Ky. Derby trail: Cyclone State is at pivot point in Saudi Derby

Chad Summers is reaching the pivotal stage of a long-term plan with Cyclone State as he counts down the days to Saturday's Group 3, $1.5 million Saudi Derby.

The U.S.-based trainer put his improving son of McKinzie through gate-schooling practice Wednesday after routine exercise on the dirt track.

“The best thing about this horse so far is that everything that we’ve wanted since he won the Jerome Stakes on Jan. 4 has gone according to plan. We’ve got a few more days to go, so hoping for the best,” Summers said.

“He had his last piece of work on Monday, it’s a long stretch here in Saudi Arabia, so I just wanted him to know where the winning line is. We get to learn about the racetrack. It’s a little deep right now, and hopefully it’ll keep getting a bit quicker.”

Summers is a regular visitor to the Middle East and knew the perfect target for Cyclone State.

“I ran into Emer Fallon (director of international racing for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia) at the Breeders’ Cup. When she asked when I was going to send something back over here I said I had just the horse, although you might think I’m crazy as he’s still a maiden.

“Cyclone State has won three races in a row since that conversation and it’s always been in the back of our minds. This racetrack is tailor-made to his ability. Obviously it’s a strong field with the local contingent, and you add in the Japanese that are always strong in the race.”

Summers also noted the path of last year’s winner from Japan, Forever Young, bound for the Saudi Cup (G1), who was subsequently a very close third in the Kentucky Derby.

“We’re coming in off a points race in the Kentucky Derby, obviously the Kentucky (Derby) means a lot to a lot of people, my owners included, but they trust me and we felt like this was the path we wanted to take,” Summers said.

“If we can be fortunate enough to be invited to the UAE Derby and qualify, it worked out well for Forever Young.”