Saudi Cup 2021: Field evolving for $20 million race

With the Pegasus World Cup (G1) fading into the rearview mirror after Knicks Go’s gate-to-wire victory at Gulfstream, the eyes of the racing world will turn to Riyadh for the rich Saudi Cup on Feb. 20.

The field for that race is yet to be determined, but several top trainers have said they are likely to send their contenders to the $20 million race.

The race is projected to include top competition with Charlatan, who skipped the Pegasus likely to make the trip for Bob Baffert. Knicks Go is  possible after his Pegasus win, according to Brad Cox. 

The Saudi Cup nominations list includes more than 100 horses.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott will be represented in the Saudi Cup, sending out last year’s fifth-place finisher Tacitus, who most recently was fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Trainer Brad Cox has not made a final decision on whether or not the Pegasus winner will ship to the race. A Gulfstream press release after the race noted Knicks Go exited the race well and was back at his winter home base at Fair Grounds.

In winning the Pegasus, Knicks Go earned an automatic berth in the Saudi Cup, should he choose to accept it.

Kenny McPeek has two horses nominated for the race, including 3-year-old champion filly Swiss Skydiver. However, the 2020 Preakness winner has not trained since the Breeders’ Cup in November. Owner Peter Callahan told HRN the filly was listed as likely begin her 4-year-old season at Keeneland.  Signalman is also listed in the nominations for McPeek. He will be running at Sam Houston on Sunday in the John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3).

Cigar Mile (G1) winner True Timber “won’t be running” in the Saudi Cup, trainer Jack Sisterson told HRN on Friday. The 7-year-old son of Mineshaft was scheduled to run in the Pegasus, but pulled out of the race after suffering an injury in training several days before the race.

Sisterson said in a text message that there is “no set plan,” for True Timber beyond skipping the Saudi Cup.

“(We’re) going to discuss over the next week or two,” Sisterson said.

Also not going to the race is Brendan Walsh’s Maxfield, who told HRN that he will instead point for either the Mineshaft (G3) at Fair Grounds or the Razerback at Oaklawn.

Jesus’ Team, who had initially been targeting the race will also not run, as trainer Jose D’Angelo said he will take some extra time to prepare for the Mar. 27 Dubai World Cup.