Betting Tips for the Saudi Cup

One of the world’s most valuable horse races, the Saudi Cup has a prize fund of £16,000,000 and as a result, there is plenty of international interest.

This renewal will be the sixth in its history, and 14 runners have been declared.

The main event is supported by a further seven races and there’s plenty of Anglo-Irish involvement across the card. Both Aidan and Joseph O’Brien are represented and one of them is fancied to have a particularly good day.

Here we pick out our strongest fancy for each of the eight races, and they include Hong Kong’s big hope in the big race of the day.

12:00 - Jockey Club Local Handicap presented by Ministry Of Culture (1m1f)

SALFAN was a very impressive winner of this very race back in 2023. Having been held up in the early stages, he began to make smooth headway with three furlongs to go and the result was never in doubt once he hit the front. James Jerkins trains the now six-year-old, and if he produces a similar performance here, it would surely take a good one to beat him.

Selection: Salfan

13:20 - Saudi Derby (Group 3, 1m)

Joseph O’Brien sends over APPLES AND BANANAS here, and the three-year-old was progressive towards the back end of his juvenile campaign. The son of Wootton Bassett won a Listed event at Deauville on just his third start and followed that up by winning a valuable Sales race at the Curragh. Third behind a couple of Aidan O’Brien horses in a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud when last seen, a big run is anticipated here.

Selection: Apples And Bananas

14:00 - Riyadh Dirt Sprint presented by Saudi National Bank (Group 2, 6f)

STRAIGHT NO CHASER has taken his form to a whole new level since joining this yard. This six-year-old is still very lightly raced, having had just seven starts to date, and there could well be more to come on that evidence. This horse was in a league of his own when taking a Grade 2 at Santa Anita in September. Making all the running that day, once he drew clear, the opposition had no chance. Dan Blacker’s runner followed up by winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and should be too good for this level of opposition.

Selection: Straight No Chaser

14:40 - Saudi International Handicap presented by NHC (1m2f½f)

James Doyle takes the ride on last time out winner BOLTHOLE, and he had some fair form in his native France. The son of Free Eagle managed to win a Listed race at Bordeaux Le Bouscat back in May. His two subsequent efforts have been a little underwhelming but if putting his best foot forward, a return to winning ways could be on the agenda.

Selection: Bolthole

15:25 - Howden Neom Turf Cup (Group 2, 1m2½f)

Joseph O’Brien could have a couple of winners on this card if all goes to plan, and AL RIFFA has to be his best chance of the day. He provides some top-drawer European turf form and was only beaten by a length when second to City Of Troy in the Eclipse back in July. He was far too good for them when going one better in a German Group 1 next time, and although he flopped in the Arc, he’s good enough to win this on the evidence of his best form.

Selection: Al Riffa

16:10 - 1351 Turf Sprint presented by Boutique Group (Group 2, 7f)

ANNAF won this race last year and Mick Appleby’s six-year-old looks well set to defend his title. Rossa Ryan will be on board once again, and he warmed up for this race with a solid third-place finish in a Listed race at Lingfield earlier this month. Improvement is anticipated here, and similar tactics could pay dividends. It’s worth noting that he won last year despite finding trouble in running and with some better luck this year, could prove hard to beat.

Selection: Annaf

16:50 - Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap (Group 2, 1m7f)

Epsom Derby fourth DEIRA MILE filled the same spot in the St Leger but managed to get notably closer to the winner when upped to 1m6½f at Doncaster. Owen Burrows’ colt kept on nicely that day and should be doing his best work late on here, and the son of Camelot may not be far away if doing so.

Selection: Deira Mile

17:40 - Saudi Cup (Group 1, 1m1f)

Winning 18 of his 23 starts, ROMANTIC WARRIOR is unbeaten in his last eight. The Hong Kong-based seven-year-old was an impressive winner on this trip in Dubai last month and is hard to oppose with that in mind. James McDonald is set to take the ride as usual, and the pair have formed a very effective partnership.

Selection: Romantic Warrior