Mishriff has begun building its bid to secure entry into the world’s richest race, the Saudi Arabia Cup (G1) next month, for the second year in a row.
The 1/8 mile 1 run has a $20 million prize pool and this time, the third run, it’s placed group 1 for the first time.
A year ago, this was the race that gave equestrian David Egan his first taste of greatness when the dark horse trained by John and Thady Gosden took down the American opponent. Quack .
Mishriff and Egan then went on to enjoy peak glory in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan and Juddmonte International (G1) in York, finishing fourth in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) in Ascot this past Ascot. October.
With the Breeders’ Cup tilt decided against, Mishriff was placed in the winter camps at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket, from where he emerged to begin preparations for his return to Riyadh on February 26.
John Gosden said: “Mishriff has done as well in winter as you’d expect because he’s a 5-year-old and he’s thickened up again. He’s been back in shelter on Warren Hill for the past few days and we’re doing it. gradually filled it with another crack at the Saudi Arabia Cup.”
He added: “It was a great win in Riyadh a year ago, it was obviously a huge thrill for his Saudi owner, Prince Faisal, and hopefully everyone the road will be back there next month.”
Mishriff is a 4-1 chance to repeat after US-trained Big Ass Fans’ Cup winner Dirt Mile (G1) Life is good , at 7-2.
Mishriff may have you on the quest back next month as his steady friend Lord North is gearing up to win the Neom Turf Cup (G3) on the same card, a contest that this year has seen its wallet grow from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
Last year’s Dubai Turf winner Lord North is getting prepared for the Neom Turf Cup on the Saudi Cup card
Lord North won the DP World (G1)-sponsored Dubai Turf at Meydan last March but missed the rest of the season because of problems.
Gosden said: “Hopefully Lord North can join Mishriff in Saudi Arabia and he is in good form.”
