The energy around King Khalid Racecourse is building as week seven of the Taif racing season reaches its climax on Saturday, with the Taif Sprint Cup taking centre stage. All eyes will be on International Jockeys’ Challenge winner Muhammad Aldaham, who partners the much-anticipated debutant Ak’haal (IRE) for trainer Thamer Aldaihani and owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah.
The final feature promises an electric atmosphere, with 13 two-year-olds lining up over 1200m in pursuit of the US$106,000 prize. For Aldaham, fresh from international success, Saturday’s test represents a chance to add another highlight to his season — and perhaps launch a future star’s career.
Aldaham and Ak’haal Aim to Make a Statement
The spotlight falls firmly on Ak’haal, one of eight exciting newcomers in the field, as connections place their faith in a bold debut bid. While the colt’s potential has been the subject of plenty of stable whispers, trainer Aldaihani remained measured, insisting the priority is “a clean, confident start.”
Four of Saturday’s contenders clashed in a two-year-old maiden just two weeks ago, giving punters at least some form to lean on. Among them, Alaghr (USA), trained by Salman Aladhayani and ridden by Abdullah Alfairouz, impressed when finishing runner-up. Close behind came Newtown Runner (USA), owned by Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz and partnered by Alex Moreno, who will again be looking to make amends.
Lacy Des Vialettes Back in Action
Away from the juveniles, Saturday’s other feature brings together a talented group of Arabian mares over 1400m. Leading the charge is last season’s Riyadh sensation, Lacy Des Vialettes (FR), who will be making her third start of the campaign under jockey Khaled Almimoni.
Trained by Mustafa Almosa, the filly stormed to victory in her first four career outings and showed signs of rediscovering her rhythm with a respectable fifth in the Taif Arabian Derby. A stronger showing is expected this time as connections look to recapture her early brilliance.
Mubarizat Alkhalediah Adds Depth to the Mares’ Contest
Adding intrigue to the race is Mubarizat Alkhalediah (KSA), owned by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz & Sons. The five-year-old mare returned from a break with a stylish win on August 22 and will now have Fahad Alfouraidi in the saddle, taking over from Adel Alfouraidi. With fitness proven and form on her side, she looks a major player.
Waqtuk Headlines Championship Prep on Friday
Friday’s racing begins with a bang, with the King Khalid Racecourse Championship Prep over 1600m attracting a strong 18-runner field. Leading the charge is Waqtuk (USA), the highly regarded four-year-old trained by Abdulaziz Almosa and ridden by Alfouraidi.
Waqtuk arrives off an impressive victory in the Makkah Almokarramah Reg. Gov. Cup, where he turned back reopposing rivals Final Destination (GB) and Painters Palette (IRE). With proven credentials, including a runner-up finish behind Scotland Yard (USA) in the prestigious Tuwaiq Cup at The Saudi Cup meeting, he will start as one of the favourites.
Snafiya vs Alfaisaleyah: The Rematch
The King Khalid Championship Prep for fillies and mares over 1400m sets up a compelling showdown between familiar foes Snafiya (IRE) and Alfaisaleyah (GB).
Snafiya, handled by Aldaham and trainer Aldaihani, already boasts race fitness after a near miss in her Taif seasonal return. However, Alfaisaleyah, representing Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable and partnered by Fahad Alfouraidi, returns from a break eager to reverse fortunes after being edged out by Snafiya in Riyadh last March.
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For official schedules, racecards, and event details, visit the JCSA.
