Report: Sierra Leone, White Abarrio will skip Saudi Cup

The Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup lost a couple of big names with word Wednesday that Eclipse Award winner and early betting favorite Sierra Leone as well as Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) winner White Abarrio will not travel for the race.

Thoroughbred Daily News reported that Sierra Leone, winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic in his most recent start, is recovering from an abscess on his leg. Trainer Chad Brown told TDN that the Gun Runner colt had to miss a key workout and the timing won't work now for the Saudi Cup on Feb. 22.

Brown said Sierra Leone might be pointed to the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) for his next start.

White Abarrio co-owner Mark Cornett told TDN the 6-year-old son of Race day will campaign in the U.S.

"All the stars just weren't lining up with the timing and shipping and all that stuff," he said. "We're going to try to do what's best by the horse and stay here and have a nice campaign to end his career here."

White Abarrio, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., won the Pegasus on Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park.

Before the reports, Sierra Leone was the 7-2 futures favorite in U.K. betting and White Abarrio was 6-1, according to Oddschecker.