The Group 2 USD $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint on 14 February once again belonged to an American powerhouse, as Bob Baffert-trained Imagination (USA) surged late to claim victory at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, delivering a thrilling King Abdulaziz Race result 14 February for fans worldwide. The 5-year-old son of Into Mischief, wearing the colours of Starlight Racing, overcame a slow start to deliver a decisive performance, thrilling the international crowd.
Breaking slowly from post nine under Flavien Prat, the bay settled near the back of the field through the opening 750 metres of the 1200m sprint. As they rounded the turn, Imagination swung wide, navigating seven paths to launch his challenge. With an effortless burst in the final 200 metres, he steadily closed on front-runners Just Beat The Odds (USA), American Stage (USA), and Muqtahem (IRE), ultimately winning by three-quarters of a length over Just Beat The Odds. Muqtahem finished a further three-quarters behind in third, with the clock stopping at 1:12.002.
The victory marked Imagination’s fourth career win from 15 starts and added to his impressive resume, which includes a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. For trainer Bob Baffert, it was his second Saudi Cup night success following Pinehurst’s triumph in the 2022 Saudi Derby.
Baffert, reflecting on the performance, said, “He missed the break. He’s not a good gate horse and we were worried. Once he turned for home, I knew he had a good chance. Brilliant ride by Prat—this horse keeps improving.” Jockey Flavien Prat added, “He broke a step slow but travelled very well around the turn. He’s just getting better and better.”
Second-place finisher Just Beat The Odds ran a determined race, with Irad Ortiz Jr commenting, “He tried to the end. I waited a few more jumps and then I start going, just got caught on the wire.” Japanese runner Muqtahem and other international contenders, including Self Improvement and Yamanin Cerchi, were unable to match the closing speed of the American invader.
Imagination’s commanding late surge showcased the quality of international sprinters making their mark on Saudi Cup night, highlighting both the depth of competition and the skill of connections bringing their best to the Kingdom.
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