formidable form, having dominated last weekend’s Saudi Cup qualifying card, and the rider looks well placed to extend that run when Friday’s feature races take centre stage in Riyadh. With momentum firmly on his side, Ferreira again takes the lead role in a series of competitive contests that promise depth, quality, and international flavour.
The principal attraction on the card is the SAR150,000 North America Cup over 1600 metres, where Ferreira reunites with the seasoned Man Of The Night (FR). Carrying the familiar colours of Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, the nine-year-old brings proven credentials, having already struck earlier in the season in the Ministry of Culture Cup. His recent efforts suggest that age has done little to dull his edge, and he returns to a track where experience often counts for plenty.
The same ownership is also represented by Ajwadi (GB), partnered by Muhammad Aldaham, adding further intrigue to a 12-runner field. Red Stable, under the banner of Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz, rely on the progressive Annafel (USA), trained by Sami Alharab, who steps up in class after shedding his maiden tag in handicap company.
Ferreira’s workload continues in the SAR150,000 UK Cup over 1800 metres, where a full field of 20 assembles. He partners Pretty Flag (IRE), another runner for Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, whose domestic Group 2 success in the Prince Sultan Ben Abdulaziz Cup earlier this year remains fresh in the memory. Red Stable strengthen their hand with Al Abjar (IRE) and the highly rated Almaan (USA), while White Stable counters with Electability (USA) and Faal Khair (USA), the latter guided by Camilio Ospina.
Recent form also feeds into the picture, with Causeway (USA) returning quickly after his sixth-place finish in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup. Champion jockey Adel Alfouraidi takes the reins as connections look for improvement at the second time of asking.
The SAR150,000 Ministry of Media Cup over 1400 metres provides another headline opportunity. Ferreira teams up with Jahdoon (KSA), the Latin America Cup winner and joint top-rated contender for Red Stable. Standing in his way could be Lilaelem (KSA), representing White Stable under Abdullah Alfairouz. Lightly raced and already a three-time winner, he drops back in distance and remains open to progress.
Earlier on the programme, sprint form from last weekend is expected to hold up well. Zefzaf (USA), winner of the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier, sets a strong standard, while Love De Vega (IRE), who chased him home, looks a leading presence in the SAR120,000 1200-metre open contest. The following SAR120,000 1351-metre sprint pits Red and White Stables against one another once more, with Fouj (USA) and Jeddah Beach (USA) flying the flag for the latter. Red Stable, however, counter with Hajes (GB) and Ferreira’s mount Fearnot (IRE), a notable newcomer to Saudi racing after a successful career in Britain.
Attention then turns to Saturday’s action, highlighted by the SAR150,000 Aseer Region Governorate Cup for three-year-olds over 1400 metres. Ferreira again features prominently, partnering the Red Stable-owned Gaab (KSA), an impressive winner on New Year’s Day who continues to progress with each appearance.
Across two days, King Abdulaziz Racecourse once more showcases its growing depth and competitive strength, with Ferreira’s presence providing a familiar thread through a compelling weekend of racing.
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