Trainer Doug O’Neill has never shied away from racing’s grand stages, and this weekend he returns to Saudi Arabia with a colt he believes belongs among elite company, as Acknowledgemeplz (USA) lines up for the Group 3 Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
The Saudi Derby, run over a one-turn mile and worth USD 1.5 million, offers O’Neill another opportunity to showcase his international credentials. Already the handler of household names such as Kentucky Derby hero Nyquist and Santa Anita Handicap legend Lava Man, the California-based trainer sees familiar promise in his latest contender.
“He’s always been kind of a gifted horse, and it was, of course, pretty amazing to get the invite,” O’Neill said, reflecting on the path that has brought the flashy chestnut ridgling to Riyadh.
By Bucchero, Acknowledgemeplz has raced just four times, yet his profile continues to rise. He announced himself early when scoring on his second start, edging out the highly regarded Blacksmith, a Bob Baffert-trained colt who later finished runner-up in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity. That performance alone marked him as a colt of substance.
His most recent outing came in the Grade 2 San Vicente over 1400 metres, where he showed blistering speed on the front end, ripping through a demanding second 400-metre sectional in 21.53 seconds. Unsurprisingly, the tempo took its toll late, but he held on gamely to finish third, beaten just over two lengths after setting the tone throughout.
Race conditions for the Saudi Derby appear far more to his liking. O’Neill is convinced the one-turn configuration plays to the colt’s strengths, particularly as he continues to mature mentally and physically.
“He’s got speed, some stamina and a beautiful way of going,” O’Neill explained. “Cornering can be a little tricky for him sometimes, so two turns might be challenging right now. But a one-turn mile like this is right up his alley. He definitely acts like a better-than-average sort.”
Champion jockey Flavien Prat takes the reins, adding further intrigue to the contest. The Frenchman will need to judge the pace carefully in a field that features abundant early speed, including Steve Asmussen’s fast-starting Obliteration and a strong contingent from Japan, led by the tactically versatile Satono Voyage.
“I’m pretty excited to see Flavien on him,” O’Neill said. “He can be pretty magical with horses. I think Acknowledgemeplz can settle and doesn’t necessarily need to lead.”
The trainer revealed that considerable work has gone into helping the colt relax and finish his races more strongly, including adjusted training routines designed to encourage a smoother rhythm.
“He’s not the kind of horse that’s stuck in one gear,” O’Neill added. “He has multiple gears, and this race setup really suits him.”
Owned by Purple Rein Racing and Mark Davis, Acknowledgemeplz will be O’Neill’s second runner at the Saudi Cup meeting and his first since Legends of War finished sixth in the 1351 Turf Sprint at the event’s inaugural running in 2020.
Purple Rein Racing’s Jeanie Buss, governor and former majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, partners Davis, president and owner of Precision Electric Group, in the colt’s ownership.
“Our owners are super-cool and genuinely love the horses and the races,” O’Neill said. “It would be great to get a win for them. They’re honoured to have a horse invited, and we’re hoping he can do them proud.”
O’Neill is also represented on the card by G1-placed Zio Jo, entered in the Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint, ensuring the American trainer will have a strong presence across the meeting.
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