The Saudi Cup meeting moved another step closer on Wednesday morning as several international contenders took to the dirt at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, each camp quietly confident their preparations have fallen into place for one of the world’s most valuable race days.
Among the 9am contingent was David Jacobson’s Banishing (USA), a leading American hope for the Group 1 $20 million Saudi Cup. The six-year-old, winner of the G2 Charles Town Classic, jogged for a lap and a half before breezing a sharp 400 metres, stretching out smoothly under the Riyadh sun.
“He’s as good as he’s ever been, maybe even a little bit better,” Jacobson said, watching his stable star cool down. “I don’t know what happened but he really seems to like it out there. He’s on a roll and we expect a very big race.”
It has been a remarkable rise for Banishing. Purchased for $80,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Sale in 2024, he has since developed into a millionaire on the track. Sharaf Mohammed Al Hariri, also involved with fellow Saudi Cup contender Rattle N Roll (USA), recently bought into the gelding.
“He loves to run,” Jacobson added. “He doesn’t need to do much work in the morning because he’s been doing it all in the afternoon. He’s very fit and I liked running in the Pegasus [where he finished sixth] and this just seems to be setting up perfectly. When a plan comes together, it’s always a good thing.
“I don’t know if he can win the race but I definitely know he’s going to turn in a good performance. I love the one-turn mile and an eighth. It would be an unusual race in the United States and hopefully it’s an advantage.”
For Jacobson, more accustomed to prolific domestic success than global showpieces, the experience carries special meaning.
“It’s a dream,” he said. “I’m living in the dream and I’m just going to keep it going as long as I can.”
Saudi Cup Supporting Races Draw International Firepower
While the Saudi Cup commands global attention, the supporting programme has again attracted formidable depth.
Qatar-based French trainer Alban de Mieulle returns to familiar territory in the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap (2100m), a race that has already provided him with lasting memories. In 2022 he saddled a one-two with Lauderdale (IRE) and King Shalaa (FR), the latter returning in 2024 to gain compensation with a decisive victory.
“We came first and second in the International Handicap in 2022, which was really important for us,” de Mieulle recalled. “Whenever you go abroad it’s important. The Saudi Cup meeting was still young and we wanted to show our support. It was a really good day.”
This year he relies on the Wathnan Racing-owned Supercooled (IRE), a five-year-old who has shaped as though the 2100 metres will suit.
“He is in very good form and worked really well,” de Mieulle said. “Since he finished third in Turkey in September last year, he has run three times in Qatar. The first two runs over 1600 metres were too short for him.
“Last time over 2000 metres he found himself blocked on the rail. He came with a run but the jockey had nowhere to go. He finished sixth but was not ridden out and everyone could see he would have won very easily.
“I’m quite confident but he has to carry 59.5kg and I don’t really know how good his opponents are. It’s a very interesting handicap.”
De Mieulle will also saddle RB Mary Lylah (USA) in the Group 1 $1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup for Purebred Arabians, a race he captured in 2022 with First Classs (USA).
“She is much better than her last race indicates and I think she will run well,” he said. “It’s competitive, but I’m hopeful.”
Tanaka Targets Saudi Derby Glory
Japanese trainer Junji Tanaka has his sights set on the G3 $1.5 million Saudi Derby, a race that has become an important stepping stone on the international three-year-old calendar.
Best Green (JPN), a son of Smart Falcon, has won four in succession and was third in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki in December. With Ryusei Sakai — successful aboard Forever Young (JPN) in 2024 — again in the saddle, confidence is quietly building.
“He has continued to do well since arriving here,” Tanaka said. “His coat looks excellent and he’s in a condition that gives us confidence.
“Sakai rode him in his workout this morning and I believe he was able to grab a good feel for the horse. He wasn’t asked for anything and it was a pleasing piece of work.”
Hong Kong Sprint Star Seeks Riyadh Success
Hong Kong trainer Manfred Man is no stranger to big-race occasions, yet even he acknowledged the sense of occasion as Self Improvement (AUS) stretched out on Wednesday ahead of the G2 $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint.
Winner of the G3 Korea Sprint in Seoul last September, the Australian-bred sprinter travelled well and pleased his trainer with a light gallop.
“The horse is good, everything is fine,” Man said. “He was moving very well and he satisfied me. There is no need for any more fast work with the race on Saturday.
“The race is quite strong, stronger than Seoul, but all we can do is try our best. It is exciting as it is our first time in a Saudi Cup race. We feel very happy to represent Hong Kong.”
As the days tick down, optimism hums through the barns. From seasoned American campaigners to ambitious challengers from Japan, Qatar and Hong Kong, the Saudi Cup meeting once again promises a compelling blend of stories, styles and international ambition.
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