American import Star Of Wonder (USA) will headline a competitive 17-runner field in the SAR150,000 Saudi Public Security Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday, November 7, as the six-year-old will aim to maintain his unbeaten record in the country.
Formerly trained by Brad Cox, Star Of Wonder will return under trainer Ahmed Mohamoud after securing two victories from as many starts in Saudi Arabia. Racing in the colours of White Stable and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons, he will have recorded both successes in November and December last year.
Star Of Wonder will have secured his most recent victory in the Listed King Faisal Cup, with former British champion jockey Oisin Murphy aboard. Camilio Ospina will take the ride in Saturday’s 1600m contest.
Saudi Public Security Cup to Feature Strong Opposition
Star Of Wonder will face three representatives of Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, namely Ajwadi (GB), Uncle (GB) and Mhalhal (USA), who will seek a fourth consecutive victory.
Alwaqqad (USA) will also provide a notable challenge under Alexis Moreno. He will arrive after winning his last two starts, including the Makkah Almokarramah Regional Gov Cup at Taif in August.
The undercard will feature two SAR300,000 juvenile contests. The Saud bin Salman Cup for Colts will attract a full field of 20 runners, while 16 fillies will contest the corresponding race. White Stable’s Ehteraz (KSA) will head the fillies’ field as she will attempt to return to winning form following defeat against stronger opposition at Taif.
Friday’s programme will feature the SAR150,000 domestic Group 3 Ministry of Defense Cup for three-year-olds over 1600m. White Stable will have three representatives among the nine runners, headed by top-rated Reda Al Aziz (KSA).
Ridden by Rayan Altoairsh, Reda Al Aziz will look to build on his previous performances after winning on debut in September last year and finishing runner-up in the domestic Group 1 King Abdulaziz Cup in January.
Stablemates Aez Alkhatir (KSA) and Bono (KSA) will join him, while Desert Glimmer (KSA) will seek a third consecutive victory under Moreno after winning both his summer starts at Taif.
Massyon Almoghtrah (KSA), representing Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable, will also pursue a hat-trick after following a Taif victory with another success in Riyadh last month.
Red Stable will also target the domestic Group 1 Prep for The Crown Prince Cup, with Yemken (KSA) and Hafedhk Allah (KSA) set to compete for the SAR120,000 prize.
The stable will additionally field Taif Ozak Cup winner Wootton’sun (FR) in the Listed Prep for The Crown Prince Cup. Ricardo Ferreira’s mount will be among the leading contenders in a 20-runner field alongside White Stable’s Haqeet (USA).
Haqeet, a son of champion Arrogate (USA), will make his first appearance since finishing last behind Forever Young (JPN) in The Saudi Cup on February 14. He will also bring previous success at this level, having won in December last year before finishing behind Wootton’sun in the King Abdulaziz Racetrack Champion the following month.
Star Of Wonder will lead a 17-runner field in Saturday’s Saudi Public Security Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, while the supporting programme will feature important juvenile contests and preparations for the Crown Prince Cup.
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